Tag: Cadiz

Exploring Rota: A Stroll Through Spain’s History

Like Puerto de Santa María, Rota is another charming village in the province of Cádiz. We visited Rota as a day excursion during our extended stay in Cádiz, Andalucía, Spain.

Peek Through the Arches
Rota Streets


Once a convent school
Mural of the Catholic Kings
The church built over the mosque
Bill wearing his required mask
Homes in Rota
Arches signal the Muslim occupation
Tribute to Their Local Hero Who Sailed With Columbus
Once a Muslim tower
Scooters Along the Sea
Castle Door
Rota’s lighthouse
Locals at the Pier

We planned to take the ferry to Rota, as we had to Puerto de Santa María, but when we showed up at the station, we were told it was a bus instead. One needs to be very flexible about these things. The bus ride was short and comfortable. The best part was meeting a Dutch couple who were biking through Europe for a year. Their luggage consisted of two saddlebags each. They removed their front tires and stowed their bikes under the bus. They started their journey last June, rode to the northernmost point of the Scandinavian countries, then to the southernmost part of Spain, and are now headed north again through Spain and Portugal. Talk about an adventure! They are at least our age.

Dutch Cyclists

Rota is pretty quiet this time of year. In the summer it is a vibrant beach town, but in the off-season, there are very few tourists. There is a naval base nearby, a joint USA/ Spain facility.

Rota has a similar history to other towns in the area. Pre-historic remains have been found there. It was a Phoenician settlement, later Roman, Viking, Muslim, and Christian. Bartolomé Perez, a local fellow, sailed with Columbus on his second voyage. Ferdinand and Isabella were reported to have stayed in the castle at Rota.

The historic center of Rota is immaculate with its whitewashed buildings, archways, and flowers. There is poetry on many of the walls, a custom we have seen in many Andalusian towns.

The beach is beautiful and near the beach is a large section of restaurants and bars, that I’m sure are much livelier on summer nights and when sailors are on leave.

We had lunch on the town plaza. The owners cooked just for us; they were so nice. The food was simple, good, and reasonable. We enjoyed our tranquil day strolling though Rota.

The Lonely Plaza

Below is the inner courtyard of the castle and the entrance:

I hope you have enjoyed this post on Rota. Spain is a country to be savored slowly!

Thank you for reading. Geri

Sunday Street Photography In Spain

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My friends from Photography class call it “Creepin”. My cousin MJ says it’s “Photojournalism” and the official term is “Street Photography.” The rules for Street Photography are fairly vague. Since privacy laws don’t apply to public spaces, street performers are fair game for photographers. Can I help it if someone walks, bikes, or skateboards into my photo? I often reques consent verbally or with a nod toward my camera, and other times I just sneak the photo. It’s the old dilemma of ask for permission now or beg for forgiveness later.

People do add something to the scenery. For me, one of the joys of travel is observing people at work and play. The Spanish work day is long, so people embrace their time off.

Sundays in Spain are especially good people watching days. The streets are quiet in the morning; it seems that everyone sleeps late, except for joggers and churchgoers. Stores, markets, and banks are closed, as are public buildings and some museums. By early afternoon, the paseo (stroll) begins! Spanish couples and families take to the plazas, parks, beaches, and cafés to enjoy the sunshine. Most are fashionably dressed, even the children; especially the children.

Leisure is an art form, and the Spanish have perfected it. They can linger for hours over a cup of coffee or a single glass of beer or wine. Bill has termed it “the Spanish sip”. Lift the glass, bring the liquid to your lips, but keep your lips gently closed. There is no stigma to day drinking, but public intoxication is rare. Although, I have occasionally been awakened by loud singing in the street after closing time. Conversation never seems to wane, but most of the time seems to be about pretty much nothing. (at least to my ear). Restaurants do a big Sunday business for the afternoon meal. It is best to have a reservation. By Sunday night, many places have closed their kitchen. Street life gets quiet as people head home to rest up for a new week.