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Romantic Holiday Hideaway in Gaucín, Andalucía, Southern Spain

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About the white village of Gaucín, Andalucia, Southern Spain

Gaucin is one of the most spectacularly beautiful mountain villages of Andalucia. The location is astounding: white houses ranged along a lofty ridge framed by craggy peaks, vultures and eagles wheeling overhead surrounded by miles of sun dried hills.

To the north, a back drop of the weathered limestone formations of the Serrania de Ronda, and to the south sweeping views across the Rio Genal valley to Gibraltar and across the Straights into the Rif Mountains of North Africa.
With a population of 2000, perched 626 meters above sea level, it has a fascinating history. From the Arab word “strong Rock” , Gaucin is perched on the crest of the Sierra del Hacho and was once a major Roman settlement. The Castillo del Aguila (Eagle’s Castle) dates from this period and was later used by the Arabs as a fortress, the remnants seen today were built in the 13th century.

The village was once a centre for brandy and tobacco smuggling bandaleros, but these days the centre of the village with its pretty tangle of narrow twisting streets and whitewashed houses is the inspiration for a sizable artistic community and a combination of traditional Andaluz and modern amenities with plenty of bars and restaurants.
For anyone interested in botany, bird life, hiking and riding there is plenty to discover in the area with several National Parks nearby including "Los Alcornocales" the largest, oldest and greatest cork forest in Europe, is on the doorstep. See the Andalucia.com Natural Parks page for more information.

The people of Gaucín like to party: Carnival is celebrated followed by Semana Santa when, on Easter Sunday, the "Toro de Cuerda" (bull on a rope) runs through the village streets, with the brave running as close as they dare. Feria de Gaucin, in honour of the patron saint the Virgen de las Nieves, takes place between 4 and 7 August, with children's entertainment, food, music and dancing until morning. The Pilgrimage of The Holy Child (Romeria), is celebrated on the last Sunday in August, the image of The Holy Child is taken in procession to the site of his apparition for a flamenco mass, followed by dancing, singing, food and drink until dawn. On the 7 and 8 September more processions through the village as The Holy Child is taken from the castle to the church. There is then a party in the main square, with music and dancing till morning. Each village and town has it's own celebrations: see the Andalucia.com Festivals page for more information.
There is lots to see in surrounding areas: Sevilla, the vibrant capital of Andalucia, is a couple of hours drive away. Ronda, Hemingway’s favourite Spanish town, is just 45 minutes on a beautiful road across the mountains. Granada and "La Alhambra": 3 hours. Jerez, famous for its sherry, horses as well as Flamenco music and dance: 2 hours. A day trip to Tangier in Morocco is also possible, taking a fast boat from Tarifa. Costa Del Sol: 35mins. Costa de la Luz: 1 hour. See the Andalucia.com Destinations page for more information.
153km from Malaga

29km from the Mediterranean coast

Approximately 300 days of sunshine each year, low humidity and daytime summer temperature is usually around 30C.


Casa Mosaica in Gaucín