Local tourism Hotel Guadacorte Park
Los Barrios and surrounding area:
Close to almost everything, but set apart from the congestion typical of the Costa del Sol. The village is a model of tranquility and wonderful climate. The Mediterranean breeze counteracts the cool Atlantic wind with an average annual temperature of 16c. Surrounded by mountains and farmland, right in the middle of the "Route of the bull" and taking in most of the Los Alcornocales national park, known as the last unspoiled natural Mediterranean forest. Los Barrios is an excellent base for sporting activities and relaxing vacations in contact with the three prevailing cultures in this part of Andalusia, the British, Spanish and Moroccan. The finest golf courses in Europe can be found in a radius of only 20 km. Fine sand beaches and the warm sea complete the scene.
Los Barrios has a population of 17,000 habitants, and is 60 km from Marbella, 20 km from Tarifa, the marina at Sotogrande is only 18km away and Malaga is 120km distant.
Kayaking is popular on the Palmonesand Barbate rivers. Sport fishing, diving, sailing, polo, horseback riding, golf , hunting, tennis, football and of course, windsurfing at Tarifa are only a few of the multitude of opportunities. Rural arts and handicrafts from the mountain villages like Castellar de la Frontera and Jimena de la Frontera are also an integral part of this culturally diverse region. There is also the posibility of excursions to Jerez de la Frontera, The School of Ecuestrian Arts, Bodegas, Selwo Amusement Park and dolhpin and whale watchin trips.
La Linea de la Concepción:
One of the youngest cities in the country, it dates from 1870. It´s name comes from the dividing line with Gibraltar when fortifications were built by Felipe V. Of interest is the colonial style of the parish of the Inmaculada with excellent carvings in the baroque tradition and the sculpture of the Patron Saint of the city by Outrage Bru. The Cruz Herrera museum, with important paintings, a museum of Bullfighting, and many archeological expositions, with interesting fossils and sculpture. You should also consider visiting the Almenara tower and the route of the bunkers,that was decisive in fortifying Gibraltar during WWII.
Especially interesting are the ruins of Santa Bárbara y San Felipe defensive forts. We also recommend you take in one of several lookouts along the coast offering an imposing view of the entire bay and into Africa. Another popular activity is dolphin and whale spotting from excursion boats available locally.
San Roque:
With a population of 23,000 , it´s strategic location between Africa and Europe has made this a stopping off point for many cultures. The Phoenicians, Cartesians and the Roman empire. The estuary of the river Guadiaro has been a tourist attraction for centuries. The city sits perched on a hill near the valley of La Colmena and La Alegría, with magnificent views of the entire bay and the north of Africa. Guadarranque, Cala Sardina, Sotogrande, Alcaide beaches are also very popular. From a sporting point of view, there are excellent golf courses, equestrian center and Marina. There is also a protected nature area in the estuary of Guadiaro that covers 27 hectares near the Pinar del Rey (360 hectares) and the Sierra del Arca, ideal for hiking.
Gibraltar:
At a height of 420 meters the British flag has flown over the rock since 1704, during the war of succession, Admiral Rocke claimed it as a British colony. The remnants of Spanish culture are worth mentioning, like the Puerta del Norte, el Convento de los Franciscanos (1531, now the governor´s residence) la Puerta del Sur, built in the time of Carlos I (1552). With great natural beauty, the caves of San Miguel, ruins of the Arabic castle, we also recommend a visit to the top where you can see the barbary apes.
The Straits:
An important spot in world trade, and gateway to the Mediterranean, only 14km wide and 50km long , you can find a wide variety of sea life including marine mammals. There are also huge migrations of birds every year through the area. Modern ship can let you "swim with the dolphins, and in only and hour and 20 minutes you can be in Africa, a whole world away.
TopRoutes
Route to Ronda:
Los Barrios-San Roque-Castellar-Jimena-Gaucín-Algatocín-Benadalid-Atajate-Ronda Towns marked by the Arabic culture.
Route from Tarifa to Bolonia: Los Barrios-Algeciras-Tarifa-Bolonia-Barbate-Vejer-Facinas-Los Barrios Important Roman ruins and excursions from Tarifa for viewing marine mammals.
Route of the fountain of the oranges: Following the fields of Santa Ana, easily accessible and taking about an hour and a half. Through various small valleys until arriving in la Cañada del Pozo del Rincón, continuing to la hijuela del Cernícalo. Along this route we find many types of local flora and an unspoiled natural setting. La Fuente is a cave surrounded by tree trunks at it´s entrance with a wonderful cold natural spring. Returning along the same route you can see many types of local trees, acebuches, álamos negros, pitas, chumberas, zarzas, cañas, arbustos as well as blooming fruit trees. A wonderful view is to be had from the ruins of the Castillo de Torrestrella. At the foot of the castle we find the ruins of Santa Ana. Along the highway we reach the Puerta del Sol, Arabic in origin, and built upon an old Roman wall, and behind us, the Duke´s palace of the Medina Sidonia.
Route of the Roman Bridges: this can be followed on foot, horseback or by bicycle and takes about an hour and a half. The first bridge is the "De la Hoya", over the Esparraguera brook. Continuing to the Finca "La Cantora", then to the "De los Tres Ojos" (three eyed) bridge, over the Arroyo del Yeso stream. The Venta "La Cabrala" would be an ideal stopping place for a refreshment depending on how dedicated hiker you.
Route of the Visigothic hermitage: Around Medina Sidonia, lasting around two hours, we head towards la Pedrera, with typical Andalusian farmland finally reaching the heritage of the Santos Mártires, built over a Roman village and used as a Christian place of worship during the visigoth era. Climbing the towers offers an outstanding view of the area. Continuing we climb to the Fuente Dulce (sweet spring). From here it´s only a short walk back to Medina.
Route of the Monasterio de San Jose del Cuervo: Near Los Alcornocales, taking about 5 hours. Leaving by car we pass through Malcocinado and Los Badalejos, arriving at Benalup to stop at the Puerto del Moro, where we start our hike. Climbing about 4km through the natural beauty, once you arrive, the climb is soon forgotten. Dividing the mountain ranges of Momia, Blanquilla, Puerto del Hombre, Puerto del Viento, the Monasterio del Cuervo is one of the most remote hermitages in Spain. Founded by the order of Carmelo, the construction started in 1717 and was completed in 1836.
Route of the springs: Taking about an hour and a half, leaving from Medina towards the El Caminillo nature park with it´s wide variety of flora and fauna. Heading towards the Fuente Grande, a spring in use during Roman times. Following along a grove of olive trees we head for the . Fuente de La Azocarrem: Used by the Arabians as a bath. All of these springs have been the crucial focal point for population centers in the area for over one thousand years.
For more routes, visit the Tourism Office of Cádiz website.
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