Description
Villamartin
Villamartin is located in the northwest quadrant of the province, in the last foothills of the countryside, at the foot of the Baetic mountains. Its strategic location, as an articulating node of communications between the localities of the region and, therefore, between the provinces of Cádiz, Seville, and Málaga, has gradually shaped it as the center of regional public services. The area is bathed by the Guadalete and Sarracín rivers, better known in the area as Río Grande and Río Chico. The main activity in the region is agriculture, without forgetting the importance of hunting. Its inhabitants are called Villamartinenses.
The area is strategically located between 4 beautiful golf courses, Campoamor, Las Ramblas, Villamartin, and Las Colinas. Although Villamartin is located inland, it is only a short drive to many beautiful beaches. Villamartin plaza is also worth mentioning, a great center with shops, bars, cafes, banks, and restaurants. In the heat of summer, the nightlife atmosphere is buzzing with life and "noise".
The most outstanding festivals in Villamartín are:
Carnival:
In February or March.
Holy Week:
in March or April
Exposierra and Quesierra:
In April. Multi-sectoral fair that aims to promote the Sierra de Cádiz in all its fields, in tourism, gastronomy, industry, and agriculture. Unmissable appointment for lovers of good cheese.
Pilgrimage of the Mountains:
on September 8, the Virgen de las Montañas moves to the Sanctuary of Pajarete.
Livestock Fair and San Mateo Festival:
from September 20 to 24. “Declared of National Tourist Interest of Andalusia”. It is the oldest cattle fair in Andalusia, having been held since the 16th century. It also hosts the Equisierra contest, a horse breeding and selection contest for the Hispano-Arab breed.
Villamartín´s gastronomy.
Cold cuts and sausages are made. Some of its typical dishes are cabbage, gazpacho, wild asparagus soup, stew, and small game stews. Villamartín can boast of having one of the best artisan cheeses thanks to the quality of the Payoya goat, native to the Sierra de Cádiz. Of its traditional confectionery, it is worth highlighting the white donuts, the pionono, petisú or the "cuerno" and quince meat.
The most outstanding monuments of Villamartín:
- Parish Church of Santa María de las Virtudes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Alberite Dolmen Field.
- Church of Our Lady of Sorrows from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Sanctuary of the Virgen de las Montaňas and Castle of Matrera, Medieval military architecture of the 9th century.
Last, but not least, nature and leisure
Very close to the urban area, you can enjoy the "Villamartín facing the river" path that runs parallel to the Guadalete river bed and "Villamartín facing the mountain", a section that aims to connect with the old path that linked the town with the fortress of Matrera and Ubrique. In the same way, there are various places such as the natural area, the tail of the Bornos Reservoir, the tarajal, or the one known as Cerro de la Gloria from which you can see a wide panoramic view of the mountains.
The land of the old railway station, which never came into operation, is today occupied by a rural hotel and an aerodrome that can be accessed with your own plane or by renting one of those available in the hangars. You can also hire a pilot to make a private flight. In addition to offering flying classes, paragliding and parachute jumping classes are organized.
