Route of the Fighting Bulls

A striking symbol of Spain, the fighting bull grazes across broad swathes of Cádiz Province. Bullfighting itself may divide opinion, but few would doubt that the sight of this noble animal in its natural environment is spectacular indeed. The bull you see in the picture has been seen on Spanish roadsides since the 1950s. It represents the Osborne brand of sherry and so popular has it proved over the years, that it survived a national ban on roadside advertising in the 1990s. Interesting towns pepper this route; here's some more information on each of them.

Jerez
Vibrant city and important commercial centre. World famous sherry producer ('jerez' is the Spanish word for sherry) with several top brand bodegas worth visiting.
Population: approx. 182,000

San José del Valle
Moorish origins, taken over by the Christians in the fifteenth century. An aqueduct and a castle are worth seeing.
Population: approx. 4,000

Alcalá de los Gazules
Roman origins. Little has changed here over the years. Town was awarded historic-artistic status in 1984. Quintessentially Andalucian.
Population: approx. 6,000

Paterna de Rivera
Origins date back to around 200 B.C. Once an estate for the Paterna family (Roman). The Rivera part in its name came later, after the Reconquest of Spain by the Catholic Kings, when the town was in the hands of the Ribera family (the 'b' later became a 'v', hence Paterna de Rivera).
Population: approx. 5,000

Medina Sidonia
Founded by the Phoenicians. The Visigoths made it capital of the province and it remained as capital for some time under the Moors. From sixteenth to eighteenth centuries the town underwent a transformation to look much like it does today.
Population: approx. 11,000

Benalup-Casas Viejas
Town with fascinating - and tragic - history. Prehistoric cave paintings show this was an area of cultural importance. The area had good hunting and copious water. Name 'Ben a Lup' is Moorish and probably means 'Son of Wolf'. January 11, 1933: brief outbreak of anarchy in Spain bizarrely spread to Casas Viejas resulting in many deaths in the town. One of the chief incidents in the build up to Spanish Civil War (1936-39). Consequences for the town lasted many years.
Population: approx. 5,000

Los Barrios Has bullring inaugurated in 1998. Populated since prehistory. Most prestigious period coincided with the reign of Carlos III. Became industrialised during Franco's dictatorship (1936-75). Population: approx. 16,000

The fighting bull

Algeciras
Strategic maritime port, object of great dispute between Christians and Moors. Name comes from the arab 'al yazira', or Green Island. 1906: Held conference which decided dividing up of land in nearby Africa.
Population: approx. 109,000

Tarifa
Long beaches of white sand and a reputation for the windiest stretch of Spanish coastline make this a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. Spain's windsurfing capital. Also great for birdwatchers. Attractive town steeped in history.
Population: approx. 15,000

San Roque
Territory occupied since prehistory and later by Phoenicians, Cathaginians and Moors. When Gibraltar was taken by the English in 1704, many of that city's population fled. Where they settled became known as San Roque. Its hillside location allows for views to Morocco.
Population: approx. 22,000

Castellar
Town with two distinct histories, since in 1971 inhabitants from its Old Town moved into the New Town. The Old Town couldn't cope any more with the number of people. Once an important Moorish stronghold, strategically placed on a hilltop, with a stunning tenth century fortress.
Population: approx. 3,000

Jimena
Town awarded historic-artistic status in 1983. Its entrance is a gateway with three arches. Has been occupied by the Iberians, Phoenicians, Cathaginians, Romans, and the Moors - for whom it was a place of great commercial value. Tranquil and relaxing.
Population: approx. 9,000

See all the Routes from Arcos

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