As Costa del Sol villas boom as an industry, many Brits return to Spain as an old favourite destination. Yet for those who fancy a quick break from the Coast and the people, Gaucin is only a short drive away in distance, but a million miles away in culture.
Around 300 to 400 British expatriates have found a home in Gaucin, among them BP boss Tony Hayward who has recently bought a house slightly out of town, though this is no boasting point for the locals. In fact the town teeters on the edge of Southern Spain's 'oil corner', with many other oil industry millionaires setting up camp here.
While Gaucin continues to attract the rich and sometimes glamorous, it is rumoured the Princess Diana once stayed here, it is not so much a town about money, in fact it is more interested in culture and art.
A varied mix of Europeans, many artists, photographers or writers, have mingled in here amongst the sophisticated Spaniard residents, aiding the town's reputation as fertile creative ground.
Collectively the town works together, almost as if an artistic ensemble, and every year all studios are opened, in a mass exhibition. Yet all year round the town is covered with bright vibrant art.
In any stroll down the street you are greeted by day-glo street art as part of the many art initiatives of the town. Over 400 technicolour geckos adorn the whitewashed wall here, on nearly every street corner a luminous lizard awaits.
A new initiative sees Gaucin's creative residents now displaying papier-mache cats, again, in bright and distinctive colours.
With this creativity bursting out at you on every sidewalk, Gaucin, though only a few miles away few a miles away from the Costa Del Sol, couldn't feel much more removed.
While it doesn't have the attractions of the coast, Gaucin feels like real Spain. Untainted by Supermarket chains, the produce here is local, sold by local people, don't expect to go to the shop and find any of the British tabloids.
Instead here you have streets swept with playful culture, and many fine restaurants and eateries, along with some fun and busy bars.
For those wishing to take in the beautiful sun drenched sights that seem so rare in Southern Spain, Gaucin is a perfect location. Strolling through the town you can take in all the beauty of the local architecture, but eventually you will be lead to the Castillo de Aguilo, climb to the top for a rich lookout point offering brilliant vies of the town and the country, as far as the eye can travel, the rock of Gibraltar prominent in the distance.
Yet even better, take a quick saunter out of town, there's no denying the beauty of the countryside here, views abundantly in supply.
Gaucin makes an excellent day trip and for some a welcome break from the busy coast. Yet there is so much history here that it really makes a great destination for a short term Gaucin villa rental.
Author Resource:-
Vacation rentals from around the world, direct from the owner at vacationrentalpeople.com.
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