Gaucín is known for its views of Gibraltar, the Strait of Gibraltar and Morocco, as well the surrounding mountain scenery. It can be used as a base for visits to the so-called pueblos blancos of Andalusia. The village is reached by a 24 km climb up a mountain road and presided over by a medieval castle. The population is augmented by a growing group of British expatriates. In the tourist shops, cork items are popular, because cork forests surround the village. Gaucín has been the inspiration of a number of artists and writers, and has been referred to as the "balcony of the Ronda Mountains, where the Holy Child appeared to St. John of God: the illustrious, always noble, very hospitable village of Gaucín." Gaucín offers visitors to the region a panoramic view to the Mediterranean including the rock of Gibraltar. In Gaucín fossils can be found in the stoneworks of city building and street constructions.
Cultural life
includes a procession to the church. A widely-attended Easter vigil takes place the night before. Easter Sunday celebrations include the traditional 'toro de cuerda', where a bull is released on a cord in the morning and sold in the afternoon. A large carnival features chirigotas, costumed groups that sing of current events in a humorous way. A party held on the main square with an orchestra goes on until dawn. The feria, which lasts three days, is a celebration of the town itself and is held annually in early August. It is complete with a variety of carnival rides and games booths. The festivities also include a large pavilion where visitors can eat, drink, and watch musicians perform and a procession of horse riders competing for an award for the best presented. The pilgrimage of the Holy Child is a romeria on the last Sunday of August. The image of the Holy Child is taken in procession from the castle to the site of his supposed apparition, now a hermitage, for a rociera mass followed by dancing, singing, eating and drinking until dawn. A feast in honour of the Holy Child takes place on 7 and 8 September. Over nine days townsfolk climb to the castle for a novena, held in the Chapel of the Holy Child. Mass is celebrated and guest preachers preach. A party is given in the main square with processions, food, drink, music, and dancing.
