Located in the heart of Cádiz, the village of Algar, formerly known as Santa María de Guadalupe del Algar, spans 27 square kilometres and houses a community of just over 1,500 residents. Situated 87 kilometres from Cádiz and nestled at an elevation of 212 metres, this charming town’s main industries today include agriculture, livestock, leather craftsmanship, woodworking, and rural tourism.
Origins and Geography of Algar
Algar is a peaceful village within the Sierra de Cádiz, rich with historical heritage, customs, and welcoming locals. Founded in 1773 by the vizconde de Carrión and marqués de Atalaya Bermeja, Domingo López de Carvajal, this wealthy merchant established the town by bringing in 25 impoverished settlers from neighbouring areas, including Bornos, Ubrique, Benaocaz, and Villaluenga del Rosario, who agreed to pay a portion of their annual yield.
Strategically located between two of Cádiz’s most significant natural parks, the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema and the Parque Natural Los Alcornocales, Algar boasts striking scenery with mountainous terrains like Cerro del Águila and Sierra del Balconcillo. The area’s diverse plant life includes vibrant shrublands, “retamas” (broom) and “jaras” (rockrose), as well as sturdy oaks, wild olives, and “quejigos” (Portuguese oaks). Flowing through the town from north to south, the río Majaceite. helps to fill the Guadalcacín Reservoir.
Find a place to stay near Algar
We stayed in the Hotel Tugasa Villa de Algar which is ideally placed to explore the surrounding area and even has a pool that the kids enjoyed!
The Route of the White Villages
Algar marks the end of Cádiz’s famous Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos (Route of the White Villages), a journey through whitewashed towns nestled amid rolling hills and flower-lined streets.
Exploring Algar’s History and Culture
The town’s name originates from the Arabic word “Algar,” meaning cave, referencing a network of grottoes used during the Middle Ages. Legend has it that López de Carvajal founded the village after a near-death experience at sea, vowing to dedicate a town to the Virgin of Guadalupe if he survived.
Visitors to Algar can trace history back to Neolithic settlements, wander to the Dehesilla cave dating to the 6th century BC, or explore the Roman ruins of Calduba, a complex that supplied water to Cádiz. Other historic landmarks include the 18th-century Casa Consistorial (Town Hall), the Antigua Posada (Old Inn), and the Iglesia Parroquial Santa María de Guadalupe.
Events in Algar
- Carnivals – February. Algar’s annual Carnavales bring a lively start to the year, with colourful costumes, parades, and traditional Andalusian festivities filling the streets.
- Rally Subida a Algar – Late March to early April. This thrilling hill climb rally, part of the Andalusian Mountain Championship, takes place on the mountainous roads surrounding Algar, drawing motorsport enthusiasts from across the region.
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) – April. During Holy Week, Algar celebrates with religious processions, music, and traditional rituals, honouring Andalusian Easter traditions.
- Spring Fair (Feria de Primavera) – May. This local feria marks the start of spring, bringing together Algar’s residents and visitors with festivities, music, food, and dancing.
- Pilgrimage in Honour of Saint Nicholas (Romería en Honor al Patrón San Nicolás) – First half of June. In this cherished event, locals decorate floats and ride on horseback in a procession to Rancho Morera, a scenic site a few kilometres from the village. Here, a special rociera (pilgrim’s) mass is held, and the day continues with food, games, and equestrian activities, celebrating the patron saint of Algar.
- Festival and Patron Saint Feast in Honour of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Feria y Fiestas Patronales en Honor a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) – 8 September. The main feast day for Algar’s patron saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe, is a deeply-rooted celebration. The plaza is adorned with a salt carpet, created by the townspeople, and festivities carry on throughout the day with traditional events and communal gatherings.
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Visit Cádiz
Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/
The Caminito del Rey
Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/
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.