The quaint town of Villa de Rota is not what you would expect from a coastal town on the edge of Cádiz. It is a town with its own original artistic flair, unlike any other.

The small white villages of Cádiz are special in their own way. White-washed buildings, flowers adorning the walls and balconies, and holy images of Mary and Christ can be found proudly displayed on the corners of buildings and above neighbors’ homes. Check out our white villages tour.

While Rota shares the same picturesque appeal, it also boasts a unique artistic pizzazz. Thanks to four different organizations and local initiatives, there is a touch of culture on nearly every corner of this charming town.

The Poems – Senda de la Poesía

As you stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Rota, you’ll discover large ceramic tiles with verses or poems inscribed in cursive on neighborhood walls. Each poem is the work of a different poet, all with a connection to the area.

This initiative to beautify Rota with poetic words began in 2020. ‘Foro Plural “Torre de la Merced”’, a social forum operated by the town of Rota, created its own Senda de la Poesía, a silk string of poems throughout its streets.

The very first poem, titled Si Mi Voz Muriera En Tierra (If My Voice Dies on Land), was placed in Plaza Borroso, in front of the restaurant La Silla Azul.

This poem was chosen to honor Rafael Alberti, a famous poet from El Puerto de Santa María, who dedicated several verses to the town of Rota. During the inauguration of the poem, Alberti’s wife gave a heartfelt speech, explaining how the poet had never lost his connection to Rota, even during his 37 years of exile after Franco’s regime.

If my voice dies on land, take it to sea level and leave it on the shore. Take her to sea level and name her captain of a white warship. Oh my decorated voice with the marine insignia: on the heart an anchor, and on the anchor a star, and on the star the wind, and on the wind a sail!

Rafael Alberti

• Rafael Alberti was considered one of Spain’s greatest literary figures. He passed away in 1999. You can learn more about this inspiring individual or visit his museum in El Puerto de Santa Maria here.

Since 2020, Rota has added several more poems with QR codes next to them, inviting visitors to learn more about the writings. The aim is to turn the town into an open-air museum, with a simple stroll becoming a literary journey.

The Faces of Rota

As you walk through the town, it’s hard not to notice the flower pots shaped as faces. This quirky artistic touch became popular in 2020 when a hostel owner created a flower pot sculpted in the shape of his father’s face.

Now, flower pots are a common sight in almost every main plaza. Each one is personalized to resemble a local resident.

The Faces of Rota began as part of the “Boifara” program, aimed at helping older adults form healthier habits and lead fulfilling lives. The program offers both physical activity classes and cultural courses.

Initially, the flower-faced pots were part of this initiative by Julio Malvido García. Today, anyone can create their own personalized flower pot. It takes about 15 minutes and makes for a fun and unique Rota souvenir. Interested? You can contact Julio via WhatsApp at +34 635 894 492 or email him at jumalga1@gmail.com.

The Silhouettes

In one of the main plazas, near the entrance to the beach of La Costilla, you’ll find a large red sign with the town’s name, Rota. Just in front of this sign, as you walk toward the beach, are several silhouettes of individuals. These were created by Roman Lokati, a local artist now residing in London.

Whenever Lokati visits his hometown, he leaves behind artistic surprises, such as these figures on the wall, representing the tourists who come to Rota. You can see more of his work on his Instagram.

Secret Art Interventions

Did you know Rota has a secret anonymous art group? Despite the town’s small size, this group has managed to keep their identity a mystery, with the support of municipal institutions who back them from the sidelines. Only the owners of the “intervened” homes are informed in advance of the group’s intentions.

These nocturnal “interventions” often involve small artistic details added to buildings around the Old Town of Rota. After each installation, a video of the artwork is posted online, but the location remains a secret.

A map of these secret art pieces is available at the tourism office, but the real charm of these works lies in the scavenger hunt they inspire. The group encourages visitors to gaze at the buildings and uncover these hidden gems for themselves. There are over 12 different artistic messages, sculptures, ceramic silhouettes, and small figures, all conveying a unique message—ranging from current issues to social critique, romance, and references to Rota’s marine life and customs.

If you enjoy a good scavenger hunt (Gincana) and want to explore Rota’s hidden artistic treasures, check out my blog post Los Intervenciones. Los Intervenciones: Discover Rota’s Artistic Scavenger.

Experience Rota’s Artistic Treasures

Rota is a town full of surprises. Its blend of local culture, history, and artistic expression makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in the unique character of Andalusia. Ready to explore more of Rota’s art scene? Join one of our guided tours to discover the secret gems of this coastal town. Contact us today to book your tour!