If you have the opportunity to travel to Los Barrios, take it! The city itself is rather small, but it makes up for its size in charm and beauty. Every intersection forms a roundabout with a different sculpture and flowerbeds. These breathtaking works of art will have any tourist wanting to walk the streets for hours.

 

Los Barrios neighbours three rivers: Palmones, Cañas and Guadarranque. The rich soil is kept moistened by these rivers. The land in Los Barrios is then optimal for growing many vegetables. Not to mention, the forests are full of eucalyptus, wild olive, pines, and cork oak.

Because it is near the Strait of Gibraltar, Los Barrios is an area that has been settled for thousands of years. Proof of ancient civilizations can be found in area cave paintings.

 

From the seventh to fourteenth centuries, the area was dominated by the Moors. Many cultures wanted the area due to its prime location, but the Moors held firm until the late 14th century when Christians finally won the territory.

 

Eventually, the British gained ownership of Gibraltar and San Roque became the area where many ousted Spaniards settled. Las Barrios became other area that became their new home. The location to the Iglesia San Isidro Labrador made it a popular choice for many.

Start your vacation with a trip to the local tourist office. Housed in an old residential home, the tourist office can answer many questions and provide you with maps of the area.

 

Paseo de la Constitucion houses a roundabout with an elaborate water fountain. In this section of town you will find Plaza de la Iglesia, home of a quiet square scattered with cast iron benches and lavish gardens. Plaza de la Iglesia is near the Iglesia San Isidro Labrador and the casino (a social club.) The area is home to many outdoor concerts and dances.

 

Iglesia San Isidro Labrador is a solid example of Spanish churches built in the 18th century. Many period details and attractive gardens draw tourists to the church.

 

There is also a roundabout with a statue of a bull. This area marks the beginnings of Spains’s famous “Route del Toro,” a trail of roads and towns that include bullfighting as their part of their proud heritage. At this roundabout, there is a new bullring, built in 1998 and inaugurated in 2000.

 

Los Barrios’ hillsides are under government protection now. In 1989, the regional government named Los Alconocales a natural park. More than 170,000 hectares of area surrounding Los Barrios are under government protection. Many animals and birds (griffon vultures, badgers, and imperial eagles for example) make their homes in the surrounding areas. The laws now protect both plants and animals from strip mining and construction.

 

Casa de los Gómex Pecino o de los Urrutia is an 18th century manor. The architectural details, including large towers, balconies, and columns will appeal to those with an interest in housing styles of the past. Historically, the manor was used to house military during the Great Siege of Gibraltar.

 

The Museo de Historia Natural is located in a former granary. Now the museum displays one of Andalusia’s largest collections of fossils and local minerals.

With over 3,000 hours of sunlight per year, Los Barrios offers many agricultural and farming opportunities. Located on the Bull Route, cattle ranching is one of the area’s largest industries. Cattle are bred, raised, auctioned, and occasionally slaughtered for their meat.

 

Due to the warm climate and ample amounts of sun, Los Barrios is a great location for crops. Tomatoes, figs, olives, oranges, and other crops do very well in the temperate area.

 

Tourism is another important means to raising money for the local economy. Bullfighting draws in many tourists, as does Los Barrios’ convenient location near Gibraltar.

Due to the location between forest and sea, the cuisine of Los Barrios focuses on a little bit of everything. Organic produce, fresh seafood, and wild game all share importance. Homemade chorizo sausage is something worth trying!

 

Regionally, gazpacho and tomato soup is one of the area’s finest dishes. Olla carbonera (pot roast cooked over hot coals) and Carne a la Moruna (meat cooked in the traditional Moorish style with a variety of spices) are also popular. Desserts usually involve Tortas de Pellizco (literally the cakes of tiny amounts that are much like Petit Fours) followed by a glass of aniseed liqueur that is made locally.

 

Pig roasts are common in the area. The roasts begin with the slaughtering of the pig and turn into an entire day of family fun and festivities that last long into the night. 

 

For an unforgettable dining experience, you should head to Mesón El Copo. Start your meal with some of the restaurant’s appetizers. For your main entrée, however, you must try the bream and potato casserole!

If you head to Paseo de la Constitución, there are many bars and dance clubs to suit your needs. Live music can be found in many establishments and outside on the streets. There are video arcades for the avid gamer, ice cream parlours for children, and many outdoor cafes.

 

The largest nightclub in the city finds itself housed underneath the bullring. Tendido 5 offers trendy music, large dance floors, and attractive décor.

Los Barrios offers a unique blend of historical impact, gorgeous scenery, impressive cuisine, and nightlife. If you want to get away without being swarmed by other tourists, Los Barrios needs to be placed high on your list. Pack your bags, grab some sunscreen, and step into a city where modern conveniences are well matched with old-world charm.