Paterna de Rivera, covering an area of 14 km², lies in the heart of the province of Cádiz. Its landscape is defined by farming and livestock, forming part of the famous Route of the Bull. Nearby towns include Alcalá de los Gazules, Medina Sidonia and Jerez de la Frontera.
The town’s origins are closely linked to its well-known medicinal waters. Over the centuries, it has been inhabited by various civilisations — from the Romans and Byzantines to the Visigoths and later the Moors, who made use of the thermal baths at Fuente Santa and Gigonza.
How to Get There
Paterna de Rivera is accessible by two main roads. From Jerez, you can reach it via the A-389 to the north, while those coming from Medina Sidonia or Cádiz should approach from the south.
Although the town has no railway station, nearby towns offer local train services. Regular buses connect Paterna with other parts of the province.
The nearest airport is Jerez (41 km).
Where to Stay in Paterna de Rivera
If you’re planning a visit to Paterna de Rivera, the Hotel El Perro de Paterna is an excellent choice, offering comfort and a touch of local character in the heart of the town. This is also a great place to try out local foods as the restaurant is highly rated.
Beyond this well-known hotel, visitors can find a range of accommodation options in and around Paterna de Rivera, from cosy guesthouses to rural homes surrounded by Andalusian countryside. Whether you prefer a family-run inn, a self-catering villa, or a budget-friendly stay, the area offers plenty of choices to suit different needs and travel styles.
History
Archaeological remains show that the area was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic period. During Roman times, its proximity to the Gigonza baths made it a natural stop along trade and travel routes. Mosaics, tombs, and coins from that era have been uncovered, along with traces of later Byzantine and Visigothic settlements.
The Moors named the area “Villa de Baños” due to its association with the Fuente Santa and Gigonza baths. The town itself was officially founded in 1503 and became independent from Alcalá’s municipal authority in 1825.
Economy
The local economy relies heavily on cattle and horse breeding. Horses of the Hispano-Arab breed are especially prized in the region for their strength and elegance.
Climate
Paterna de Rivera enjoys a mild climate with warm summers. The average annual temperature is around 17.8°C, with summer highs near 32°C and winter lows averaging 6.6°C.
Monuments and Places of Interest
The town offers a variety of squares worth visiting, including Plaza de las Flores, Clara Campoamor, Plaza El Llano, Plaza Nueva, Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la Libertad and Plaza Levante.
The Route of the Bull
Paterna de Rivera sits along one of Spain’s most distinctive tourist routes — the Route of the Bull.
Travellers can admire the majestic fighting bull in its natural environment as they pass through a series of Andalusian towns. The route begins in Jerez de la Frontera and continues through San José del Valle, Paterna de Rivera, Medina Sidonia, Alcalá de los Gazules, Benalup, Los Barrios, Castellar de la Frontera, Jimena de la Frontera, San Roque, Algeciras and Tarifa.
Notable Landmarks
- Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Inhiesta: Built in the Mudejar style, featuring Gothic and Renaissance elements.
- Monument to La Petenera: A tribute to the flamenco singer La Petenera, whose distinctive singing style originated here.
- El Perro de Paterna: A monument honouring the renowned singer Antonio Pérez Jiménez, known as “El Perro de Paterna.”
Gastronomy
Local cuisine reflects the town’s farming and hunting traditions. Typical dishes include stews made with thistles (tagarninas), artichoke stew with ham and chopped egg, snails with fennel and cabrillas (large snails) in sauce. Other favourites are partridge in ham sauce, rabbit with rice, venison stew, and hearty cooked soups.
For those with a sweet tooth, local desserts such as meringues, piñonate, and Easter doughnuts are particularly popular.
Festivals
- Patron Saint’s Day – San Sebastián: 20 January
- Traditional Pilgrimage in Honour of San Sebastián: 18 January
- Carnival: 5–8 March
- Easter Sunday and the “Toro del Aleluya” Bull Run: 12 April
- Spring Fair and Street Bull Runs: 10–15 June, featuring bull releases, traditional bullfights and fireworks.
- National Flamenco Singing Contest “Cante por Peteneras” (Final): 25 July, celebrating the legacy of La Petenera.
- Andalusian Doma Vaquera Championship: 13–14 August.
FAQs About Visiting Paterna de Rivera, Cádiz: Travel, Food and Festivals
Paterna de Rivera lies in central Cádiz, nestled within the Route of the Bull between Jerez de la Frontera and Medina Sidonia. It’s surrounded by rolling farmland and livestock pastures typical of inland Andalusia. Its location makes it a great base for exploring nearby historical towns and rural attractions.
Travellers from Jerez can take the A-389 northbound, while those from Cádiz or Medina Sidonia should approach from the south. Although Paterna has no train station, buses run regularly from nearby towns. The closest airport is Jerez, around 41 kilometres away. More travel details can be found in the main article.
Visitors can explore the Mudejar-style Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Inhiesta, the Monument to La Petenera, and several charming town squares. Paterna also forms part of the famous Route of the Bull, where travellers can witness Andalusian fighting bulls in their natural surroundings.
The Route of the Bull offers a rare glimpse into Andalusia’s deep ranching heritage. As you drive through towns like Paterna de Rivera and Medina Sidonia, you’ll see pastures where bulls are raised for traditional events. It’s a scenic route combining culture, wildlife and local gastronomy.
Paterna’s cuisine showcases Andalusian country flavours. Typical dishes include artichoke stew with ham and egg, partridge in ham sauce, and rabbit with rice. Snails with fennel and hearty soups are also local favourites. Sweet treats such as piñonate and Easter doughnuts round off the menu perfectly.
The summer months bring lively events like the Spring Fair in June, the National Flamenco Contest in July, and the Doma Vaquera Championship in August. However, visitors seeking local tradition might prefer the Easter bull run or the January pilgrimage of San Sebastián. Dates vary slightly each year, so checking ahead is recommended.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!