Benalup Casas Viejas is defined by two distinct focal points: the more than 500 schematic depictions at the Tajo de las Figuras rock shelter and the routes in the area of Los Alcornocales Natural Park. There is also an interpretation centre on the prehistory of the province of Cádiz, as well as trails and stops exploring the town’s history. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping these themes separate: the path to Tajo leads to prehistoric images, nature trails offer a different focus, and a guided tour explores the events of Casas Viejas.
Hiking Trails in the Natural Park and to Historic Sites
Part of the town lies within Los Alcornocales Natural Park. There are numerous routes, excursions and hiking trails in the park. During migration periods, several observation posts there offer the chance to watch numerous bird species crossing the Strait. Birdwatching is therefore seasonal; the routes and trails provide a separate focus for exploring the landscape.
A slightly elevated hiking trail, just over 600 metres long, starts at the El Celemín recreational area and leads to the Tajo de las Figuras rock shelter. The route description was published in 2022; check local access conditions before setting out. Another connection is just under two kilometres long: it leads from the town centre along the Colada de Benalup livestock track to Benalup Castle and the Torre de la Morita. Access here may also depend on trail conditions; check the state of the route before setting out. The destinations are quite different: one route focuses on the rock shelter, while the other centres on the castle and tower.
The La Gargantilla route passes through an extensive Mediterranean forest to the 361-metre summit of the Sierra Momia. From there, panoramic views stretch across Benalup Casas Viejas, the Celemín and Barbate reservoirs, and Medina. There are also caves with Neolithic paintings and anthropomorphic tombs at higher elevations; access to some may require a permit. Unlike routes to individual buildings, La Gargantilla combines forest, summit and views into a distinct hiking experience.
Rock Art and Prehistory
The Tajo de las Figuras rock shelter contains more than 500 schematic depictions of deer, birds and anthropomorphic figures. The Cádiz Prehistórico Interpretation Centre offers a broader view of the prehistory of the province of Cádiz: its eleven rooms explore the customs, rituals and ways of life of the time, as well as how they developed over the centuries. The centre is housed in a purpose-built building with exhibition rooms on three floors, an interior courtyard and an activity room. This brings two different perspectives together: specific rock art and the development of human ways of life over several eras.
Local History, Architecture and Tradition
The route exploring the events of Casas Viejas is a guided tour through the central streets and historically significant sites associated with the events of January 1933. It includes more than ten stops and ends at the site of today’s Espacio Conmemorativo Casas Viejas 1933. Its focus on streets and historic landmarks sets it apart from routes through the forest or those leading to a summit, castle and tower.
The Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Socorro offers another architectural highlight. Its eclectic appearance reflects medieval, Romanesque and Mudéjar influences; pointed arches and brickwork are also among its characteristic features. The Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro takes place every year on the first Sunday in May at the Las Lagunetas hermitage, followed by a Mass. Alongside the hiking and history routes, there is also a recurring event tied to a specific time of year.
Discover more destinations: Chipiona, El Romero, Benaocaz, La Zarzuela, El Bosque, Pozo Amargo, El Gastor, Cádiz
For the broader travel overview: Cadiz.
