Castellar de la Frontera (province of Cadiz) is not far from Gibraltar. In the 1960s and 1970s it became a popular destination for hippies and other countercultural movements. At that time, Castellar de la Frontera was a rural and remote town, which made it an attractive place for those seeking an alternative lifestyle. The hippies who came to the town lived in caves and other primitive dwellings and were known for their free-spirited and communal way of life.
In recent years, Castellar de la Frontera has become a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque old town and medieval castle. However, the town's hippie past is still remembered and there are still some residents who were part of the counterculture movement in the 1960s and 1970s.
One of the city's main attractions is the castle, built by the Moors in the 8th century and later expanded by the Christians in the 15th century. Today, visitors can see the town's medieval castle, which was once the residence of the Duke of Medinaceli, as well as the ruins of the old town, which was abandoned after a devastating earthquake in the 18th century.
Castellar de la Frontera is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as a variety of species can be seen in the nearby natural park, including the rare Spanish imperial eagle. The Guadarranque reservoir offers opportunities for water sports such as kayaking and fishing, and the surrounding hills and forests are great for hiking and mountain biking.
After a day exploring the town and its surroundings, you can relax in one of the many bars and restaurants serving delicious Andalusian cuisine. Local specialities include fried fish, gazpacho and a variety of tapas, which can be enjoyed with a glass of sherry or wine from the region. Overall, Castellar de la Frontera offers a unique combination of history, nature and gastronomy that is sure to appeal to many visitors.
Especially the various views of the beautiful Andalusian hinterland, the Monkey Rock of Gibraltar and Africa alone is worth a trip.
