Prado del Rey: Discover Iptuci, Salt Flats and Nature Parks

The archaeological site of Iptuci belongs to Prado del Rey and Arcos de la Frontera. It is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of archaeological site and included in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage.

Culture and History

Evidence of settlement at Iptuci dates from the Late Neolithic to the Middle Ages; during the Roman period, the Colonia Ituci Virtus Iulia was founded there. The surviving defensive remains are open to the public.

The visible remains include an approximately square defensive wall, massive semicircular towers, remains of a barbican, and a necropolis with hypogea carved into sandstone.

The Pósito de Labradores was built in 1790 as a granary and retains its original structure with load-bearing walls, masonry supports and ribbed vaults.

The Sierra de Cádiz Ethnographic Interpretation Centre has two exhibition levels, three rooms for projections and audiovisual content, as well as permanent exhibitions on Iptuci, the archaeological route of the White Villages, Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and local customs.

The Paseo de los Azulejos is an urban tour through the main streets of Prado del Rey, whose tile panels convey local history and events.

The parish church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen was built between 1830 and 1840 in the Neoclassical style as a basilica with three naves. It contains an ornate altarpiece from the Church of la Encarnación in Arcos de la Frontera.

Nature and Landscape

The municipality of Prado del Rey includes natural heritage within Los Alcornocales and Sierra de Grazalema natural parks.

The Salinas de Iptuci are inland salt flats fed by saltwater springs. Their use began in Phoenician times and reached its peak during the Roman period.

The Salinas de Iptuci route runs mostly through Los Alcornocales Natural Park and the municipality of Prado del Rey. The route passes by the salt flats, where visitors can stop for a guided tour.

From the Mirador de las Lomas, visitors can admire the surrounding landscapes.

Hiking Routes

The Camino al Cerro Verdugo is a 1.4-kilometre hiking route of low difficulty that takes approximately 45 minutes.

The Ruta Salinas is a 4.5-kilometre circular route that takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Festivals and Local Traditions

The Concurso Nacional de Cante por Serranas has a history dating back to 1972 and is included in the Register of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Andalusia.

Prado del Rey has a leatherworking tradition that began in the 1960s and developed into the town's most important economic activity.

The tradition of winegrowing and winemaking in Prado del Rey now makes it possible to taste various local wines reminiscent of the historic Pajarete wines.

The Romería de San Isidro Labrador includes a procession with an ox-drawn cart from the church to the Dehesa de Hortales, accompanied by carts, floats and riders, as well as music and dancing.

The Feria de la Miel takes place in October and includes technical conferences, product exhibitions, a gastronomic competition, tastings and accompanying festive activities.

Other Local Destinations

Other local destinations: El Bujeo, Alcalá Del Valle, Benaocaz, Cádiz, Algar, Conil De La Frontera, Rota and Medina Sidonia.

Getting There

Prado del Rey can be reached directly by road.

To the main travel overview: Cadiz.