Algar: Hiking, Landscapes and Local History

Algar can be explored through a variety of interests: three routes differ in length, course and scenery; there is also local history and a motorsport event. The picture of the town therefore ranges from hiking trails and a reservoir to a race on mountain roads. Route layout, scenery, historical dates and event dates provide practical starting points for planning your trip.

Hiking Routes and Scenery

The Ruta del Lentisco is a 9.82-kilometre circular hiking route. It starts and ends at Plaza de Toros Centenario. Wooden posts serve as signposts at junctions and as waymarkers along the route.

The Ruta Vereda del Tempul is easily accessible, about 3 kilometres long and linear. It ends on the shore of Embalse de Guadalcacín II. Compared with the 9.82-kilometre Ruta del Lentisco, it is considerably shorter and follows a different course: here, a linear route; there, a circular one. The Vereda offers views of the Sierra de las Cabras and the Sierra de la Sal.

The Camino de Chavarría connects the town centre of Algar with Embalse de Guadalcacín. It passes through pastureland, grazed dehesa woodland with wild olive trees, and wooded areas with wild olive trees, holm oaks and Pyrenean oaks. The Vereda ends on the shore, while the Camino connects the reservoir with the town centre.

The Parque Natural Los Alcornocales, a ZEPA, an LIC and the Reserva de la Biosfera Intercontinental del Mediterráneo Andalucía-Marruecos are also mentioned in connection with the Camino de Chavarría as protected areas. Canoeing, sailing and spending time on a beach are mentioned as recreational activities at Embalse de Guadalcacín II in connection with Algar. Hiking in Tajo del Águila is also associated with Algar.

History, Festivals and Motorsport

The Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María de Guadalupe was built in 1762–1763. Algar was founded on 13 October 1773, with the permission of Charles III, as Villa de Santa María de Guadalupe de Algar. The chronology is clear: the church was built about ten years before the town was founded.

At the “La Matanza del Cerdo” fair, the local population gathers to watch the slaughter and preparation of the pig.

The Subida a Algar is a motorsport hill climb in Algar, in the province of Cádiz, Spain, and is part of the Campeonato de Andalucía de Montaña. The course runs along mountain roads near Algar; tight bends and steep climbs define the route. The event takes place annually, usually between March and April; the exact date varies from year to year. The usual period is therefore a seasonal guide, not a date that remains the same every year.

Discover more destinations: Jerez De La Frontera, San Martín del Tesorillo, Setenil, Estella del Marqués, Algodonales, Pozo Amargo, Espera, El Santiscal.

For the main travel overview: Cadiz.