Alcalá de los Gazules

One of Spain's oldest villages, full of tradition and only 5,000 people!

This small, practically uninhabited town is what one would call a typical Andalusian white village. It has remained largely unchanged over recent years, and the old town was declared an historic-artistic monument in 1984. Federico García Lorca, world famous Granada writer, wrote the following after visiting the area in 1924, "I breathe for.... for Cádiz, for Alcalá de los Gazules, for what is intimately Andaluz...."

Possibly for many, its main attraction is the fact that it is off the tourist track, and it is unlikely that one is going to come across many English speakers.

Three things not to be missed on your next visit:

1.Walk the cork tree forest: there are dozens of routes to choose from, and all vary in length and difficulty. You might bump into a fighting bull peacefully grazing on the way, as this area is the famous "Bull Route". But don't let that put you off, it's well worth the effort!

2. Visit a castle: take a stroll over the Castle of Alcalá de los Gazules, one of the oldest in the area. It's famous for its warm gazpacho, or tomato soup, and asparagus soup. Ideal for a chilly winter's day!

3. Mingle with the locals: the people in Alcalá de los Gazules are really friendly, but are not yet used to too many foreigners traipsing around their village. The best way to get a glimpse of authentic Spanish living is to head for the first bar you see, order a beer and start up a conversation with one of the locals. It works, I can assure you!