The Dolmen de Alberite combines a long archaeological history with visible details: painted and engraved motifs have been preserved inside. There is also a castle with several historical layers, regional festivals and an easy hiking trail along the Guadalete. Villamartín therefore offers a range of options for planning your trip: heritage, events, landscapes or regional cuisine. You can choose which of these will shape your stay according to your interests and the events calendar.
Archaeology and architectural history
The Dolmen de Alberite is listed in Villamartín as an independent archaeological zone in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage. Radiocarbon dates from the end of the 5th millennium BC place it among the oldest megalithic tombs in Western Europe. The painted and engraved motifs preserved throughout the interior of the megalithic structure are also remarkable.
Different construction phases meet at Castillo de Matrera: since 1949, it has been a monument of military architecture designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). The Christian structure was built over an Andalusian fortress known in Arabic sources as “Castillo de la Rosa.” Villamartín’s churches also display different artistic and historical influences. Construction of the parish church of Villamartín began in the first half of the 16th century; its tower façade was built between 1562 and 1565 to a design by Hernán Ruíz II. The parish church’s main altar is in the Baroque style. The Iglesia de San Francisco, by contrast, has a Neoclassical altarpiece donated by King Fernando VII and installed in 1828.
The Museo Histórico Municipal de Villamartín preserves material from the megalithic necropolis of Alberite; its collections also include material from the Torrevieja archaeological site. This site provides evidence of human presence in the Neolithic period at the end of the 4th millennium, including stone tools and handmade pottery. The museum offers guided tours. Check the specific arrangements before your trip.
Hiking trail and natural area
The “Villamartín de cara al río” hiking trail runs parallel to the Guadalete where the river passes through Villamartín. The signposted route is about three kilometres long and is described as easy. It can be walked or cycled. As route conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.
Part of the Cola del Embalse de Bornos natural area lies within the municipality of Villamartín. The area serves as a breeding and wintering ground for protected birds and is home to a significant heron colony. As well as the riverside trail, the nature reserve and birdlife offer distinct nature-focused options for planning your trip.
An airfield is located on the site of the former railway station, which was never put into operation. Flight lessons, paragliding courses and parachute jumps are offered there. Check the availability of these activities before your trip.
Festivals and events calendar
Villamartín’s livestock fair has been held since the 16th century and always takes place from 21 to 23 September. It is recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional de Andalucía (National Tourist Interest Festival of Andalusia). Equisierra includes conformation competitions for Spanish and Hispano-Arabian horses. Another annual event is the Romería of Nuestra Señora de las Montañas on 8 September: it begins with a pilgrim mass at Santa María de las Virtudes and continues from Villamartín on foot, horseback and in carriages to the pilgrimage chapel.
Carnival is usually celebrated over two consecutive weekends; the dates vary from year to year. The programme includes local groups, chirigotas, comparsas and quartets, connected with the official carnival group competition held annually in Cádiz. The fairs also have their own distinctive features: Exposierra offers a food and leisure area with tapas, typical dishes, cooking demonstrations and tastings; the programme may vary from one edition to another. The recurring Quesierra brings together the main cheese producers of the Sierra de Cádiz and their products, and includes a quality competition. The dates of individual editions vary.
Cuisine and local crafts
Traditional dishes include tomato and asparagus zopas, bread-based dishes served without broth. Villamartín’s baking tradition can also be seen in specific names: rosco blancos and torpedos are traditional baked goods, and their recipes have been preserved by local confectioners for up to four generations.
Saddlery and ceramics offer further insights into local crafts. Guarnicionería is still practised in Villamartín today, producing items including chaps, boots and saddles for horse riding. Artistic ceramics are particularly visible in the streets and squares; many houses in the old town display examples of this art.
Getting there and choosing your focus
The A-384 is important for road travel: it is Villamartín’s main transport link. The A-373 connects Villamartín and the Sierra de Cádiz with the Málaga coast. When planning a stay, you can tailor your route to your travel plans and decide in advance what to focus on: historic buildings and archaeological finds, an event around a festival, nature or regional cuisine. For events with changing dates or programmes, it is worth checking the details of the specific edition.
Discover more destinations: Los Barrios, Algeciras, Medina Sidonia, El Santiscal, La Línea De La Concepción, Puerto Real, Jimena De La Frontera, Paterna De Rivera.
For the broader travel overview: Cadiz.
