Ubrique is one of the towns that are part of the Route of the Pueblos Blancos of Cadiz. The town, located between the namesake Sierras, is known worldwide for the quality of its leather industry. In addition to its extensive historical heritage, the municipality has in its surroundings the ruins of the Roman city of Ocuri, archaeological remains dating from the second century AD.
The variety of festivities and sporting events held in Ubrique together with its gastronomic richness, make the town an essential tourist destination of the Pueblos Blancos.
Located in the namesake square, it has witnessed the passing of the centuries through its walls, although the date of its construction is unknown, as Napoleon’s troops razed the town to the ground in 1810, burning documents and belongings. Next to the main façade is the Carlos III Fountain, built in 1727 to bring water from Benalfí.
In the heart of Ubrique we can enjoy the Rafael Alberti Park, which hosts different cultural activities throughout the year and has various recreational areas for all ages.
Located in the old cells and in the cloister of the Convent of Capuchinos, we can enjoy the Permanent Exhibition “Hands and Magic in Leather”, which aims to bring visitors closer to the history and development of the leather industry in the town.
The building was used for religious purposes until it was disassociated from the church during the confiscations of the 19th century, passing into private hands and then being abandoned in the mid-20th century. The Center was bought and restored by the town council and is currently used as a municipal archive where a historical perspective of the local heritage is offered through images and documentation.
It has a network of houses and modest streets close to the lower areas of the Ubrique gorge. An obligatory stop for visitors, throughout the year it hosts different activities such as the Living Nativity Scene, the passing of the brotherhoods during Holly Week or different local festivities of interest. The beauty of its architectural structure made it the setting for a well-known 1949 film about bandits, “The Adventures of Juan Lucas”.
Another of the town’s popular religious temples is the Church of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, built between the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century. Originally dedicated to the patron saint of the municipality, the building is still the headquarters of old guild organizations.
The archaeological remains of the Roman city of Ocuri are preserved just one kilometer from the historic center of the town, at the top of the Salto de la Mora. Due to its geographical location on such high ground, it is believed that it must have been a municipality of great importance in pre-Roman times, a fact that is also evident in the majesty of the remains that have been preserved.
One of the most emblematic buildings that we can visit in the town is the Hermitage of Saint Pedro, one of the most characteristic temples due to its neoclassical architecture. The building was originally intended as a place for health care and later it was used as a place of worship. Finally, the building passed into the hands of the town council, which used the facilities as a public school. It is currently used as the town council’s plenary hall, as well as a wedding venue.
The growth of Ubrique in the mid-17th century promoted the construction of larger religious temples to accommodate all the parishioners of the municipality. To this end, the Parish of Nuestra Señora de la O was erected in 1773.
Located in Ubrique and in 2009, the Interpretation Center of the History of Ubrique was inaugurated in the Hermitage of Saint Juan de Letrán.
One of the most beautiful and visited sites in Ubrique is the Convent of Capuchinos, built in the mid-17th century, the monastery houses in its church a preserved image of the venerated patron saint of the municipality, Nuestra Señora de los Remedios.
Built at the beginning of the 18th century by Fray Buenaventura, we find the Hermitage of the Calvary, a religious temple located in the Sierra of Ubrique and which served as the last station of the Via Crucis. The building has a viewpoint from which to enjoy the views of the municipality, as well as the geographical enclave of the area.
The leather goods industry is one of the hallmarks of Ubrique, and the production of high-quality leather goods has brought it international fame. To find out more about leather production, visitors to the town can visit the Movex Foundation, which will allow them to learn more about the design and manufacture of leather fashion accessories. In addition, the town is home to the Leather Artisan School, a training center that seeks to prepare high-level professionals to further expand their skills.
The Hermitage of Saint Antonio is the oldest sanctuary in Ubrique, as its construction dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. It is considered to be one of the emblems of the town due to its characteristic belfry with its Romanesque style, and contains inside an image of Saint Nicolás de Bari, an object of fervor among the parishioners of Ubrique. From the outside there is access to a viewpoint that affords a beautiful panoramic view of the municipality.
One of the main natural attractions of the area is the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, a scenic enclave located between the mountains and the Strait of Gibraltar Natural Park. The great variety of flora and fauna in the area, together with the enormous mass of trees that gives its name to the reserve, make this a place where you can lose yourself in nature and its views. In addition to hiking, the Natural Park offers alternative activities such as mountaineering, caving and canyoning.
Connecting Ubrique with Benaocaz, we find a route that is also part of the history of the municipality. The Roman Path Trail is one of the historical remains preserved in the town. A path made of stone that formed part of a network of roads and is accompanied by vegetation representative of the Sierra of Grazalema.
Along the Cañada Real, and between the natural parks of Los Alcornocales and Sierra de Grazalema, we find the Mojón de la Víbora Trail. The route, which serves as a border for migratory passages, has a rich variety of fauna and vegetation. We can find deers, roe deers, weasels, badgers and other rodents, as well as a variety of reptiles and birds of prey. Wild olive trees, holm oaks and cork oaks accompany hikers along the route, among other varieties of tree species.
Next to one of the less traveled secondary roads we can find the Ubrique-Ferrets’ Reservoir Path, which connects both locations. The area is divided into two sections, the first in which the Ubrique River borders the Natural Park, and the second, in which the road borders the path.
In the heart of the Sierra de Ubrique, we can walk along the Puerto Calvito Path, a 10.4 kilometer trail with rich vegetation typical of Mediterranean environments. Vultures, hawks and eagles soar through the skies along this route, while goats, foxes and deer roam the landscapes of this scenic enclave.
To enjoy the different panoramic views that Ubrique has to offer, seven viewpoints have joined together to give name to a route. With a total of 3.15 kilometers, low difficulty and easy access, the Route of the Viewpoints connects the municipality from north to south and from east to west thanks to the seven corridors that make it up: the Summits’ Viewpoint, de Hermitage of Saint Antonio, de Ubrique Alto, the Hermitage of the Calvary, of the Olive Grove, of the Mojón de la Víbora and the Dog’s Old Vineyard.
Between Cadiz and Malaga, we find one of the most recognizable natural environments in Andalusia, the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Irregular reliefs, canyons and underground labyrinths of caves are some of the geological landmarks produced throughout history. The range of activities on offer in this environment goes from summit ascents to rock and wall climbing, in a setting of forests of holm oaks, cork oaks and Spanish firs, descendants of the fir trees of central Europe, which nowadays only live here.
One of the most popular and deeply-rooted festivities in the town is the ‘Crujía de gamones’. Every 3rd of May, Ubrique is filled with candles and decorations that cover the streets and the center of the town for this traditional celebration. The ritual consists of exploding the stems of the asphodel -a wild plant with white flowers- which are placed in a bonfire. When the base of the plant heats up, it bursts and produces an intense noise that provokes the jubilation and celebration of those present.
On 7 September, at dawn, the Rosary of the Dawn takes place, which is also presided over by the Simpecado. That same night, fireworks display lit up the night in Ubrique. The following day, the Day of the Virgin is celebrated with a Solemn Function in the morning and a procession of the image in the afternoon. On the Sunday following the procession, the vows to the Patron Saint are renewed, a symbolic act of faith that dates back to 1855.
In the month of December, Ubrique prepares to bid farewell to the year with a structural framework of lights and decorations in every corner of the town. The Christmas programme includes interesting activities such as the Living Nativity Scene, which, as well as commemorating the birth of Jesus, recreates trades and the atmosphere of the time. The tasting of an enormous Three King’s Cake, the visit of the Royal Postman or the parade of the Three Kings Parade make both young and old live this festivity with the same enthusiasm.
The Tourist-Cultural Evening Ubrique Crea-Arte aims to show visitors and inhabitants of Ubrique an alternative vision of the municipality and its history, which is accompanied by cultural activities and workshops.
In February, Carnival takes place in many parts of the country, and Ubrique is not far behind in the celebration of these festivities. Different events take place throughout the second month of the year, enlivened by the lyrics of the carnival groups.
One of the festivities that pave the way to the summer season is the Roman Descent. Of a historical nature, this event recreates the ancient route of the Romans in the Hispanic era. Disguised as legionaries and civilians of the time, the participants follow the route between Ubrique and Benaocaz. The path is accompanied by a market, the recreation of an Ocvritan forum, gladiator fights and other historical activities.
The arrival of April also brings with it one of the most traditional celebrations of Andalusian folklore, the Pilgrimage. In this case it is Saint Isidro, patron saint of Ubrique, who causes the fervor of the parishioners on his journey from the town center to the Periurban Park of the Transfer. On arrival, the celebration begins with music and good food.
The feeling of brotherhood also has its place in the calendar of Ubrique with the celebration of the Holy Week. Orange blossom and faith fill the streets and corners of the municipality along with religious imagery in a fervent atmosphere throughout the week.
The cultural calendar of Ubrique offers visitors and locals an interesting proposal, the “Pedro Lobato Hoyos” Outdoor Speed Painting Competition. The event brings together painters from all over Andalusia and Spain to try to capture the beauty of the streets and corners of Ubrique.
To round off the summer season, the Patron Saint Festivities in Honor of the Virgen de los Remedios take place. The festivities are held between 30 August and 7 September, and begin with the move from the Convent of Capuchinos to the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la O.
During the month of September, the eagerly awaited Festival week takes place, one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations by the young people of Ubrique. For seven days the municipality decorates its streets, which are filled with sevillanas, food and a festive atmosphere that lasts both day and night. The parade of big-heads kicks off a week of festivities, the main meeting point of which is the fairgrounds in the Palms Square
With the summer season just around the corner, Ubrique brings out the sportswear again, this time, on the occasion of the Raid Ubrique Pentathlon, where several sports disciplines are disputed such as running, MTB or swimming among other modalities.
At the end of September, the Ultra Endurance Through Road Gibraltar – Ubrique takes place, which covers a total of 96 kilometers of the Cadiz geography during 21 hours. The route crosses the Alcornocales Natural Park, la Línea de la Concepción and Saint Roque, among other locations.
In April, the municipality fills up with motor racing enthusiasts for the Ubrique-Benaocaz Ascent, a race which, for more than 25 years, has turned the Sierra into a spectacular rally circuit.
Mountain bike enthusiasts will also find a place in the sports agenda of Ubrique, with the celebration of the DH Barada. A competition of 1.1 kilometers in length and 160 meters of vertical drop that also counts towards the Andalusian Downhill Championship and the Andalusian DH Open.
One of the best-known popular races in the mountains of Cadiz is the Nutrias Pantaneras race. On the last Sunday in October, locals and visitors alike put on their race number to run a total of 11.5 kilometers through the town and surrounding area.
The Nutrias Pantaneras Athletics Club organizes the annual CXM of the Aljibes-Ubrique, where participants have to go over 23.3 kilometers. This competition, which takes place in March, is accompanied by spectacular views over an irregular stretch with a multitude of ascents and descents.
The grape juice from the vineyards of Ubrique and the products obtained from traditional pig slaughtering, such as pork and lard, complete the traditional local menu.
The local confectionery makes a show of typical dishes such as roasted sweet potatoes, ‘torrijas’ made with natural honey from the mountains or the famous ‘gañotes’, a legacy of Arab culture and made in the traditional way for generations. This dessert is the star of an annual competition in which the locals compete to make the best gañotes.
One of the star products of the mountain villages, cheese, also has its place in the cuisine of Ubrique. Made from the milk of the Merino and Payoya goats that graze in the surrounding highlands, the dairy products are of great quality and exquisite flavor.
The vegetables and fruit provided by nearby orchards such as the one in Tavizna and the exquisite game meats provided by the mountains make up a diversity of dishes for all palates.
The gastronomy of Ubrique has a wide variety of traditional recipes, the result of making the most of the products and harvesting of the countryside. Stews, rice dishes and scrambled eggs with wild products such as mushrooms or asparagus are just some of the examples of the wide range of gastronomic dishes that make up the cuisine of Ubrique.
It has a network of houses and modest streets close to the lower areas of the Ubrique gorge. An obligatory stop for visitors, throughout the year it hosts different activities such as the Living Nativity Scene, the passing of the brotherhoods during Holly Week or different local festivities of interest. The beauty of its architectural structure made it the setting for a well-known 1949 film about bandits, “The Adventures of Juan Lucas”.
To round off the summer season, the Patron Saint Festivities in Honor of the Virgen de los Remedios take place. The festivities are held between 30 August and 7 September, and begin with the move from the Convent of Capuchinos to the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la O.
Next to one of the less traveled secondary roads we can find the Ubrique-Ferrets’ Reservoir Path, which connects both locations. The area is divided into two sections, the first in which the Ubrique River borders the Natural Park, and the second, in which the road borders the path.
Connecting Ubrique with Benaocaz, we find a route that is also part of the history of the municipality. The Roman Path Trail is one of the historical remains preserved in the town. A path made of stone that formed part of a network of roads and is accompanied by vegetation representative of the Sierra of Grazalema.
The Hermitage of Saint Antonio is the oldest sanctuary in Ubrique, as its construction dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. It is considered to be one of the emblems of the town due to its characteristic belfry with its Romanesque style, and contains inside an image of Saint Nicolás de Bari, an object of fervor among the parishioners of Ubrique. From the outside there is access to a viewpoint that affords a beautiful panoramic view of the municipality.
One of the festivities that pave the way to the summer season is the Roman Descent. Of a historical nature, this event recreates the ancient route of the Romans in the Hispanic era. Disguised as legionaries and civilians of the time, the participants follow the route between Ubrique and Benaocaz. The path is accompanied by a market, the recreation of an Ocvritan forum, gladiator fights and other historical activities.
The town of Ubrique is located in the northeast of the province of Cádiz, between the Sierra of Grazalema and the Los Alcornocales Natural Parks. The municipality is close to Jerez de la Frontera, the Campo de Gibraltar, the Sierra de Ronda and the province of Seville.
From Seville, take the A-375 and the A-373.
From Cádiz, we will arrive to the municipality from the A-372.
From Jerez de la Frontera, take the A-382 and then the A-372.
From Málaga, take the A-357 and then the A-367.
From Ronda, the shortest route is the A-374.
The DAMAS fleet reaches the municipality from Seville, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Malaga and Ubrique. All the information is available on their website:
