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Gaucin is a spectacularly beautiful mountain village
Gaucin, a charming whitewashed mountain village,
just half an hour's drive from the Costa del Sol.
Gaucin
is a spectacularly beautiful mountain village commanding sweeping
views to Gibraltar and the Rif mountains of North Africa. The village
is situated against the looming dark backdrop of the Serranía de
Ronda where, depending on the time of year, you can enjoy an Impressionist
paint palette of colour: brilliant brush strokes of red poppies,
yellow mimosa, wild orchids, tempered by the cool green of olive
groves and occasional splash of pale pink almond blossom.
Gaucin has a population of only
2000 and is perched 626 metres above sea level. Like so much of
Andalucia, it has had a fascinating, if tumultuous history. Derived
from the Arab word, "guazan" (strong rock), the
village is perched on the crest of the Sierra del Hacho, and due
to its key strategic position was once a major Roman settlement.
Its magnificent castle, Castillo del Aguila (Eagle's Castle) dates
from this era and was later expanded by the Arabs into a fortress.
As one would expect from the name, it is not unusual to see eagles
circling the towers here, while kestrels regularly nest in the walls
of the mediaeval convent.
These days, the castle is open from
11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 7 pm and occasional concerts are
held here. Foot stomping flamenco can also be enjoyed at the convent
where concerts are held, while classical recitals take place in
the church.
The
centre of the village is a tangle of narrow, twisting streets and
was once a haven for brandy and tobacco smugglers who travelled
through the surrounding hills. Up until recently, most houses had
no running water and one light bulb. A far cry from the refurbished
houses today which boast every mod con. The locals are apparently
somewhat bemused by the mad foreigners who insist on keeping the
old beams and Ronda tiled floors!
Gaucin offers two hotels, one of
which has an excellent international style restaurant. There are
also six restaurants within the village and about the same number
just outside. There are many artists living in the village and art
courses are tutored locally. A recording studio has been established
by a young Argentinean. Two riding stables are located just outside
the village, and guided walks, longer treks, nature trails and bird
watching expeditions are also organised. Tennis courts and a large
municipal swimming pool are popular in the summer month.
An interesting walk near Gaucin
is described in "The Walk of
Mr. Henderson´s Railway"
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Cheap hotels in Gaucin - Costa del Sol
Hotelopia.co.uk offers lowest prices guaranteed on all rates & exclusive discounts in Gaucin hotels. |
Molino del Carmen
Former Olive Mill, Beautifully Converted into 5 Stylish Apartments with Large Shared Pool. Centrally Located in Gaucin with Magnificent Views to Africa. |
Hotel Banú Rabbah
Delightful 12-room hotel which is beautifully positioned, very peaceful, and has magnificent views of the mountains around Ronda. |
Rosa Alta Properties Gaucin
3 luxury apartments, beautiful small country house. Short or longterm. Views, Internet, pools, garages. |
Cortijo el Peso
Apartments with swimming pool, located in idyllic setting in the foothills of the Serrania de Ronda. |
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Torre
Azul
Charming village boutique hotel project for sale in
the heart of Andalucia. |
El Nobo
Charming small villa near Gaucin sleeping 4. Huge balconies with fantastic views to Africa, infinity pool and outside jacussi. |
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