Cádiz | El Gastor

POPULATED SINCE PREHISTORIC TIMES

Populated since Prehistoric times, as evidenced by the megalithic monuments found in the area, El Gastor is known as the Balcony of the White Towns ("el Balcón de los Pueblos Blancos") for the magnificent panoramic views it affords of the neighbouring towns from its highest point.

Perched on a hill, very near the source of the River Guadalete, it has the typical urban design of the "serrana" (mountain) villages. Amongst the visits of interest, the most appealing are to the Church of San José, the Diego de El Gastor Fountain, the Hermanos Palomino Oil Mill and the Museum of Traditions and Customs.

Just as pot-holers can have a wonderful time in caves at Fariña or El Susto, so will water sports enthusiasts on the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir and hikers in the Tajo de Algarín gorge and Las Grajas. Noteworthy local crafts include the "gastoreña" bagpipes and "pleitas", woven reed plaits, while Corpus Christi has been declared a Festival of Andalusian Tourist Interest.

GUIDED ROUTES

There are several tours available of the remarkable archaeological ruins, such as the dolmens located near El Charcón, Los Algarrobales and Algarín. You can also see the remains of ancient cultures in the Caves of Fariña and El Susto.