Welcome to Prado del Rey! A uniquely beautiful corner that is part of the White Towns of Andalusia or Pueblos Blancos route, in the province of Cadiz, where you will be able to relax in a place surrounded by a great cultural and natural wealth. What else can you ask for a holiday destination?
Prado del Rey is without a doubt one of Andalusia’s treasures. A place full of history since time immemorial. Would you like to know what you can discover and visit in this municipality?
If we got back to its roots, we must talk about Iptuci, an ancient Roman villa whose remains date back from the Neolithic period. Even though it cannot be visited completely, it has been declared a Monument of Cultural Interest and can be partially visited by applying for an authorization at the tourist office. It should be a must on your visit. Furthermore, next to this settlement you will come across the Hortales salt mines, another singular place of Prado del Rey.
But this village in Cádiz has still many places to visit, such as its array of fountains, placed along the streets. The most significant one is Fuente del Pilar, made of stone and located at the exit of the village. Nowadays it functions as an ordinary fountain but, originally, it was part of the water mains of Prado del Rey.
Neighbours will show you to other popular fountains of the village, such as “la de Acá” (the one close here) and “la de Allá” (the one over there), showing off their renown Andalusian charm and familiarity.
The Pósito de Labradores is a structure that dates back from the 18th century that served to store the cereals after the harvest. It has been preserved since agriculture was an economic pillar of this town.
One century after, it was built one of the religious emblems of Prado del Rey: the church of Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen in the memory of its patron saint, located in the centre of the town’s main square.
To admire the views of this unique corner is a true wonder to the senses in the outskirts of this town too since Prado del Rey is located in two of the most important ecological areas of the province. One of them is the Nature Park Sierra de Grazalema, you can also find the Sierra del Pinar mountains, home to endemic natural species such as the pinsapo, a kind of fir tree.
Another relevant natural spot is the Nature Park Los Alcornocales, one of Andalusia’s most important protected nature reserves where you will find large extensions of cork oak trees.
Lastly, gastronomy would be the last chapter to complete a successful tourism experience. Olive oil and honey are its most typical products and the star of most traditional dishes of Prado del Rey, such as the atún encebollado (tuna stew with onion), the vegetable stew cocido de tagarninas and the local variation of must wine mosto de Pajarete.
The gastronomy is also important in the festivities of Prado del Rey, as the honey-themed market of “Feria de la Miel”, the “Feria del Ganado” cattle fair or the festivities honouring Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the patron saint of Prado del Rey.
The Holy Week, which is Spain’s Christian celebration of Easter, is also a rooted festivity in this area, that has an important religious tradition. A visit during this period will discover to you the authenticity of Prado del Rey.
