Castellar de la Frontera

An entire medieval village enclosed within the walls of a Moorish castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Guadiaro valley with views stretching to Gibraltar and Africa. In the 1970s, the village was abandoned and later repopulated by an international artist community.

Despite sitting between the Costa del Sol and the Rock of Gibraltar, Castellar is hidden deep in the Los Alcornocales cork oak forest, one of the largest untouched forests in Europe.

History

The castle dates to the 13th century and was built by the Nasrids to guard the frontier with the Christian kingdoms. The entire population lived within the castle walls until the 1970s, when a new town was built on the plain below. The abandoned old town attracted hippies and artists from across Europe, who restored many of the houses and created the bohemian community that exists today.

Highlights

• Complete Moorish castle enclosing an entire village
• Views to Gibraltar and the African coast
• Los Alcornocales Natural Park surrounding the village
• International artist community

How to get there

From Algeciras, drive north on the A-405 toward Jimena de la Frontera, then follow signs to Castellar Viejo (approximately 30 minutes). No public transport to the old village.

Explore nearby: Andalucía guide · Cádiz province · Castles of Cádiz