Gaucin

What to do, where to eat and how to plan your trip to Gaucin

The White Village

Gaucin is a ‘white village’ perched on a rock buttress overlooking the River Genal. At the height of 626 metres, it commands a view of the surrounding area as far as Gibraltar and Africa and is just 45 minutes drive away from Sotogrande.

The area is renowned for its clarity of air, and it is no surprise that Gaucin supports a large community of artists. Every year since 2005 the artists have opened up their studios to visitors. This event normally occupies two weekends in late May and is an excellent opportunity to meet the artists, see their work and where they work. Art Exhibitions by single artists are a regular feature of the social life in the village.

On Easter Sunday Gaucin hosts a bull run. The run is nothing like Pamplona, here only one bull at a time is let loose to chase the young and not so young bucks through the village.

Palisades are erected to protect the hundreds of spectators. The runners are expected to arrange their own protection. Many opt to leap up to grab first-floor window or balcony grills to escape the 450kg rampaging animal. Hardly a year goes by without somebody being injured.

Santo Nino Hermitage

For those with the energy, climb the hill following the signs for the Castillo de Aquila and you will arrive at the 17th century Santo Nino Hermitage. As you entered the hermitage gardens, you will have gone through a gate in the castle walls. These were the Moorish walls and you can still see the small lookout posts built into them. The Hermitage itself was originally the barracks for the troops, and the gunpowder store was in one of the turrets. From this vantage point, on a warm day, griffon vultures soar over the ridge and pass within metres.

To enjoy the magnificent views while dining then try the terrace restaurant at the Hotel Fructuosa on the main street.