☰Gata de Gorgos, Marina Alta, Alicante
(исп. Gata de Gorgos)
Gata de Gorgos is a small but very distinctive town in the province of Alicante, characterised by its quietness and special atmosphere. In addition, there are many handicraft shops here.
General information about the city
Gata de Gorgos (Gata de Gorgos) is a small town and municipality in the north-east of the province of Alicante, within the Marina Alta district (comarca). It has an area of 20.33 km² and just over 6,500 inhabitants.
Gata de Gorgos borders the municipalities of Pedreguer, Denia, Lliber, Teulada, Senia and Benissa.
The city is located 8 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast, near the popular resorts of Javea and Denia. The Gorgos River flows through the territory of the municipality.
The basis of the local economy is agriculture. Here grapes, oranges and vegetables are grown.
The city also has a factory of musical instruments, which produces guitars. There are also various handicraft workshops producing ceramics, wooden crafts and wicker furniture.
Panorama of 360 Gata de Gorgos from a height of 50 metres
How to get to Gata de Gorgos?
Gata de Gorgos is located 80 kilometres from Alicante and 100 kilometres from Valencia. The most convenient way to get here is by bus from neighbouring towns or from Alicante by tram.
You can also get here by taxi or hire car on the AP-7 motorway and the N-332 motorway.
Weather and climate
Gata de Gorgos has a temperate, Mediterranean climate with mild winters and little rainfall. The hottest month is August and the driest month is July. The coldest month is January, but in winter the temperature in these parts rarely drops below +10 degrees Celsius. At the same time, in winter time it rains here.
The local climate is perfect for visiting the city at any time of the year.
Historical background of the city of Gata de Gorgos
In the Middle Ages, these lands were dominated by Muslims and were an agricultural settlement. In 1250, Jaime I reclaimed the area from the Arabs and gave it to Gaspar de Hihar. By the time the Moors were expelled in 1609, 160 Muslim families lived in the area.
Until the 1916 reform, the municipality was called simply Gata. Then its name was changed to its present name.
An important development for Gata de Gorgos was the recent construction of a new bridge across the river, which allowed the development of other areas of the municipality.
Gata de Gorgos Attractions
Gata de Gorgos does not boast a large number of sights and historical monuments. Nevertheless, tourists and visitors will find plenty to see here.
Among the beautiful and interesting historical buildings worthy of attention are the following:
Shopping in Gata de Gorgos
In Gata de Gorgos there is a shop called "Crafts Shop" where you can buy various jewellery, souvenirs, crafts, baskets, lamps, rugs, etc. Also different accessories and handicrafts are sold in the shopping centre "El Celler de la Marina". Here you can also buy local fruits, nuts, sweets, wines, etc.
Gastronomy
There are now more than 20 bars and restaurants serving delicious tapas and local specialities.
Among the traditional dishes in Gata de Gorgos are worth trying:
- numerous variations of paella;
- oven-baked rice dishes;
- grilled meat and fish;
- meat balls;
- fideuás;
- pelotas de puchero;
- sangre encebollada;
- albóndigas;
- magro guisado, etc.
Local desserts and sweets, almond cakes, biscuits and other pastries are also popular here, as well as the drink "Mistela", which is made from Muscatel grapes.
Holidays in Gata de Gorgos
Gata de Gorgos hosts various festive events every year, the most interesting of which are:
- Parade of the Three Kings (Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos). This is a traditional festival celebrated on the 5th of January. On this day a performance of "Misterio de los Reyes Magos" based on the script of the chronicler Antonio Salva is staged, and gifts are distributed to children.
- San Antonio Abad. This is the Feast of the Blessing of the Animals, celebrated on 17 January. At this time, bulls are driven through the streets of the city, youth processions with music and dancing are organised, and paella is sold.
- San Juan. The La Font del Riu neighbourhood celebrates the feast in honour of the patron saint of San Juan for several days in June. During this period there are open-air dances and religious events.
- Fiestas in honour of the town's patron saint Santísimo Cristo del Calvario. Held from 27 July to 6 August.
- Feast of St Michael the Archangel. Celebrated on 29 September.
CONCLUSION
Gata de Gorgos is a very small town in the province of Alicante, which does not have as many attractions and entertainment as the neighbouring popular tourist towns. But this place is really worth a visit to take a break from the hustle and bustle of metropolises and plunge into the original atmosphere of the Spanish countryside.