Castillo de la Duquesa

This 18th century castle (only a few minutes from my place) was built as a barracks for the military of the day. When I first visited it, forty years ago, it housed 13 families. Several families would share a living space, just separated from their neighbours by a simple curtain.

All around the site there was was an important Roman settlement and bath house. The industry was fishing, and making the popular fish paste - Garrum. The jar below is said to be a Garrum jar. The site is in the process of being excavated. In the castle there is a Museum of Archaology to house many of the 'finds'; pottery, glass, jewelery, fishhooks, etc. Now the Castle is used for cultural events; lectures, concerts, and as a wedding venue.

The Castillo also has a Museum of Fencing, which it is defined as swordmanship in general. With this broad definition, it is possible to include the weapons used in cave paintings - and certainly King Arthur's sword Excaliber.

Collecting salt off the rocks

The beach next to Bahia Dorada is crowned with a powerful square tower; the Torre de la Sal. Literally, it means the Salt Tower. Sea spray collects in crevaces and hollows. When dry, small amounts of pure salt can be scooped up. I'm doing it (rather inelegantly) in this photo!


The beach has pebbles of many interesting shapes and colours. Its impossible to walk along the shore without picking up a few curiosities! There are not many shells; a few little green sea urchins and some battered oyster shells. Just occasionally I find a gorgeous ormer! This is a type of abalone, with seven holes down one side, and a pearly iridescent lining. The question is; why do bi-valves have such showy linings? When the creature is alive the lining would never be seen, so what is their survival value?

Vintage Cars

In Spain a car-boot-sale-cum-street-market is called a Rastro , and is often held on Sundays. This morning I went to the Rastro in the woods near Benahavis, about half an hour from where I live. It was a surprise to find a rally of magnificent vintage cars was also being held there! I don't know what the models are, but I was charmed by their glamour!

Even without the vintage cars, a Rastro is a fun place to meet friends, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, browse the stalls, and discover extraordinary objects!