The municipality of Puerto Serrano, located between the Subbaetic System and the Guadalete River, is one of the stops on the Route of the Pueblos Blancos. The town has a rich diversity of archaeological sites, which makes it an interesting tourist attraction. Being the starting point of the Greenway of the Sierra, Puerto Serrano is a town with a special charm and a tourist diversity to suit all tastes.
The geographical situation of Puerto Serrano, its proximity to the Guadalete river, its strategic location as a border area and link between municipalities, led to the settlement of the first villages in the area.
HISTORIC HERITAGE
The Siré Mill was originally a Carmelite Convent founded in the first half of the 18th century. With the passing of time, the religious purpose of the building changed to an industrial one, becoming an oil mill. Both the façade and the ground plan are the result of a mixture of baroque and neoclassical styles. It is currently considered an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Department of Culture of the Andalusian Regional Government.
One of the most emblematic places in the town is the Carlos Cano Square, in the heart of the old quarter. The name was given in recognition of the singer-songwriter from Granada, a democratic reference during the Spanish Transition. The square preserves the essence of the Nasrid period with its orange grove and fountains.
The Church of Saint María Magdalena has become the religious temple par excellence. Of humble character, it has a neoclassical architectural style, although it has certain touches of the first stages of the baroque. It is presented as a building with three naves, a double façade and a tower with a belfry, housing the Tabernacle Chapel, the Baptismal Chapel, the High Altar and Baroque canvases inside. It is the starting point for the penitential stations of the Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte and the Virgen de los Dolores.
The Ramos Fountain Necropolis is a series of megalithic burial sites dating from the Bronze Age and the Nasrid period, respectively. Located in artificial caves, the burial sites at Fuente de Ramos were carved approximately 3,000 years ago. Taking advantage of the natural cavities, relatives were buried in structures reminiscent of pantheons. At the entrance, the vertical limestone walls were used to carve colossal porticoes.
El Indiano is a country house of almost 300 hectares located on the Greenway, dedicated to the cultivation of vegetables, legumes and other products. There are other buildings close to the farmhouse, such as old livestock facilities, an old ranch and a small factory.
The building that houses the Puerto Serrano Town Hall has characteristics typical of contemporary architecture, with a façade structured in two sections. Inside, there are various rooms for administrative procedures, a plenary hall and the mayor’s office.
Located at one end of the main street of the municipality, the Constitution Square has become one of the busiest places in Puerto Serrano. Its proximity to places such as the Sports Center and the Municipal Swimming Pool, the Doctor’s Office and the Local Police Headquarters has made this square one of the most important places in the town.
The Miguel Rodríguez Rivera Square is an urban space in the town, located in an area full of orange trees. The Town Hall is located here and it is the chosen setting for the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The Andalucía Square is located at the entrance to the town, where the Cadiz Avenue ends. This urban space has recently incorporated a water mill into its structure as a tribute to the ancient methods of its inhabitants to obtain flour. In its surroundings we can find buildings such as the Municipal Library, the Media Office, the Magistrate’s Court, the station of the National Guard and a day center for the elderly.
A total of 24 private houses make up the small village of Pozo Amargo, which belongs to the municipality. Although some of them have been destroyed or abandoned, the Chapel in honor of the Virgen de la Inmaculada and a public school have been preserved. Pozo Amargo is also the site of the old spa, which is no longer in operation.
The location of the Del Almendral Hermitage offers the best views of the municipality. It is located in the vicinity of the prehistoric burial site, although we can also visit the remains of the medieval occupations. The temple is built in honor of Saint María Magdalena, patron saint of Puerto Serrano, although it originally served as a necropolis. It was in the cave of the same name that the image was hidden during the War of Independence, until it was found and brought back to the municipality. According to oral tradition, a shepherd heard the Patron Saint and, while digging through the bushes, found a cave where the carving was to be found. On the outskirts of the Hermitage there is a system of corridors that cross the interior of the hill.
In the vicinity of Puerto Serrano is the natural area of the Guadalete River, where marshes and dunes merge, forming an ideal space for the nesting of migratory birds and the flourishing of unique flora and tree species.
La Toleta Recreational Park is one of the green spaces in the municipality, located on the so-called Route of the Green Ways. It is a plain, close to the Guadalete river, where there is furniture for barbecues and outdoor meals. The location allows the possibility of carrying out some sporting activities and camping, with prior authorisation from the Town Hall for the latter.
The Greenway of Puerto Serrano consists of a disused railway line, adapted for the transit of people and non-motorized vehicles. The old Puerto Serrano train station has been restored as a restaurant and tourist accommodation, offering the unique experience of spending the night in a railway halt.
The area of El Chaparral stands out for its preserved remains of a Roman villa, as well as a sculpture of the god Atis.
The Toleta-Cañuelo trail leads to the Glory Hermitage, passing through the Pulpitillo. With a length of 6 kilometers, it can be done in an hour and a half and is of medium difficulty.
Also on the Greenway is the Puerto Serrano-Toleta Route. The itinerary, which is 9 kilometers long, passes through El Indiano and the mills near the town, as well as through various tunnels.
The Castellar Hill is located on the top of a mountain, from which it is possible to observe the course of the Guadalete river. It served as a control area for the natural pass formed by the valley of the Guadalquivir and the Atlantic. Remains from the end of the Bronze Age and the Roman period can be seen.
The route from Toleta-Pesebrillos, which is 4 kilometers long, takes the direction of “La Nava” to reach “El Morisco” and then heads towards “Los Pesebrillos”. The return journey is along the Greenway, specifically along one of the sides of the Guadalete River.
The Toleta-Coripe Route seeks to enhance the natural environment of the La Toleta Recreational Area. On its route it passes through La Angostura, a cavity caused by the erosion of the river. The route runs for 15 kilometers, which can only be done on foot, and most of it is a steady climb. There are many natural caves in the area, ideal for abseiling. Del Palilla Cave, the Bat Cave and Cave of the Doves are just a few examples of caves in the area.
Hikers can enjoy the Toleta-Zaframagón route, which is perfectly signposted on the Greenway. The itinerary has a great natural attraction through the landscapes of the Zaframagón Nature Reserve.
Another of the most popular routes for cyclists is the Puerto Serrano-Zaframagón route. This is a path that mostly has no climbs, but with ups and downs, and offers a unique panoramic view from the Rock.
El Indiano is a circular route of more than 8 kilometers on the Greenway. An ideal route for cycling, which is also part of the route of the Greenway Rally and the Mountain Bike Championship.
The Friends of the Horse Meeting is a local event held in mid-October which, since it was first organized more than a decade ago, has gained regional fame. After a tour of Puerto Serrano and the Greenway, races and gymkhanas are organized to liven up the day.
Its origins date back to 1839 as a livestock fair, until today it has become one of the most eagerly awaited festivities by the “policheros”. It is held between the second and third week of August and lasts five days, from Wednesday to Sunday. The lighting of the fairgrounds, accompanied by the local music band “Gailín”, inaugurates this festivity. On the same night, the Flamenco Night takes place.
On the second day of the festival, the parade of Giants and Big-heads and the release of the Bull of Fire complete the morning activities. On the occasion of the Homage to the Polichera Woman, the “Gran Paella” is held in the Municipal Stand, which precedes the Popular Games every afternoon.
The Pilgrimage of Saint Magdalena, patron saint of Puerto Serrano, takes place on 22nd July. More than 150 years of tradition consolidate this event as one of the most popular in the local calendar. For three days, the inhabitants of Puerto Serrano celebrate in honor of the saint, who is taken to the Del Almendral hermitage.
The town of Puerto Serrano bids farewell to the year with its traditional Candles Festivity, which lights up the entrance of the new year in the Town Hall Square. Fireworks, music and champagne accompany the inhabitants of the municipality all night long.
The Aguardiente Bull, considered the first running of bulls in the Peninsula, is a celebration that coincides with the New Year. The route, of approximately 500 meters, runs along Pedro Sanz Street, which is decorated and prepared for the occasion. The origin of the name of this festivity comes from the liquor bottles that were left along the street. Although this event dates back to the 19th century, it did not escape the censorship of the Civil War and would not be revived until the subsequent Democratic Transition.
The arrival of February brings with it the celebration of the Puerto Serrano Carnival. It reached its peak at the beginning of the 90s, although there is evidence of it being held earlier. During the first weekend, the children’s parade will open the programme on Friday morning. On the same day, the “Fallita” takes place in the Cultural Center, where local groups and those from nearby municipalities entertain the afternoon. On Saturday night you can enjoy different musical performances and first prize winning groups from the Falla Theater competition. All of this is preceded by the opening speech, given by a famous celebrity or resident of the town. The famous tasting on Sunday, known as the “Chaciná Popular”, is the culmination of the first week of Carnival.
Puerto Serrano has an enormous variety of typical dishes, prepared with high quality local products, making up a traditional menu suitable for all tastes and with a unique flavor. Thus, we find recipes such as rabbit in sauce, the famous ‘tagarninas’ stew, eggs in sauce, scrambled soup with asparagus and potatoes, Spanish snails with tomato and snails in broth. Puerto Serrano’s pastries include ‘tortas de hornazo’, honey sweet fritters, ‘pestiños’, ‘poleá’ and porridge with honey.
La Toleta Recreational Park is one of the green spaces in the municipality, located on the so-called Route of the Green Ways. It is a plain, close to the Guadalete river, where there is furniture for barbecues and outdoor meals. The location allows the possibility of carrying out some sporting activities and camping, with prior authorisation from the Town Hall for the latter.
The Greenway of Puerto Serrano consists of a disused railway line, adapted for the transit of people and non-motorized vehicles. The old Puerto Serrano train station has been restored as a restaurant and tourist accommodation, offering the unique experience of spending the night in a railway halt.
In the vicinity of Puerto Serrano is the natural area of the Guadalete River, where marshes and dunes merge, forming an ideal space for the nesting of migratory birds and the flourishing of unique flora and tree species.
The Ramos Fountain Necropolis is a series of megalithic burial sites dating from the Bronze Age and the Nasrid period, respectively. Located in artificial caves, the burial sites at Fuente de Ramos were carved approximately 3,000 years ago. Taking advantage of the natural cavities, relatives were buried in structures reminiscent of pantheons. At the entrance, the vertical limestone walls were used to carve colossal porticoes.
The location of the Del Almendral Hermitage offers the best views of the municipality. It is located in the vicinity of the prehistoric burial site, although we can also visit the remains of the medieval occupations. The temple is built in honor of Saint María Magdalena, patron saint of Puerto Serrano, although it originally served as a necropolis. It was in the cave of the same name that the image was hidden during the War of Independence, until it was found and brought back to the municipality. According to oral tradition, a shepherd heard the Patron Saint and, while digging through the bushes, found a cave where the carving was to be found. On the outskirts of the Hermitage there is a system of corridors that cross the interior of the hill.
One of the most emblematic places in the town is the Carlos Cano Square, in the heart of the old quarter. The name was given in recognition of the singer-songwriter from Granada, a democratic reference during the Spanish Transition. The square preserves the essence of the Nasrid period with its orange grove and fountains.
Puerto Serrano is a municipality located between the Subbaetic System and the Guadalete river. It is 105 kilometres from the capital of Cadiz and is the starting point of the Vía Verde.
From Seville, the most recommended route is via the A-376 and A-375.
From Cádiz, take the AP-4 motorway, then the A-382 and finally the Antequera Road or A-384.
From Jerez de la Frontera, follow the A-382 and the Carretera de Antequera or A-384.
From Malaga, take the A-357 to continue along the Antequera Road or A-384.
From Ronda, the A-374 and then take the A-284 is the quickest way to get to Puerto Serrano.
Comes has a transport line to Puerto Serrano from Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz and Ronda. On their website you can find all the information about the different routes.
