Rota, an ancient town, stands at the extreme north
of the Bay of Cádiz in a privileged position. The town opens
out to the Atlantic and behind are two national parks, the Natural
Park of the Bay of Cádiz and the Doñana. It is also
a town of two extreme contrasts. 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 1950's 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.
Rota is not a major tourist centre but it does boast
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.
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.
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