White Villages Route

Located south of the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest corner of Andalucía, in the province of Cádiz, the region of the Sierra de Cádiz-white villages is connected to the Bay Area and the coast of the Sun by the A-382 and Seville on the A-473.

SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS

The first stop is this lovely village, with corners full of magic and mystery. The most precious characteristic of this town are the raucous adentradas in establishments and homes, We therefore recommend a nice stroll through its streets.

Address: Setenil de las Bodegas

ZAHARA DE LA SIERRA

It is a privileged enclave with a viewing to appreciate all the wonderful environment, located in the center of the Natural Park of Sierra Grazalema, between the rivers Guadalete and Bocaleones.

Address: Zahara de la Sierra

GRAZALEMA

It is located in the Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema, It is one of the towns that has more natural wealth, besides being recommended for lovers of hiking trails. The area of ​​the central square is filled with restaurants, tapas bars and terraces.

Address: Grazalema

Sanlucar de Barrameda – Route in one day

There are few cities that offer as much to do Sanlucar de Barrameda. Its location at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River make it a unique space, In addition to its wineries, horse racing and its wonderful seafood. Drive from Cádiz there are 48 kilometres, with easy access by motorway.

Plaza de Cabildo

In this place you can enjoy the authentic local atmosphere. The plaza is quite large and is configured around a large fountain. There are many bars, restaurants, and terraces where you can enjoy rich gastronomy and good weather.

Church of Our Lady of O

This church was built by the Countess I Medinaceli, granddaughter of Guzmán el Bueno. Date of XV century, As its style is Mudejar Gothic, although elements have been added over time. Include its cover in Andalusian and Moorish style upper body of the church, work of Alonso de Vandelvira. On its facade you can see a sundial.

Ducal Palace of Medina Sidonia

This building has its origins in the eleventh century, in time almorávide, but has undergone many changes over the centuries until the nineteenth century. I have many interesting items inside bars as Gothic flowery of the main facade, its furniture assembly and painting. We must highlight its Hall of Columns, Hall of Ambassadors or the arcaded gallery of the garden from the sixteenth century.

The Covachas and the Market

This place was the old fish market of merchants in the city. Currently only remain 10 orjivales arches which were old and their style is Gothic. He was ordered to be built in the fifteenth century by the Duke of Medina Sidonia II and next to the Covachas was built, In XVII century, wholesale food market and currently, despite it is having been renovated over the centuries, still stands.

Parroquia de Santo Domingo

It is one of the most beautiful in the region, and it was built in the sixteenth century, Renaissance and Manireist style, entirely of stone.

Santiago Castle

Following the route through the city we reached another of the attractions of the city: Santiago Castle. It was built by Duke Don Enrique II, in the 15th century in the Gothic style. As a curiosity, this castle was where Queen Isabella could see the sea for the first time. further, You can visit.

Schedule: you can visit from Monday to Saturday 10 a 15:00 hours and 17 a 19:00 Sunday hours 10:00 a 15:00 hours.

Wineries and Museum of Manzanilla

Sanlúcar obviously talking about is talking about wine. chamomile, and up, odorous, amontillado or muscatel are just a few of them. There are many varieties of wines to try in the Cadiz region and how could it be otherwise, If you want to learn more about them, You have to make a visit to the Museum of Manzanilla. The Museum was founded by Barbadillo in the 19th century where you can get to know a unique designation of origin such as D.O. Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda in addition to others like D.O. Jerez – Xèrés-sherry, Brandyd Jere, Sherry vinegar or Wines of Cadiz. There are numerous wineries that you will be able to in Sanlúcar: Bodegas Argüeso, Barbadillo, Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana or La Cigarrera are some of them and in almost all of them they usually make visits that include a tasting of their products..

Bass Guide

This Sanluqueño neighborhood is an interesting gastronomic point where you will find numerous seafood and fish restaurants. It is also a beach area as well as the boarding place for all the devotees in the Romería del Rocío. In addition, the visits to the Doñana National Park depart from here from its Interpretation Center ‘La fabrica del Hielo’. See the sunsets from here is an experience you can not miss.

Casa Balbino

It is considered the Temple of shrimp fritters, a must for anyone passing through Sanlúcar de Barrameda. It is known in all world, especially, because it is a dish that is not common in most bars.

Address: Plaza de Cabildo 14
Schedule: Monday to Sunday 12.00 a 17.00 and of 19.00 a 24.00
Phone: 956 360 513

Heladeria Ibense

It is a legacy of more than five generations, reflected in each of the products that this property offers every day. especially taking care of the choice of ingredients, always fresh.

Address: wide street 1
Schedule: Monday to Sunday 8.30 a 23.00 h.
Phone: 696 719557

The port of Santa María and Puerto Sherry

Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles

The main church of El Puerto de Santa María is the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, which was completed in the Gothic style at the end of the 15th century. On your walk through this Cadiz town you will find it in the Plaza de España, and in it you will see that it would be its main facade, now known as the Door of Forgiveness, It did not get to finish. An earthquake occurred in 1636 made the main nave collapsed so that the building was in very poor condition. Why we had to rebuild, work was completed in 1671 and during his big side cover she is opened, known as the Puerta del Sol, which overlooks the aforementioned Plaza de España.

Foundation Rafael Alberti

Rafael Alberti was born in El Puerto de Santa María, therefore during the visit to gaditano people you can know that was her family home during his childhood. Of the two buildings which were home, Currently one of them picks up the headquarters of the Rafael Alberti Foundation. In this enclave it will become a municipal museum preserved donations made to the city by the famous poet, one when I return from exile in 1979, and another when its foundation was established in 1994.

Backyards Palace

In addition to the aforementioned monuments, a must see in El Puerto de Santa María it is to see one of the courtyards of the many mansions that extend through the historic center. It is historic houses of old merchants and shippers who settled in the city during the time of trade with America. Most of them, at present, They are private yet, there are other public facilities that house that you can visit.

Bodegas Osborne

And entering the culinary field, If there is a classic visit among those who travel to El Puerto de Santa María that is the Osborne Winery. This is a great vintner complex that was created in 1800 which every year receives thousands of visitors, which five years ago was conditioned for the visit of tourists. In this way, now in the standard visit you can visit an old winery equipped with training spaces, whose barrels wines are aged for breeding system and hearth for over 40 years. You will also visit the Osborne Bull Museum, located in another old winery which shows everything related to the history of the famous bull that you see on the roads of Spain.

Natural Park of Las Lagunas Port

If you are passionate about nature, In Puerto de Santa María you also have the opportunity to enjoy it walking through the natural park of Las Lagunas del Puerto. It is a protected natural area with a wealth of birds, where in one of its three lagoons you can even see flamingos. Currently it is developing a project to enable and facilitate access visit, which is part of the wine tourism route that runs from Jerez to Rota.

Visit Vejer and Arcos de la Frontera

Vejer de la Frontera

It is a municipality in the province of Cádiz, located on a hill above 200 meters high, on the banks of the river Barbate, just 8 kilometers away from the coast. Its economy depends directly on agriculture and tourism, so every corner of this small town is more than care. It is one of the most charming white villages, its historic center still retains the walled castle and several churches, and it was declared a historical and artistic ensemble in 1976.

We provide an itinerary for a route on foot along the main monuments of the town:

Point: Corredera

Our starting point is La Corredera, and converts this into one of the most charming walks village, where you can also see a beautiful landscape, since you see Medina Sidonia, and amazing natural sites.

Corredera Plaza de Spain

Further on is the Arco de Sáncho IV, and after this, the House of the Mayorazgo, where the Tower of the Tribute is situated in the eighteenth century. There, you can enjoy incredible views of the old town of Vejer. Once outside the house, with bow, some old stairs lead to the Plaza de España. Definitely, one of the most famous squares and with more personality in the province of Cádiz. Vejer meeting point where tourists sit and rest, chat or a beer in some of the terraces of the bars surrounding. The ornamental fountain is characterized mainly by the colorful decoration, Sevillian tiles with aquatic motifs and frogs from whose mouth jets of water flow. It surrounded by the city and several streets painted pure white; the best known, Street Silla Viejas, a lovely street, charming and full of flowers, especially geraniums, of all the colors. A typical alley Andalusian, who has won several times the annual contest Andalusian patios of the town.

Stroll through the picturesque streets

Crossing the Arco de la Villa, on José Castrillón Street, on the right it is possible to find another spectacular viewpoints that characterize the people, and from which you can see the Plaza of Spain in all its splendor.

Then, Eduardo Shelly Street leads to Calle Badillo, a lovely old white street that links back to the end of Calle José Castrillón. On the right, the Walls of La Segur, I had strictly military functions, and a little later, the Arc de la Segur, which it was the main entrance to the village. Both built at the end of the fifteenth century, in times of Enrique de Guzman, second Duke of Medina Sidonia.

Once on the bow, the stairs on the left, will lead to the Parroquia del Divino Salvador, built on an ancient mosque. In the downstairs of this, Street of our Lady of Oliva joins the Ramon y Cajal Street, where the most famous arch is positioned and most photographed Vejer: the Arc de las Monjas, located next to the Old Convent of Conceptionists. Just beside, Castle, built by the Arabs in the ninth century in the highest part of the village, there strength settled belonging to the Dukes of Medina Sidonia until the end of the S. XIX.

The iconic image of Vejer

At the exit of the castle and cross the Arc de las Monjas, a beautiful walled enclosure called the Barrio de la Judería leads to the Arco de Puerta Cerrada, where is the most emblematic viewpoint of Vejer, the La Cobijada.

To end the tour, the best thing is to finish walking along Calle de la Judería and go to Calle Trafalgar, a beautiful journey that will lead to stairs leading to the Paseo de las cobijadas. A place with magnificent views of places like rural Vejer, Barbate, Los Canos, Zahara, and to Morocco, with magical sunsets that will make anyone love with which end is already known as one of the prettiest villages in Spain.

 

Arcos de la Frontera

Gateway to the White Towns of Andalusia, Arcos is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. There are traces of its first prehistoric and Roman settlers at the site of the Sierra de Aznar, but who owes the city its mark and present appearance is Muslim culture.

Through very narrow and steep streets and old low archways, the visitor approaches its old town, declared a Historic, where monumental jewels are preserved as the Castle of the Dukes, the Puerta de Matrera and the remains of the walled enclosure, its palaces and stately homes, the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Church of San Pedro, as well as numerous temples, chapels and convents.

We provide an itinerary for a route on foot along the main monuments of the town:

Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption

Built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries on the site where the ancient Muslim mosque was, It is the main church of Arcos. It is one of the finest Gothic churches in the province of Cádiz, although mixing baroque and Renaissance elements. Its numerous works of art must be highlighted inside, the main altarpiece, the choir and baptismal chapel with the table of Our Lady of Bethlehem.

Plaza de Cabildo

To do a little effort to climb to the square, at the top of Arcos. This square was the old courtyard of the walled enclosure. Here are some of the main attractions of the population, as the Parador de Turismo, the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption and the Castle. We also have the Mirador de la Peña New, one of the best Andalusian balconies from which you can see a panoramic view of the surrounding valley.

Arcos Castle

Located in the Plaza de Cabildo, with the previous basilica, It is of Muslim origin but extensively refurbished in the fifteenth century. It belonged to the family of Ponce de Leon and has Homage Tower and the Tower of the Secret. We can also visit the interior (The castle is now in private hands) to see the Patio de Armas. Stunning views that are from the battlements of the fortress.

St. Peter's Church

Down from the Plaza de Cabildo we find this church, the second largest in Arcos. It was built in the fourteenth century in Gothic style, unlike other, It has strength aspect. The tower facade is XVIII, and inside it is necessary to emphasize the altarpiece 1547, possibly one of the best in Andalusia. You should also visit the choir, baptismal chapel and the chapel of the Virgen de los Remedios.

Hospital of San Juan de Dios

Considered the oldest hospital in Arcos, and which it was constructed in 1490, I recommend a visit to the interior of the church. There we will see one of the most spectacular major altarpieces in the province of Cádiz, in which they worship the Christ of Vera Cruz, the size of the mid-sixteenth century, the oldest Arcos.

San Miguel's Church

Its present appearance dates back to the eighteenth century, when it replaced the old chapel that already appeared under the invocation of San Miguel, buried in 1684 because of the rains. The former was built in the fifteenth century on an ancient Moorish tower and, besides church, was hospice for children. Located on Calle San Miguel, to the left of the Track, today it is closed to the cult and used as a conference room and exhibit space.

Mayorazgo Palace

Arcos is also a land of palaces, but this is definitely the best. Located opposite the Church of San Pedro, It was built in the eighteenth century as the residence of the family of Lara Ayllón, and later he passed into the hands of the Nunez de Prado. It is necessary to emphasize its two courtyards and magnificent garden back, known today as Andalusí Garden. It currently houses the Casa de Cultura, so you can visit during business hours.

Jerez de la Frontera

Next we are going to highlight some activities to do during the visit of Jerez, beyond must visit a winery.

Sherry

Jerez de la Frontera is synonymous with wine, it is believed that elaborated since 1100 a.C. The geographical situation of the city, the sun and chalky soils, favor the production of a variety of grape called palomino, which becomes a unique product: the Jerez. It is under the Regulatory Council of the Denomination of Origin Jerez-Xérès-Sherry. We can't forget about Jerez vinegar.

In the city there are many wineries where their wines are made and stored.. You can visit most of them and sample their varieties in restaurants and bars in the area. The best known are for example Álvaro Domecq, Founder, Garvey, Gonzalez Byass Sanderman or with his famous Tio Pepe. Next to the quarterdeck, are the bodegas Gonzalez Byass you can visit and where you explain the process of touring the vineyards in a small train, you can taste some of their products, and even if you'll be lucky to see some small little mice that live there, climbing a ladder to drink wine.

Alcázar de Jerez

The Alcázar de Jerez is a defensive complex surrounded by a wall with large towers and gates, formed by a fortress-palace, mosques, bathrooms, gardens and patios. A small city that had great military and political power, built in the twelfth century as the residence of the Sevillian caliphs. It is one of the few almohades buildings preserved in Spain. It had major renovations and expansions until the eighteenth century.

The start of the visit of the Alcázar, is done through the City Gate of the twelfth century. After crossing it we can see the Oil Mill, It is crimping which was ground and olives in the eighteenth century. You can also see the Mosque of the twelfth century, It composed of its minaret, or tower from which he was called to pray, the stack to be purified and the mihrab is the niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca.

We go to the gardens, typical of the palaces of the El-Andalus, wherein the water is always present. Thus reaching the Arab Baths.

Cathedral

It was a collegiate church of San Salvador until 1980, year in which the city became a bishopric going to become cathedral. It began to build in 1695 and it ended in 1778, It is therefore the mixture of Gothic, baroque and neoclassical.

In its exterior highlights its massive dome, flying buttresses and three doorways decorated to the purest baroque style. Striking its high tower exempt, Gothic bill at the bottom, and Baroque at the top and that looks like it was built on the minaret of a mosque. The building has a rectangular floor, with five ships and a beautiful dome. The chapels of the Tabernacle stand out, of the Immaculate and the Souls that Cristo de la Viga houses, of the fourteenth century. In the cathedral museum we can see important paintings by Zurbarán.

Cloisters of Santo Domingo

After being conquered Muslims in 1264, King Alfonso X given to the Dominicans an Islamic military building that build a convent. Although the beginnings were hard, the monks were generating economic benefits from their gardens, allowing them to start building the convent that today we see. Nevertheless, the confiscations made the cloisters were sold and were changing hands. They were first sold to winemaking families and then became sold to Rumasa. As is known, This company was expropriated and became part of the council, in the year 2012 reopened its doors. The large cloister is in pure Gothic style, It was constructed from 1460 Y 1500 and it held concerts.

Streets and squares

Now walk through Jerez enjoying its wonderful climate, to discover its always lively streets and squares, their churches, palaces and mansions of the aristocracy Andalusian. Of course we will stop at some of its bars and restaurants to delight with its gastronomy, But let's go little by little.

Its main streets, We include Arenal Square, Long Street and the street Consistory, the Plaza de la Asunción or Plaza Plateros.

Sierra de Cádiz: Ubrique, Algodonales

Ubrique

The convergence of the natural parks of Grazalema and Alcornocales is Ubrique, declared Historical Set. Its Roman origin is attested by the ancient Roman road between Ubrique and Benaocaz and, especially, for the valuable deposit of shock, a funerary monument of columbarium type of which there are few parallels in the Iberian Peninsula. Muslim culture have survived the remnants of the Cardela Fortress or Castle of Fátima (s. XII). Its historic center of medieval layout presents narrow streets, picturesque corners, beautiful squares with fountains and Baroque Public Fountain and andalusí of Nine Spouts and good examples of baroque churches as San Antonio, San Juan de Letran and the Convent of Capuchins Ubrique complements its leisure offer with hiking trails, places for fishing, hunting or bird watching and vibrant Rally Rise to Ubrique “Lawful Ubrique”.

Below we provide an itinerary with the main attractions:

Route Viewpoints It is easily accessible and low difficulty walking on mostly the Old Town and, for the more daring, Ubrique surrounding its four cardinal points. Although the principle seems strong gains, Taking a deep breath and slowly, They are the daily passage of all ubriqueños. There are seven viewpoints over the Square 28 February and the main entrance to the city, from which a spectacular landscape currency:

  • Mirador de las Cumbres, accessed through “the road” which begins in the supply pipes Nine, very close to the Convent of Capuchins.
  • Mirador de la Ermita de San Antonio.
  • Alto Mirador de Ubrique.
  • Viewpoint of the chapel of Calvary.
  • Mirador “Old Vineyard Dog”, from which part of Ubrique through which the Trail Long-distance GR7 European currency Peloponnese – Tarifa.
  • Mirador in Los Olivares, next to the new plaza de toros (Avda. Sebastian ” The duck “).
  • Marker viewpoint of the Viper, road to Cortes de la Frontera, Ubrique spectacular scenery viewed from the south.

 

Algodonales

In the shadow of the Sierra de Líjar this is charming white village with streets lined with orange trees and animated with the murmur of his twelve sources, including El Algarrobo. A prehistoric sites of Cueva Santa, singe, Castillejo and Cerro de la Botinera add monuments as the Church of Santa Ana, late baroque set with elements neoclassicals. They also emphasize the hermitages of Jesús Nazareno and the Virgin and, outside, the Ermita de la Concepción (s. XVIII) and flour mills.

If you have time, worth approaching the village of La Muela, to contemplate from the tops of the land of Líjar the flight of griffon vultures. For its privileged geographical location and climate, Algodonales has also become a sanctuary for lovers of air sports.

Walking along the beaches of Cádiz

Conil de la Frontera

After knowing the beaches and coves of Conil de la Frontera I want to propose other almost must-see of the Costa de la Luz. In it you can enjoy the beach of La Fontanilla and Oil Creek.

Zahora

Shallow beach (ideal children), low waves, of fine golden sand. It has little parking. It has restaurants, accommodation in hostels and houses for rent in Zahora are offered by individuals.

Los Canos de Meca

Continuing our way we arrive at Los Canos de Meca, a small hamlet which lies at the foot of the Cape of Trafalgar and extends to the Natural Park of La Brena and marshes of Barbate. Known worldwide by the influence of the hippie movement in the 70s', today even the sociocultural environment is preserved and is common to find craft stalls on the beach. An ideal location also to enjoy nature, tranquility and for sports such as diving or surfing.

Zahara

In Zahara de los Atunes you will find La Playa de los Alemanes, a beautiful cove named because, according to the writer Javier Compás, German refugees lived to the end of the war. A paradise that worth enjoying.

Tarifa

We arrived at the end of our journey, Tarifa. From this point of the map at the crossroads between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean it is perfectly appreciates the neighboring city of Tangier. Its historic center, Valdevaqueros Beach or Punta Paloma, a boat trip for whale watching or the possibility of kitesurfing, They are just a few attractions that offers this village located 66 Conil kilometers.

Bologna

If you like merging history and nature, we cannot forget to visit the Ruins of Baelo Claudia Bologna, an ancient Roman city preserved in very good condition. I recommend you attend dramatized visits organized during the nights of the summer months because it is a magical experience, stars, mar, or history. Beach Bologna is also noteworthy for its almost virgin state, and because if we walk westwards we can lose ourselves in some nooks with natural pools that very few have explored.