Rota

Thanks to its situation on the coast – between the mouth of the River Guadalquivir and the entrance to the Bahía de Cádiz- it has seen many cultures and civilizations pass through its lands. It has been a port since Phoenician times, and numerous Roman remains have been discovered in the surrounding area

Declared a Historic Ensemble, its ancient archways and narrow streets of white houses make up the urban design of this beautiful village of pretty squares and picturesque corners where you can savour the cuisine of Rota, intimately linked to both the country and the sea, with typical dishes such as Urta a la roteña, washed down with the local wine Tintilla, an ancient, sweet, dark-coloured wine.

The most emblematic building in the town is, undoubtedly, the Castillo de Luna (Property of Cultural Interest), built in the 13th century at the orders of Guzmán el Bueno on the site of an old 11th century Arab fortified camp. It is rectangular with five battlemented towers, the most important of which are the Alianza Tower and the Keep. It houses an original patio dating from the 15th century with a wonderful arched gallery and painted bases. There are also remains of the walls which defended the town between the 12th and 15th centuries, including the Regla or Chipiona Gate, Sanlúcar Gate and Puerta del Maro o del Muelle

Other buildings of interest are Nuestra Señora de la O Church (16th century), La Caridad Chapel (next to the Plaza del Reloj), Torre de la Merced, San Roque Church and the Casa de la Cilla, where tithes were collected.

This is a town with great atmosphere and life, with a wide range of leisure options which multiply during the summer season, which is when the popular Feria de la Urta (Festival of National Tourist Interest) and the Flamenco Festival ‘Arranque Roteño’ are held. Its 16 km of magnificent, clean beaches, such as the La Costilla, El Rompidillo or Punta Candor, are absolutely ideal both for enjoying a day of sun and sea and for water-sports. The extensive pine forests and dunes which in some cases reach the beach itself are the option chosen by tourists for a quiet day in the county or for walks, horse-rides or bicycle rides

Fish Corrals

These are structures enclosing sea water and which, at low tide, trap crustaceans and molluscs then caught by fishermen. They constitute an original historical, cultural and landscape ensemble which is the inheritance of an ancient rural, fishing culture, presumably Roman or Arab (in this way the fish were kept alive until they were consumed). They can be visited at either Chipiona or Rota. The Rota corrals, situated on La Almadraba beach, have been declared a Natural Monument.

 

Costa Ballena

This exclusive tourist complex sits on a coastal strip of 400 hectares situated in the municipalities of Rota and Chipiona. With almost 4km of virgin beaches, this authentic summer resort boasts a wide range of sports facilities, in particular its 18-hole golf course designed by Spanish golfer José María Olazábal.