This past weekend we were lucky enough to discover Rota in a different way. If you want to escape to this beautiful seaside town and discover what you can do in it, here are some plans that we loved. We hope you like them!
GO FOR A WALK THROUGH THE HISTORIC CENTRE AT NIGHT.
Going all over the historic centre of Rota is a true delight. Nice and well preserved, don’t hesitate to lose yourself in its alleys, full of flower pots. You will see how the most emblematic buildings and corners of the city appear by surprise, this being a must for the visitor. You can also make a stop at the different terraces to relax and have a drink or you can go to the promenade.
VISIT THE FISHING WEIRS AT SUNSET.
Visiting a fishing weir was the big surprise of the weekend. These millenary fishing structures (some say they are from the Roman era and others say they are from the Phoenician era) have been declared a Natural Monument. You have to be equipped with proper shoes and be prepared to walk through the water and the walls. The visits are guided by a member of the Asociación de Corraleros (the people who work to conserve and protect these structures), which makes it more valuable. We liked so much seeing the sunset there that we’ll write a post about this place soon.
GET TO KNOW THE TRADITIONS OF ROTA: THE MAYETO.
The vegetables of Rota are famous throughout the province. The characteristics of the cultivatable land and the weather conditions gave them two competitive advantages over the rest: quality and earlier harvest. When the boys who were engaged in the field appeared in the markets by May (before the rest of the farmers from other towns), they received the curious nickname of mayetos. With the installation of the Naval Station Rota, many of them left the field, although these spaces are still being preserved. Some of them, like the one in the picture, can be visited with the Rota tourist office.
A DIFFERENT WAY TO DISCOVER A CITY: INTERVENCIONES ROTA.
Culture, surprise, transgression, history… Since a few years ago, a group called Intervenciones Rota is dedicated to rescuing traditions or stories that are reflected in different street works. These fun Interventions, always with a message, will surely impress you. From the famous “Kiss me in this corner” to poems in the breakwater. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit them. It would be much better if you do with someone from that group!
CASTILLO DE LUNA AND ITS CHARACTERS.
The importance of the Castillo de Luna, the current town hall, and the story of the Ponce de León family can be discovered in a fun and different way. The Bombastic theatre group makes theatrical guided tours that will delight children and adults. Laughter and a nice culture lesson are guaranteed.
WALK THROUGH THE MARKET AND GO SHOPPING AT LOCAL BUSINESSES.
You cannot leave Rota without visiting its market. The earlier, the better. The city life is reflected in these gastronomic corners, where you can get to know it in a more authentic way. We have also been surprised by some high-level shops in the city centre, which makes it an interesting place to go shopping.
ROTA WITH CHILDREN
If you are travelling with children, Rota provides you with many activities. Besides, being a quiet and very safe city for family tourism is a great advantage. You can see the famous chameleons in the Botanical Garden of Rota, visit a cheese factory with a goat nursery (El Bucarito), dramatised visits, natural spaces, parks and beaches that will delight the kids.
THE PLEASURE OF EATING: GASTRONOMIC ROTA
From the most traditional proposals to the avant-garde cuisine, you’ll discover an interesting gastronomic offer in Rota: from the American and Spanish fusion cuisine of the Sedona Bar&Grill, to the delicacies and new cuisine offered by El Tragaluz Restaurant; the most traditional cuisine represented by two local dishes, arranque roteño and berza, from the Badulaque restaurant, or the enjoyment of a good dinner at El Embarcadero Restaurant. And, of course, all marinated with wines from Bodegas El Gato.
Although it may sound cliché, it would be a crime to leave Rota without trying the urta (red-banded sea brem). Much better if you try it a la roteña!
CULTURAL ROTA
The buildings with the most cultural interest that make up the cultural heritage of Rota are gathered in the historic centre. You can visit them in a short period of time and they won’t disappoint you. Gems such as Iglesia de la O, mix of Gothic, Plateresque, Baroque and Renaissance styles, Torre de la Merced, la the Baroque Iglesia de la Caridad or the aforementioned Castillo de Luna. All of them will amaze you!
AND, OF COURSE, ITS BEACHES…
In a to-do list in Rota, you cannot miss its beaches. You’ll love them! The beaches of Rota are the ones that have the highest number of blue flags all around the province. Rota offers an interesting variety of urban and natural beaches where you can relax, eat or practice active tourism.