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Route of the Almoravids and Almohads

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  • The Partal Palace at the Alhambra in Granada.

    The Partal Palace at the Alhambra in Granada.

Andalusia was dominated by the Almoravids and Almohads between the 11th and 13th centuries. This route explores the Moorish architecture of the period, as well castles, towers and citadels. It is one of the group of Al-Andalus heritage routes.

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Route of the Almoravids and Almohads

Itinerary 1: Home

This route has two variants, both starting at Tarifa (Cadiz) and ending in Granada.
  • Tarifa. Its formidable castle, built in the 10th century, testifies to how important this city was. Also, do not forgot that this is a Mecca for windsurfing in Europe.
  • Algeciras. It was the first city of Al-Andalus to fall into the hands of the Almoravids in the 11th century.

Route of the Almoravids and Almohads

Itinerary 2: Towards the mountains of Malaga

  • Castellar de la Frontera. Its walled enclosure and fortress offer a fine example of a Nasrid frontier town.
  • The Road to Ronda. You will discover small towns like Jimena de la Frontera, Gaucín, Casares, Algatocín, Benalauría, Benadalid and Atajate, in the traditional style of small whitewashed houses on narrow winding streets.

Route of the Almoravids and Almohads

Itinerary 3: The White Villages of Cadiz

  • Alcalá de los Gazules. Has the remains of an Al-Andalus fortress.
  • Medina Sidonia. A clear example of an Arab 'medina' or town, it retains fragments of its defensive enclosure.
  • Cadiz. Above all, stroll through its old town and see its shining beaches.
  • Puerto de Santa María and Jerez de la Frontera. The outstanding feature of the first of these two towns is San Marcos Castle, built on the remains of a mosque. The most characteristic features of the second's Al-Andalus past are its old mosque and the Moorish baths. We recommend you to visit a few of the wineries in these towns.
  • The White Villages. These villages, located in the mountains, have the typical historical architecture of Andalusia. Many have ancient castles, walls and towers, and they are full of narrow streets with whitewashed houses. Some examples are Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema and Olvera.

Route of the Almoravids and Almohads

Itinerary 4: Final section

  • Ronda. Traces of its Al-Andalus past are to be seen, above all, in the old walled town. Some examples are the old mosque, which is now the Church of La Encarnación, Mondragón Palace, Casa del Rey Moro mansion and the Moorish baths. Moreover, as the city stands on top of a high ravine it has spectacular views.
  • On the way to Granada. You will find towns with towers, fortresses and minarets, such as Teba, Campillos, Vélez-Málaga, Alcaucín, Zafarraya, La Malahá and Las Gabias.
  • Granada. The last and most surprising stop on the route, with the stunning Alhambra, the Generalife and the Albaicín neighbourhood, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

pintando vars:

Route of the Almoravids and Almohads

Practical information

How to complete the route:
Walking, Horseback, Bicycle, By car
Best time of year:
All year round
Tips and interesting facts:
As well as routes by car, there are others recommended for hiking, equestrian trails and cycling tours. This route has been designated a Major Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.

More information >