Open Areas
Mayeteria
To talk of agriculture in Rota is to do it “de la MAYETERÍA”, “the work in the fields of the mayeto, the famer of Rota”
The Mayeto has lived exclusively dedicated to cultivating a land that has passed centuries producing the finest fruits. Stooped and sweating, you could see his figure as he collected the fruits of his arduous labour throughout the month of May.
The origin of the MAYETO dwelling can be considered similar to that of the archaic Levantine barracks owned by the ancient farmers of Muslim origin.
With a straw roof, which freshens in summer and warms in winter, the dwellings are always built facing south in search of light and hiding from the cold winds of the north. Nowadays there are still a few left standing as reminders of the identity of the land working community.
The Corrals
The Corrals form part of the heritage of Rota, received from the Arabs that used to construct parcels in the sea formed upon perfectly mounted stones. Fish would find themselves trapped inside the stone parcels at low tide, allowing the fishermen to catch the fish with relative ease.
Thanks to the great range of fauna, the Corrals are an ideal place to carry out a marine photography session. They also hold a great ethnological interest. Because of the unique characteristics of the Corrals, they deserve special protection. For that reason the site has been declared as a Natural Monument.
The Chamaleon
Of all the reptiles in Spain, the Chameleon is the strangest and most attractive of all. Today it is in serious danger of extinction. Rota is fortunate enough to be the town with the highest Chameleon population in all of Spain.
The Chameleon is an inoffensive animal with slow but agile movements that can grow to some 30cm in length. It is known for it’s ability to change the colour of it’s skin to that of the surrounding environment and camouflage itself. It feeds on insects which it captures with a retractile tongue and becomes very drowsy during the winter months.
Parques en Rota
Parque Natural de La Almadraba
| Address | Avda de la Diputacion |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 187500 m2 |
| Timetable |
NA |
| Services | Natural Chameleon reserve, Situated on the edge of the sea, Enclosed grounds, Easy parking |
| Characteristics | The parks pine trees and dunes constitute an unbeatable setting for relaxing and becoming one with the environment. |
Parque Atlántico
| Address | Avda Guillen Moreno |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 7000m2 |
| Timetable |
Summer:
10:00 - 24:00 Winter: 08:00 - 22:00 Closed Mondays |
| Services | Bar/Cafe ( Summer) - Washrooms(WC) - Recreational Area with Childrens Play Area - Picnic Area - Refreshment Stands |
| Characteristics | Situated on the edge of the sea Piñonero Pine Trees Ponds |
Jardín Botánico Celestino Mutis
| Address | Avda. de la Diputación |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | NA |
| Timetable |
10:00 a 14:00 h.
16:00 a 18:30 h. |
| Services | NA |
| Characteristics | Area designated as a project for environmental awareness. Indigenous plants catalogued and distributed in zones. |
Parque Félix Rodriguez de la Fuente
| Address | Avda Principes de Espana |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 2360 m2 |
| Timetable |
Summer:
09:00 - 21:00 Winter: de 12:00 a 19:30 h Closed Tuesdays |
| Services | Recreation area with children’s play area - Security – Waste bins - Drinking Water |
| Characteristics | Ponds with ducks, Felix Rodriguez memorial fountain, Easy Parking |
Parque Manuel Liaño
| Address | Avda. San Fernando |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 2000m2 |
| Timetable |
Summer: 10.00 - 22.00 h. Winter: 10.00 - 19.00 h. |
| Services | NA |
| Characteristics | NA |
Parque el Mayeto
| Address | c/. Ma. Auxiliadora |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 9576m2 |
| Timetable |
Summer:
8.00 - 24.00 Winter: 10.00 - 22.00 |
| Services | Bar/Cafeteria, Recreation Area with Children’s Play Area, Open Air Auditorium, Museum of Ancient Farming Tools used in the Rota Fields, Security |
| Characteristics | Large assortment of vegetation Central Arabian style promenade Aviary with different bird species |
Parque San Fernando
| Address | Avda. San Fernando |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 2000m2 |
| Timetable |
08:00 a 22:00 h. Closed Mondays |
| Services | NA |
| Characteristics | NA |
Parque Carlos Cano
| Address | Avda Crucero Baleares |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | |
| Timetable |
08:00 a 22:00 h. Closed Mondays |
| Services | NA |
| Characteristics | NA |
