Local tourism Hotel Duque de Nájera
Situated right on the coast, the village of Rota has been a crossroads of different cultures and civilizations, like the Tartars, Romans, Moors and finally, the crusaders who gave the village it´s modern name. King Sancho IV The Brave awarded the village to D. Alonso Pérez de Guzmán "The good" and he, later gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter Isabel and her husband D. Fernán Pérez Ponce de León, Master of Alcántara and first gentleman of Marchena. In 1780 The XI Duke of Arcos died without leaving a successor, so the village passed to the Duke of Osuna. In 1823 the existing royal system was abolished.
Today, Rota has about 25,000 residents. Rota has all of the charm of the old style Andalusian villages, especially in the old historic center of the village, with it´s narrow streets and whitewashed walls. In the time of the Tartars, Rota was known as Astaroth, all of it´s streets ended at the fishing port and was surrounded by 14km of fine sand beaches and in some areas with natural dunes and pine forests.
Close to the city center, you can find the Astaroth marina, with many local bars and restaurants in the zone. Rota has been awarded the EU Blue flag for clean and safe beaches every year, offering the visitor with a real guarantee of quality. Rota is a fascinating place to visit, particularly if you are looking for an authentic Andalusian village with exceptional beaches and an extraordinary climate.
From your hotel in Rota, you can discover all the best that Andalucia has to offer within a very short distance. For example, Rota. Only 30km away, where you can witness the spectacular dancing horses show at the Royal academy of the equestrian arts. Also only 30 km. distant, you will find Sanlúcar de Barrameda, home of the world famous "Coto de Doñana" nature preserve, one of the most important in Europe. 45 km. away is our provincial capital, Cádiz, the cradle of civilization on the continent and the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe. 150 km. away is Gibraltar and 100km., Sevilla, the emblematic city of Andalucia.
TopFestivals
The Hotel Duque de Nájera is the perfect jumping off point to discover the real Andalusia. A place of contrasts and traditions, but always a happy place. We have a wide variety of local celebrations throughout the year where you can discover the real andalusian experience.
It´s easy to be passionate about Holy week and Easter. Local religious brotherhoods parade through the streets with beautifully decorated statuary, truly a site to see, and experience.
In April is the Romería de San Isidro Labrador. With a procession to the pine woods of Almadraba where the Romería is celebrated.
Spring fair in May. In the various casetas local wine and food is served in a party atmosphere. Horse drawn carriages parade around the grounds where dancing and flamenco dresses are the clothing of choice for the lovely ladies of Rota.
Fiesta Virgen del Carmen on the 16th of July. Sailors decorate their fishing boats and accompany the virgen in a procession around the fishing port.
Festival of the Urta. (Bream) In the middle of August, this popular Rota festival celebrates Rota´s most famous dish, Bream Rota style (with a tomato based sauce, delicious!) This festival has been declared a national tourist event by the Spanish government.
Festival of the Patron Saint. This is celebrated in October with parades fireworks and a procession for the Virgen of the Rosary.
TopMonuments
Our Lady of the O Church was constructed in the 16th century and was underwritten by D. Rodrigo Ponce de León, Duke of Arcos. The church is particularly interesting owing to it´s various architectural influences; gothic,Isabel,and baroque It is formed by a central hall in the gothic style with shades of the renaissance with five chapels along the sides. The main altar has some spectacular carving in the chorus by D. Diego Roldán of Jerez. Also worth mentioning is the 18th century pipe organ built by D. Juan Debono, The ceramic and silver work which comprise the treasure of the parish.
Castillo de Luna (Moon Castle). Built in the 18th century on top of an old 11th century Moorish fort or "ribat". It is rectangular with 5 parapets, the Ponce de León family used it as a residence and there is historical record of visits by the "Catholic Kings". This castle is a proud point of reference for the people of Rota, and is included in the heraldic coat of arms of the village.
The tower of mercy (Torre de la Merced). This is the last remaining architectural structure of the convent of mercy. Founded in the 17th century by D. Rodrigo Ponce de León. The original structure was destroyed by earthquake in 1722, the present structure was erected upon the same site and has the shape of a hemisphere and is covered by brilliant white and blue ceramic tiles.
Church of Charity (Iglesia de la Caridad). Also known by the name, St. Juan the Baptist (San Juan Bautista.) It is one of the largest examples of the baroque style in Rota. Of interest is the 18th century altar by D. Diego Roldán. In the center of which is an image of Our lady of suffering (Ntra. Sra. de los Dolores.)
Arch of the Regla (Arco de Regla). Was the old gate on the road to Chipiona, known locally as the gate of the butcher (or meat in general) as it was the site of the ancient meat market.
Church of San Roque. This church was originally located on the outskirts of the village as a small chapel where farmers would go to pray. Built in the middle of the 17th century, it has three halls divided low and heavy columns. Inside is the image of the Virgen of ST. Roque, said to intercede on behalf of the people of the village in times of misery, illness or hardship.
TopRoutes
A walk around the village center. Starting from the Plaza de España we head for the 13th century Castillo de Luna then through Italia, García López y San Clemente streets, typical of Andalusian style and architecture. We then come to the Ntra. Sra. de la O Church. Then along to the fishing port and Astaroth marina, built in 1992. Moving along the seaside streets that surround the area where we reach the balcony of the Almenas, where we can enjoy a lovely view of the whole bay.
Bicycle or horseback riding. The village of Rota has many rural trails, perfect for a ride, or a walk or hike. Taking in the rural sites and the cultivation, depending on the season of tomatoes, vineyards or huge fields of sunflowers.
In the Province of Cadiz, there are four principle tourist routes, all clearly marked and of historical significance.
The route of the white villages starts in Jerez and heads towards Arcos, the first of the white villages that include El Bosque, Grazalema, Olvera and Setenil, all of which have the typical narrow streets, classical whitewashed architecture and are perched on mountain-tops with spectacular views in all directions.
The wine route takes us through the cities that surround the only classical sherry producing region in the world. From Sanlucar de Barrameda to Chipiona, Rota and El Puerto de Santa Maria and then back to Jerez. All through the route you will see the vineyards and small family bodegas, as well as those of the more famous International brands.
The route of the bull takes us through an area of extraordinary natural beauty, with extensive nature preserves. From Medina-Sidonia, San Jose del Valle, Paterna, Alcala de los Gazules and Benelup you will see the most famous of the ranches and breeders of the singular brave Spanish bull.
The coast route runs all the way from Sanlucar de Barrameda in the west to Tarifa at the mouth of the Mediterranean. Wonderful beaches at Chipiona, Rota, Cadiz, Chiclana and Conil and the unspoiled natural cliffs and secluded beaches at Caños de Meca and Zahara de los Atunes.
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