Rota

The beach at Rota © Michelle Chaplow
The beach at Rota

Rota

Take me to: Rota Hotels | Rota Rentals

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, Punta Candor, Rompidillo, Playa de la Ballena and Puntalillo have all 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.

Rota is also known for the Rota Naval base which dominates the town and cuts off direct access along the coast from the south.  

In terms of self-catering accommodation, Rota has a lot to offer. The properties here are of a good standard and often offer coastal views. Apartments can be found in the town and near the beach,… More →

Rota boasts sixteen kilometres of fine beaches, including Playa de la Costilla and Playa de la Ballena. Many of them have been awarded due to their cleanliness and high standards and facilities.… More →

The construction of the Rotal Naval Station, also known as NAVSTA Rota, began under the supervision of the Naval Office of Shipyards and Ports in 1953. The base then consisted of more than 6,100… More →

Some companies offer luxury yacht and boat hire, a luxury sailing concierge, who can arrange almost everything from sunset cruises with fine dining to trips to Morocco and Portugal. All in all it'… More →

Rota is not a major tourist center but it does boast 16 kilometres of beautiful beaches. La Ballena: Playa de la Ballena is a 2.5km beach of fine sand backed by the relatively new Costa Ballena… More →

The town of Rota has many small bars and cafés where you can enjoy a snack and drink. The area around the Puerto Deportivo is especially popular with both residents and visitors in the summer… More →

The old medieval town of Rota has some fine monuments that visitors should make time to see. The Castillo de Luna is in calle Cuna, 2. This magnificent building is the official emblem of the town… More →

There are a number of summer cultural festivals in Rota which are based on the Castillo de Luna. These include flamenco, classical music and theatrical events. In August there is a week of… More →

If you are considering visiting Rota you may find our maps a useful tool, we provide three maps, one of the region of Andalucia with Rota highlighted. The second handcrafted map gives the location… More →

If you like sport then you'll be pleased to know that Rota offers year-round facilities and competitions in football, swimming, sailing, fishing, beach volleyball, volleyball, basketball,… More →

Information about the cinemas in Rota.

Ferry to Cadiz

There is a modern high speed catermaran ferry which traverses across the bay to Cadiz. There are about 10 sailings a day. Here is a pdf timetable.
 

Next places

Next places are Chipiona, El Puerto de Santa Maria and Jerez de la Frontera. 

Hover the cursor over Rota to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.
 

Caminito del Rey - Private Full Day Tour from Rota

Caminito del Rey - Private Full Day Tour from Cadiz
book nowPrivate Day Tour from Rota

Walk the famous Caminito del Rey footpath through the El Chorro gorge. Private day tour for just you and your party with knowledgeable guide. Pick up from hotels in Rota. Travel to start of path and collection from exit. Everyday except Mondays. Hotel pick up at 09,00 hrs - Price from 147€ pp (for six)