Gaucin
Gaucin is a very attractive white village, 30 minutes inland from the Mediterranean coast and 45 minutes from the historic town of Ronda. The streets spill down the mountainside and there are wonderful views at every turn. The friendly locals go about their everyday business as they have for centuries. The pace of life here is a world apart from the motorways and congestion of the busy cities of the world. Maybe time belongs to a different era, but now with communication possible at the flick of a switch, you can stay in touch wherever you are. With the best climate in Europe,the air is clean with little or no humidity, and the quality of life takes on new heights.
Gaucin has a population of only 2000 and is perched 626 metres above sea level. Like so much of Andlaucía, it has had a fascinating, if tumultuous history. Derived from the Arab word, guazan (strong rock), the village is perched on the crest of the Sierra del Hacho, and due to its key strategic position was once a major Roman settlement. Its magnificent castle, Castillo del Aguila (Eagle's Castle) dates from this era and was later expanded by the Arabs into a fortress. As one would expect from the name, it is not unusual to seek eagles circling the towers here, while kestrels regularly nest in the walls of the mediaeval convent.
These days, the castle is open from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 7 pm and occasional concerts are held here. Foot stomping flamenco can also be enjoyed at the convent where concerts are held, while classical recitals take place in the church.
The centre of the village is a tangle a narrow, twisting streets and was once a haven for brandy and tobacco smugglers who travelled through the surrounding hills. Up until recently, most houses had no running water and one light bulb. A far cry from the refurbished houses today which boast every mod con. The locals are apparently somewhat bemused by the mad foreigners who insist on keeping the old beams and Ronda tiled floors!
Gaucin offers two hotels, one of which has an excellent international style restaurant. There are also six restaurants within the village and about the same number just outside. There are many artists living in the village and art courses are tutored locally. A recording studio has been established by a young Argentinian. Two riding stables are located just outside the village, and guided walks, longer treks, nature trails and bird watching expeditions are also organised. Tennis courts and a large municipal swimming pool are popular in the summer month. Its charming fonda, the Nacional (C/San Juan de Dios 8) closed its doors a couple of years back after 125 years, but is steeped in history and still serves meals.
