Rota travel information and video

Rota

Rota, an ancient town, situated in a privileged position at the extreme north of the Bay of Cádiz. 

The town opens out to the Atlantic Sea and coastline, with two national parks behind: the Natural Park of the Bay of Cádiz and the Doñana.

The old town inside its ramparts has almost a medieval atmosphere. Nearby is a major USA naval base, one of three in Spain established
in the 1950s during the Franco era.

Rota is 41 kms from Cádiz, 163 kms from Algeciras, 25 kms from Jerez de la Frontera and 126 kms from Olvera.

There is no rail service to the town but it can be reached by express coach and the nearest airport is at Jerez.

Beaches
Rota is not a major tourist centre but it does boast some very fine beaches. In all there are sixteen kilometres of beach. The major beaches are the Playa de la Costilla, Rompidillo, Playa de la Ballena and Punta Candor. The Playa de la Costilla and Punta Candor have both been awarded blue flags by the European Union for their high standards of cleanliness and facilities. 

Also being on the Atlantic coast Rota is a good venue for windsurfers.

About town
Rota is an ideal town to view on foot; stroll down its wide streets from Calle Italia, Garcia López and San Clemente arriving at the Palacio Municipal Castillo de Luna and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Expectación. From there you can visit the harbour Deportivo Pesquero Astaroth
and perhaps round off your walk with the fine view of the Bay of Cádiz to be seen from the Mirador or the Balcón de las Almenas.

Walking through the centre of the town you will come across many interesting shops. A visit to the fish market at the harbour of Pesquero Astaroth is a must. Here you’ll see the shellfish and fish catches of the day at what is known as the most famous fish market on the Cádiz coast. 

Gourmets should also be sure to walk through the Plaza de Abastos where are displayed the horticultural, fruit and vegetable produce of the rich farmlands near Rota.

Cuisine
The Arab presence made a lasting impact on the
cuisine of southern Spain.  Rice, lemons, oranges, olives and vines were introduced, as well as many new vegetables and spices. 

Typical today are barbecued meats, sauces
flavoured with cumin or saffron and sweets made from crushed almonds.  Tomatoes and peppers are much used. 

The region is famous for its grilled fish, especially sardines, deep fried calamares (squid) and fish baked in salt.  Quality ham and pork are used widely in sausages. 

Tapas were invented in Andalusia and a wide
variety of them is still served in Andalusia.  Some of the best jamon Serrano (cured ham) comes from the mountains of Andalusia, in particular from Jabugo.

Climate
The climate in Rota is predominantly Mediterranean, with generally hot and dry summers and mild winters.  The area is considered a year round destination.