Benaocaz: Nazarí Streets, Hiking Trails and Festival Traditions

Between Nazarí Streets and Hiking Trails

Benaocaz combines a historically distinctive townscape with trails leading to gorges, waterfalls and preserved traces of the past. The town itself was declared a historic-artistic ensemble by Andalusian Decree 27/1985. The Barrio Nazarí is particularly illustrative: its narrow, labyrinthine streets preserve the old paving and are lined with whitewashed houses featuring colorful flower beds.

The Iglesia de San Pedro also contains several historical layers. Its bell tower consists of the minaret of an earlier mosque. The church is also home to the Cristo de la Columna, known as the “Amarrao.” Another notable structure is the Castillo de Aznalmara. The ruined fortress preserves an arms yard, a cistern or well, and part of the battlements on its square keep.

San Blas and Local Tradition

The San Blas Festival in Benaocaz is celebrated on February 3; its celebration is believed to date back at least to the 17th century. The festival includes a procession through the streets of Benaocaz accompanied by charangas. At midday, it also includes a tasting of typical products from the region. Thus, the festival places both the public route through the town and regional products at the center. February 3 refers to the specific festival day, while the believed tradition of celebrating it since at least the 17th century points to a long-established heritage.

Hiking Trails with Different Profiles

The hiking trail to Salto del Cabrero begins in Benaocaz at the end of Calle Pajaruco, on the northern edge of the built-up area. The gorge of the same name has vertical rock walls more than 80 meters high and a passage no more than 50 meters wide.

The Ojo del Moro hiking trail is 1.384 km long, takes 40 minutes and is rated easy. It leads to waterfalls on the Arroyo del Pajaruco and past an abandoned lime kiln. The trail to Casa Fardela is 3.2 km long, takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and is rated moderate. It begins in the upper part of Benaocaz, in the Los Corrales area, at the end of Calle de los Nazaríes. Different trail lengths help with planning stages. The two descriptions differ significantly in terms of scheduling: Ojo del Moro is described as taking 40 minutes and being easy, while Casa Fardela takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and is of moderate difficulty.

A historic route is formed by the Calzada Romana de Ubrique. The trail leads from Benaocaz to Ubrique along a well-preserved Roman road. Thus, alongside the natural features of Salto del Cabrero and the waterfalls on the Arroyo del Pajaruco, the exploration focuses on ancient road remains, abandoned craft-related relics and the town's finely grained architecture.

More Destinations

Villamartín, Palmones, Pozo Amargo, El Bosque, Olvera, Poblado De Doña Blanca, Chiclana De La Frontera and Grazalema

For the higher-level travel overview: Cadiz.