SAN ROQUE

Combining the cultures of Morocco, Gibraltar and Spain, San Roque is a city full of tradition and history. Spend your day exploring the city’s museums, wandering across beautiful plazas and capturing amazing views of the bay, the mythical Pillars of Hercules and Africa (when the eastern winds allow) from poet Domingo de Mena. To round up your day, try one of the many local restaurants that have been family-owned for generations. If you are lucky enough to be staying during Easter, you will have the privilege to witness one of the most famous events in San Roque: the Holy Week procession, with thousands of spectators flocking each year to enjoy!

CASTELLAR DE LA FRONTERA

Have you ever travelled in time? A 20-minute drive will take you back centuries to the medieval fortress that is Castellar de la Frontera. While culture enthusiasts can discover cave drawings and ancient evidence of history, the (amateur) photographer might prefer to climb up the city’s famous castle to capture breath-taking views.

JIMENA DE LA FRONTERA

With its scenery and urban designs, Jimena de La Frontera is another example of the ‘White Villages’ along the route between Cadiz and Málaga. Must-sees include: Laja Alta Cava (with a collection of prehistoric cave paintings), the Misericord Church, the city’s castle and the charming village centre.

GAUCÍN

High up in the mountains, some say Gaucín might just be the most beautiful of the ‘White Villages’. Its picturesque, sprawled white houses, narrow streets, lush greens and sweeping views to Gibraltar and the African coast await you. Gaucín is perfect for a day tour from SO/ Sotogrande.

RONDA

Ronda – the biggest and most enchanting of the ‘White Villages’. The spectacular views from the three stone bridges spanning the city’s deep valley are just one of the many highlights. Discover Ronda’s bullfighting history around the many plazas and museums. Maybe you will fall in love with the city just like Rainer Maria Rilke, Ernest Hemingway and so many more did before you.

CÁDIZ

Founded in 1,100 BC, the peninsula of Cádiz is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. The city’s Old Town captures you with narrow winding alleys and charming plazas leading through its various barrios (like La Viña, Santa María or El Pópulo). In contrast, the newer parts of Cádiz offer abundant, wide avenues and high buildings. Did you know that the city’s carnival celebrations come second in fame after Rio? Throughout the year you can find rehearsals, public demonstrations, and contests – finally peaking in a ten-day party mid-February.