Puerto Serrano: Trails, History and Culture

In Puerto Serrano, the Vía Verde de la Sierra runs along a disused railway line. The route is 36 kilometres long and includes 30 tunnels, four viaducts and five former railway stations. It therefore connects technical remnants of the former railway line with the landscape around the town.

Trails through the landscape

The Vía Verde de la Sierra can be used on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by donkey. Four access points with car parks lead to the route; motorised vehicles are not permitted on it. The stated ways of using the route and its length make it an extensive connection through the landscape, while the tunnels, viaducts and former railway stations keep its former function as a railway line visible.

A shorter route is offered by the Sendero Fuente de Ramos. The trail is four kilometres long and classified as a low-difficulty route. It begins at the end of Calle Blas Infante in the centre of Puerto Serrano. It passes through olive groves and offers panoramic views of the Vega of the Guadalete and the town of Puerto Serrano. Thus, the town centre, cultural landscape and viewpoints lie along a shared route.

Culture and History

The historic sites of Puerto Serrano also span several periods. The Molino de Siré was originally a Carmelite monastery founded in the first half of the 18th century. The Culture Department of the Government of Andalusia recognised the Molino de Siré as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

A Late Antique Roman necropolis is located at the Ermita del Almendral. Settlement remains from prehistoric and medieval times can also be identified there. According to the municipal description, the Ermita del Almendral offers the best views of the town. The site therefore combines archaeological evidence from different periods with an elevated view of Puerto Serrano.

Fuente de Ramos is also historically classified as a Bronze Age burial site and contains later Roman and Hispano-Muslim burials. The parish church of Santa María Magdalena is characterised by three naves, a double façade and a freestanding bell tower. The various complexes and their preserved features make the town’s history visible at several specific sites.

Traditions throughout the year

The Romería de la “Malena” is a traditional festival in Puerto Serrano held in honour of the patron saint Santa María Magdalena. Its official day is 22 July. The festival is therefore part of the town’s traditional annual cycle and is connected with the saint’s patronage.

More destinations

Other destinations in the same higher-level area include El Gastor, Conil De La Frontera, Bornos, Chiclana De La Frontera, Rota, Puerto Real, La Línea De La Concepción and Bolonia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cadiz.