El Rompido: Nature, Lighthouses and Golf

Nature

The Paraje Natural Marismas del Río Piedras y Flecha de El Rompido extends along the mouth of the Río Piedras. In this estuary, sediments carried in by the sea and the river, together with the influence of the tides, form a system of marshland and a sand dune around 10 kilometres long. The sand dune is called Flecha de El Rompido and runs parallel to the coast.

Other destinations: Nuevo Portil.

Trails and landscape

The Sendero Río Piedras is 4 kilometres long, has a low level of difficulty and an estimated walking time of 1.5 hours. The trail features information panels about marine aquaculture, traditional fishing methods and common marshland species. Access to the Sendero Río Piedras is via a car park near the Faro de El Rompido. Its initial section has been adapted for people with reduced mobility.

The Sendero Marismas de San Miguel runs through marshland with water channels and inlets. There, the landscape changes with the rhythm of high and low tide.

Golf

El Rompido Golf is a 36-hole golf course designed by Álvaro Arana. The golf course has a South Course dating from 2003 and a North Course dating from 2006.

Culture and history

The Faros de El Rompido are located in the coastal town of El Rompido and offer views of the town as well as the Marismas del Río Piedras y Flecha de El Rompido nature reserve. The old lighthouse of El Rompido was built in 1861, is 13 metres high and was decommissioned in 1976. The new lighthouse of El Rompido is 31 metres high and has a range of 24 miles.

Real de la Almadraba was in operation from 1929 to 1963. Around 900 Almadraberos lived in the settlement with their families. Nine of the eleven residential barracks at Real de la Almadraba have been preserved.

The Almadraba is a tuna-fishing method that has been used since pre-Roman times. With this method, a net secured with a palangre is laid out between two boats to catch tuna and other fish species.

The Parroquia de Ntra. Señora del Carmen was built from bricks left over from the construction of Real de la Almadraba in 1956. The Parroquia de Ntra. Señora del Carmen formerly held weekly Masses, as well as baptisms and weddings, for the local community.

Promenade

The El Rompido promenade offers views of calm waters and the historic silhouette of the Almadraba on the opposite bank of the Río Piedras. The El Rompido promenade has a children's play area.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cartaya.