This route combines nature, history and panoramic views. Along the route, cyclists will enjoy coastal landscapes, pine forests and the beauty of the Natural Park of the Bay of Cadiz.
Located in the Natural Park of the Bay of Cadiz and Metropolitan Algaida- Los Toruños this route is a paradise for nature lovers and especially for those interested in bird watching. With an impressive biodiversity, visitors can see various species of birds in their natural habitat, as well as enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the green environment, which makes up the beaches of El Conchal and Río San Pedro, as well as the surrounding pine forests, La Algaida and Los Toruños.
Artificial pipe made for military and defensive purposes. Excavated as a transverse moat that joins the waters of the San Pedro river with those of the Trocadero channel, turning the Trocadero peninsula (also called Matagorda) into an island. Throughout the years it has been known by different names: San José pipe, San Pedro River pipe, new pipe of Las Damas or, in recent decades, popularly known as the Minister’s pipe.
The director of the works was the military engineer José Autrán Díaz de Barcenilla from Puerto Rico. The works began in September 1812, after the withdrawal of the Napoleonic troops that had been besieging the city of Cádiz from their camp in La Algaida for more than two years, and were completed in July 1813. With a little more than one kilometer in length, the initial plan was for it to be 80 meters wide and 5 meters deep.
For its construction, more than a thousand people were employed daily, both French prisoners and salaried workers from the surrounding towns and cities.
The Caño de la Cortadura, endowed with several fortifications, would be the scene of the famous Battle of the Trocadero, a military encounter that took place on the night of August 30-31, 1823, between the French army of the Hundred Thousand Sons of St. Louis, commanded by the Duke of Angoulême and the Spanish liberal troops, a battle that would mean the end of the Spanish Liberal Triennium (1820-1823) and the absolutist restoration of Ferdinand VII. In memory of this battle, one of the most famous places in the city of Paris (France) was named Trocadero Square.
Since the 15th century it seems that the whole area of Puerto Real, from Matagorda to the border with Puerto de Santa Maria, was integrated into a large estate called: Dehesa de Matagorda y de la Algaida. In their descriptions and boundaries, they mention enclosures of orchards, bullrushes, salt pans, tide mills, wells, pipes and vegetation such as pine forests, reed beds, kermes oaks, palmettos and asparagus. It is a well-preserved landscape five centuries later.
The route makes more sense if it is done by sea by canoe or boat, since most of the defensive elements are vertebrated by the San Pedro River. If it is done on foot or by bicycle, it is advisable, due to its distance, to do one day through the fortifications of Puerto de Santa María and another through those located in the municipality of Puerto Real.
In a short time the surrounding blocks were built and it took on its present appearance as a small street with a single access and a balcony overlooking the sea, framed at both ends by ornamental semicircular arches of oyster stone topped by baroque elements. In 1798 Callejón del Arco already had four houses. In the arch facing the sea a tombstone was placed in 1964 dedicated to the apocryphal Machado poet José María Torres and his poem entitled “Sea”, whose birth places Antonio Machado in Puerto Real in 1838.
The neighbors always keep this place decorated with colorful pots of geraniums and rose bushes, making it one of the most typical pictures of Puerto Real. All this earned him the award for tourism promotion of the town of Puerto Real.
ROUTE SHEET
Duration: 60′ minutes (on foot)
Difficulty: Basic
Kilometers: 4.51 Km
Activity: Hiking / Bicycling
San Pedro River Beach
We started our adventure at the charming San Pedro River Beach. Here, cyclists can relax by the sea, enjoy the views and prepare for the ride. The beach offers a quiet atmosphere and is an excellent starting point.
Pinar de la Algaida
We enter the Pinar de la Algaida, a pine forest that provides shade and fresh air. Meandering trails lead through Mediterranean vegetation, with opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife. Cyclists can stop at viewpoints to appreciate the panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding area.
Los Toruños
Our route culminates in Los Toruños, a protected natural area with a great diversity of flora and fauna. Cyclists can explore the trails that wind through marshes, dunes and forests. Don’t miss the opportunity to observe migratory birds and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
Tips
- Bring water, sunscreen and a map or GPS to follow the route.
- Respect the natural environment and do not leave trash.
- Enjoy the beauty of nature and the unique views that this route offers!
OTHER ROUTES THAT MIGHT ALSO INTEREST YOU
Route 2. Landscape and Natural
An opportunity to enjoy the maritime landscape of Puerto Real and its coastline, traveling from the beach of La Cachucha, the fortification of the Media Luneta, the pier, the Club Nautico El Trocadero, the promenade to the sundial, highlighting the natural beauty of the coastal area, and images of the Bay of Cadiz, allowing visitors to disconnect and relax while enjoying the panoramic views of the sea and its surroundings.
Duration: 30′ minutes (on foot)
Difficulty: Easy
Kilometers: 2.40 Km
Route 1. Cultural and Heritage
An opportunity to enjoy the maritime landscape of Puerto Real and its coastline, traveling from the beach of La Cachucha, the fortification of the Media Luneta, the pier, the Club Nautico El Trocadero, the promenade to the sundial, highlighting the natural beauty of the coastal area, and images of the Bay of Cadiz, allowing visitors to disconnect and relax while enjoying the panoramic views of the sea and its surroundings.
