Under the shelter and shade of the Sierra de Líjar hides an authentic and traditional white town, where mass tourism has not yet taken its toll and they still preserve their old-time essence. The labyrinthine alleyways are filled with orange trees and fountains, with a tiny and charming historic center that is ideal for a weekend getaway to unwind.
Algodonales is a small town in Cádiz to get lost without checking your phone or a map. All roads lead you to Plaza de la Constitución, a perfect place to eat, rest and soak up local life. Right there is the Church of Santa Ana, an eighteenth-century temple that is easy to find, because its 40-meter tower is visible from anywhere in the town.
Walking among charming whitewashed facades you’ll see that there are fountains on every corner. Specifically there are twelve and they are all potable and all from the nineteenth century, but the Fuente del Algarrobo is the most famous of them all, with its twelve golden spouts. Right next to it is the Lavadero Público, which is still functioning.
Other emblematic corners of Algodonales are its hermitages. It has three: the Ermita de la Concepción in neoclassical style, the Ermita de Nuestro Padre Jesús with neoclassical architecture from the nineteenth century, and the most famous, the Ermita de la Virgencita, a neoclassical and neobaroque temple from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that has merged into the mountain itself, with walls of rock inside.
Hermitage of the Virgencita
Algodonales is perfect for disconnecting, for enjoying good food and nature. But you can also take it a step further and do some of the hiking routes in the area. The town sits at the entrance to the Grazalema Natural Park, so there are several trails to discover, such as the famous ascent to the mountains. And if you’re up for something more intense, the town is an paragliding spot recognized internationally. The perfect plan is in place.
