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Introduction to Los Barrios |
The Municipality of Los Barrios is located in the South of Andalusia and the Province of Cadiz, along the Costa del Sol and the Straits of Gibraltar.
This strategic position explains its early settlement during the Prehistoric Age. Los Barrios boasts an ample municipal territory which extends from the Mountain Range around the Los Alcornocales Natural Park to the sea.
Currently in the height of its expansion and development, spanning 356 Km and boasting 20,000 inhabitants the area of Los Barrios is comprised of an ample urban centre and the surrounding villages of Palmones, Los Cortijillos, Guadacorte and Puente Romano.
As a geographical centre within the Region of Gibraltar, Los Barrios occupies a large portion of one of the richest and most extensive protected areas in Andalusia and Spain, the Los Alcornocales Natural Park.
Situated beside the sea, it opens onto a bay with a coast of two kilometres forming a beautiful Natural Park on the marshes of the Palmones River .
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Situated in the middle of the Ruta del Toro (Bull Route), the great richness of its ecological environment, its natural beauty, historical value, Mediterranean climate with three thousand hours of sun a year, surrounded by green areas and mountains make the municipality an interesting option for leisure and free time activities.
Population Nuclei:
PALMONES (2,000 inhabitants approx.)
The marine town of Palmones conserves the flavour of a fishing village and offers one of the most important industrial and commercial parks in Andalusia, a breathtaking beach and a maritime promenade with excellent views of the Algeciras Bay and the Mountain Range. Recently declared “Palmones, Gastronomic Centre of the Region of Gibraltar”.
Palmones is situated at the mouth of the river of the same name and is comprised of various marshes which form a protected natural park, with numerous aquatic species of great ornithological interest.
Its strategic position allows us to contemplate both the African continent and the Rock of Gibraltar at close quarters.
GUADACORTE: (1,000 inhabitants approx.)
A residential area with strong past connections to the Larios family and the Marquis’ of Bute. It is situated around the settlement of the same name, which was established by the Larios family in 1785.
A tranquil area where fine taste and the enjoyment of natural resources are combined in harmony: its beautiful interior lake and the course of the Guadarranque River flowing into the bay make this spot a true joy to experience.
Here we find the Social Club, the old Cortijo Guadacorte, “Las Marismas de Palmones” Leisure and Commercial Centre and the Sports Complex which has converted the area into one of Andalusia’s most promising leisure facilities.
LOS CORTIJILLOS:( 1,700 inhabitants approx.)
Situated along the railway lines, the most famous orchards in the municipality are located between these two bridges which cross the tracks.
It is believed that it will become a tourist nucleus within the Los Barrios area due to the new developments popping up and the proposed golf course and hotels which are to be constructed in the surrounding area.
PUENTE ROMANO: (250 inhabitants. approx.)
This small population nucleus is adjacent to the bridge which gives the settlement its name and represents a symbol of the Roman period, although it was constructed in the 18th Century. This settlement is located on the confluence point of numerous cattle holdings and the visitor is greeted with a landscape of farmhouses, orchards and various livestock.
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From here Los Barrios opens onto the Ruta del Toro (Bull Route) and we find the beautiful Algeciras-Bobadilla railway station, the construction of which dates back to the end of the 19th Century.