Perched at the northern end of the Bay of Cadiz, Rota is an ancient town overlooking the Atlantic Sea in Andalusia. It’s located partway between Spain’s borders with Portugal and Gibraltar and is a popular holiday destination thanks to its golden beaches and historic landmarks.
Things to do in Rota
Stretching along the front of Rota is Playa de la Costilla, a Blue Flag beach backed by a breezy promenade. It’s an ideal place to swim and offers plenty of space to kick a soccer ball around. You can dine at one of the tapas bars or restaurants lining the beach, such as the Cervecería Restaurante La Brisa, Chiringuito Galápagos and the Afrikano bar.
In the heart of Rota is the Castillo de Luna, a 13th-century landmark once home to the Ponce de Leon family. Step inside to learn about the notable events that have taken place here while admiring the castle’s glazed tiles and colourful murals. Opposite the Castillo de Luna is the magnificent Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la O, a Gothic-Renaissance-style church dating back to the 16th century.
If you want to stretch your legs, you can embark on the Camino Natural de Rota, which connects from the outskirts of Rota to the town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. It takes in rural fields, stands of pine trees and stretches of sand, as well as the remnants of coastal defences dating from the 1940s. With its relatively flat terrain, the Camino is perfect for families with small children.
Getting around Rota
Rota is around 30 minutes’ drive from Jerez de la Frontera and Jerez Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Rota from Jerez de la Frontera while the centre of Rota is compact enough to explore on foot.