Paterna de Rivera is a charming town renowned for its medicinal waters, nestled in the heart of the province of Cadiz. With a history that stretches back to prehistoric times, Paterna de Rivera offers a rich cultural legacy for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Located just a short drive from Malaga Airport, renting a car provides the perfect opportunity to explore this picturesque town and its surroundings at your own pace. As you journey through the scenic landscapes, you'll discover the unique heritage and warm hospitality that Paterna de Rivera has to offer.
The baths of Gigonza and Fuentesanta, renowned for their medicinal waters, were especially famous during Roman times.
The Romans inhabited the area during its heyday until the fall of the Roman Empire. Subsequently, the territory was occupied by Byzantines and Visigoths until the Arabs entered the south of the peninsula, expelling them and naming the place "Valley of the Baths".
After the Christian conquest, the territory was handed over to a family whose descendants founded the village of Paterna in 1503. However, it did not separate from Alcala de los Gazules until 1825.
Currently, the town bases its economy on agriculture and livestock.
One of the main attractions of Paterna is its proximity to the "Ruta del Toro", a scenic route through nature that begins in Jerez de la Frontera and passes through towns like Medina Sidonia, Benalup, Tarifa, and Algeciras, among others. The route passes by farms dedicated to the breeding of bulls, so they are often seen during the tour.
Gastronomy is another important aspect of Paterna. The venison and vegetables of the region are two of the main ingredients in dishes that combine both, such as "pout".
Paterna de Rivera is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and hiking. Some popular trails and natural spots include:
Paterna de Rivera boasts a rich and varied culinary tradition, deeply rooted in its local agriculture and game. The town's cuisine is characterised by the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, creating dishes that are both hearty and flavourful. Here are some of the most notable dishes you can savour in Paterna de Rivera:
Paterna de Rivera is known for its vibrant local fairs and festivals, which are a significant part of the town's cultural heritage. These events offer a unique opportunity to experience the local traditions, music, and cuisine.
The Feria de Primavera, or Spring Fair, is one of the most anticipated events in Paterna de Rivera. Held from the end of May to early June, this fair features a variety of activities, including:
The fair begins with the lighting of the fairground on the first evening, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts for several days. It's a perfect time to visit Paterna de Rivera and immerse yourself in the local culture.
In addition to the Feria de Primavera, Paterna de Rivera hosts several other festivals throughout the year, including:
The nearest airport to Paterna is the airport of Jerez, although as Malaga is the main gateway for tourism in Andalusia, we will show you how to get to Paterna from Malaga.
Take the Mediterranean motorway A-7 through Manilva and San Roque, shortly before arriving at Algeciras, you can choose whether to cross the Natural Park of Alcornocales or continue towards Algeciras and along the coast, which is the longer route.
If you cross the Natural Park of Alcornocales, you should take the route towards Los Barrios and Alcala de los Gazules; otherwise you should take the route towards Algeciras and Tarifa to get to Vejer de la Frontera, from where you take the direction to Medina Sidonia.
In the map below we can see the route to take in detail; if you want to see the route to take if you decide to drive along the coast, drag it and you will see the alternate route.
You can hire a car in Malaga or check our prices for a transfer from Malaga airport.
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