Benalup-Casas Viejas, a town rich in history and natural beauty, lies just over 60 km from Cádiz in Andalusia. With its origins linked to ancient Arabic settlements, this town showcases remnants of the past, from prehistoric cave art at sites like Tajo de las Figuras to the prominent Torre de La Morita. Known for its agricultural traditions, Benalup is also celebrated for its flavorful local cuisine.

Visitors can savor traditional dishes like spicy snails, asparagus soup, and game meats, along with artisanal sweets such as cortadillos and pestiños. Whether exploring the historic sites, hiking the lush landscapes of Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, or enjoying local festivals, Benalup-Casas Viejas offers a genuine taste of Andalusian culture and heritage.

Find a place to stay in Benalup Casas Viejas

There are plenty of accommodation options with hotels, apartments, suites and hostels in the area. The golf course is a very popular choice for many wanted to enjoy the sport in the beautiful countryside of Benalup Casas Viejas.

A brief History of Benalup-Casas Viejas

Benalup-Casas Viejas is steeped in history, dating back to prehistoric times. The Tajo de las Figuras and other ancient rock art sites offer glimpses of early human life, while the area is known for its Neolithic artifacts and Copper Age structures. Burial sites, especially dolmens from the Late Bronze Age, further attest to its deep historical roots. The Arab-built Torre de Ben-a-Alup and the subsequent 13th-century reconquest by Alfonso X “El Sabio” add layers of medieval heritage to the area.

The town is perhaps best known for the tragic 1933 anarchist uprising, in which a group of agricultural workers attempted to establish a libertarian commune, leading to violent clashes with government forces. The events in Benalup-Casas Viejas played a significant role in Spanish political history, ultimately leading to the fall of the Manuel Azaña government.

Getting to Benalup-Casas Viejas

Travelers by car can take the N340 highway, with local roads like the C211 and C343 connecting the town to nearby regions. Jerez de la Frontera airport is about 57 km away, while Gibraltar Airport is approximately 80 km away.

The Climate of Benalup-Casas Viejas

Benalup-Casas Viejas enjoys a Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influences, marked by warm, dry summers averaging 31.3°C and mild winters at around 7.4°C. The area receives about 840 mm of rainfall annually, primarily during the rainy season from October to April. The town also experiences the famous Levante and Poniente winds, bringing varied levels of humidity and weather changes.

Attractions and Points of Interest

• Parish Church of Nuestra Señora del Socorro: Built in the 20th century, this church is known for its medieval, romantic, and Mudéjar influences with pointed brick arches.
• Monastery of San José del Cuervo: An 18th-century Carmelite monastery, now a town symbol alongside the Torre de La Morita.
• Torre de Ben-a-Alup (La Morita): An Arabic watchtower from the 9th century, offering panoramic views and a peek into the town’s Moorish history.
• Natural Park of Los Alcornocales: The largest Cork oak forest in the world and a prime spot for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons, with scenic observation points to watch the many species crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.
• Tajo de las Figuras Caves: (Closed to the public. See Centro de Interpretación Cádiz Prehistórico below.) These caves feature one of Spain’s most significant collections of Neolithic rock paintings, with over 500 depictions of animals and human figures.
• Benalup Golf Course and hotel: An 18-hole golf course for both amateurs and seasoned players. Find our prices and availability here.

Located in Benalup Casas Viejas, 400 metres from Benalup Golf & Country Club, Hostal Restaurante Benalup Golf provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

Centro de Interpretación Cádiz Prehistórico

The Cádiz Prehistoric Interpretation Center in Benalup-Casas Viejas offers a fascinating journey back through time, inviting visitors to experience Cádiz as it was in the earliest days of human history. This center goes beyond mere displays—it’s a doorway into a world where ancient peoples left their marks, and where the landscape itself tells a story. Through carefully curated exhibits, it reveals the cultural richness of Cádiz’s prehistoric past, immersing visitors in the lives, customs, and knowledge of those who once walked these lands. There is a PDF leaflet available showing the routes around Cádiz province here.

This remarkable area, nestled near the Laguna de la Janda, first gained international attention in 1913 with the discovery of the Cueva del Tajo de las Figuras, a cave adorned with prehistoric paintings. These captivating images, etched and painted onto rock walls, offer invaluable insights into early human expression and have drawn scientists from around the world. The site’s historical importance established Cádiz as a focal point for prehistoric research, attracting renowned archaeologists like J. Cabré, E. Hernández Pacheco, H. Breuil, and H. Obermaier. Today, the center continues to benefit from the expertise of various researchers and institutions, building on over a century of study to uncover and share the mysteries of Cádiz’s ancient past. See opening times here.

A Culinary Journey Through Benalup-Casas Viejas

Benalup-Casas Viejas is known for its rustic and rich gastronomy, focusing on game meats and local wild ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes:

• Snails and Cabrillas: Often simmered in aromatic spices, served in a savory sauce or cooked with tomatoes, these are a local favorite and packed with flavor.
• Asparagus Soup and Fried Asparagus: This hearty, earthy soup showcases locally sourced wild asparagus, a staple in Andalusian cooking.
• Berza with Tagarninas and Cardillos: A comforting stew made with local thistle-like greens, packed with flavor and traditionally slow-cooked for a rich texture.
• Retinta Beef: This local cattle breed produces succulent cuts of beef, revered for their deep, rich flavor, and often served grilled or stewed.
• Small Game Meats: Dishes featuring rabbit, hare, pheasant, and partridge are popular, often slow-cooked in traditional stews.
• Larger Game Meats: Venison and wild boar are prepared in hearty stews, showcasing the area’s hunting heritage.
• Pork Specialties: Locals savor every part of the pig, including crispy chicharrones, lomo en manteca (pork loin preserved in lard), and morcón (a cured pork sausage).
• Desserts: Satisfy your sweet tooth with artisanal treats like cortadillos (a filled shortbread pastry), pestiños (fried dough with honey), piñonate (a nutty confection), and roscos (cinnamon-spiced rings).

Festivals and Events

Benalup-Casas Viejas hosts various festivals and cultural events throughout the year:

• Carnival (February/March): A lively celebration with costumes, parades, and music.
• Independence Festival and Cultural Week (March): A town-wide celebration featuring children’s activities, cultural contests, exhibitions, and the traditional Running of the Bulls of Independence on March 21st.
• Easter Week (April): Known for its iconic Good Friday processions with seven traditional “pasos.”
• Tapas Fair (April): An event where visitors can sample a range of local tapas, including seasonal specialties and culinary creations.
• Romería de las Lagunetas (May): A pilgrimage with vibrant costumes, traditional music, and dancing.
• Feria de Santiago y Santa Ana (July): A festival with fireworks, live music, and family-friendly activities.
• Nuestra Señora del Socorro Feast (August): A religious procession with folkloric and musical performances, celebrating the town’s patron saint.
• Casas Viejas Flamenco Singing Contest (August): A competition that draws flamenco artists from across the region, honoring this traditional Andalusian art form.

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/