The church Nuestra Señora del Socorro in Benalup |
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Benalup Casas Viejas
Benalup-Casas Viejas, in the Province of Cádiz, is a traditionally agricultural town, whose economy and tourist industry is enjoying healthy growth. It has been described as a young town with a history and is right at the entrance to the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, with the Barbate river running alongside. It is also very close by the old lake of the Janda. Benalup is 110 meters above sea level and has a population of around 6,000.
It is visited by making a detour from the Los Barrios to Jerez A381 road on to the CA212 and then continuing on the Medina Sidonia or Vejer de la Frontera near the coast.
The name of the town comes from a castle built in the times of the Muslim occupation. One of the main historic attractions to Benalup are the primitive cave drawings in the natural caves and grottos in the area, especially the caves of Tajo de las Figueras, del Arco and Cimera, which were all declared as Artistic Architectural Monuments in 1924.
Especially beautiful is the Cueva del Tajo and the remains of dolmens in the same area. (Which is unfortunately no longer open to the public). The rich historic wealth of the cave drawings contrast with the lack of signs of life after that time and up to the present day although there are signs of a roman road nearby, which stretches from Medina Sidonia right up to Gibraltar which would suggest that, due to the strong agricultural and farming background indicates a supply route of great importance. Then, during the time of the Muslim occupation, Benalup was linked up with Medina Sidonia, again because of its excellent agricultural produce.
Benalup Casas Viejas - Hotels
Book hotels in Benalup Casas Viejas
Fairplay Golf and Spa Resort
Benalup is now renowned in the leisure and tourism industry for its exceptional Fairplay Golf and Spa Resort, which was conceived by Belgian entrepreneur and art collector Bernard Devos. He wanted to integrate his priceless art collection directly into the resort's atmosphere, and many pieces are on display throughout the property for guests to enjoy. Inspired by the characteristic white villages, the resort's design recreates a small Andalusian village featuring seven patios, arches, white façades and fountains. This architecture is designed to draw attention to the stunning surrounding landscape.
The course benefits from an award-winning, water-saving special grass treatment. The beautiful greens and fairways are a testament to its success. Green fees include lunch at the modern clubhouse restaurant. Since its opening in 2006, the resort has received significant international recognition, including: World Travel Awards: It has won prestigious awards such as "Best Resort in Europe for Golf" and "Best Spa Complex in Spain". The hotel was also inducted into the exclusive Leading Small Hotels of the World. However, the resort faced financial difficulties in the 2010s, resulting in the hotel's closure in 2014. In 2016, the resort was acquired by the Andalusian hospital group Grupo Hospitalario José Manuel Pascual Pascual S.A., led by José Manuel Pascual, in an auction. Following a renovation, it successfully reopened its doors in 2017, once again establishing itself as a premier destination in the area.
Apart from some smaller, more modest hotels and hostels in the area, there is a new five star golf hotel soon opening in Banalup - The Fairplay Golf Hotel - offering all the luxury you could wish for in one of the most privileged surroundings close to nature. The hotel, opened in 2005, and offers golf, gastronomy, entertainment and spa facilities.
 Sunlit charm of Benaulup’s white village, Cádiz |
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Places of interest to visit in Benalup are:
- The Castle and Tower of Banalup (12th to 13th Century)
- Church of Nuestra Señora del Socorro (10th Century)
- Las Cupulas Museum - Tel: 956 424638 - open Monday to Sunday, mornings 11:00 - 14:00 afternoons 17:00 - 20:00
- Monastery del Cuervo (closed)
