The Torre del Gerro is a watchtower built in 1553-1554 by order of the viceroy Duke of Maqueda, during the reign of Charles I, as part of the plan to defend the coast against frequent pirate raids.
It is part of the network of coastal towers erected on the Valencian coast during the 16th century to protect the kingdom against Berber and Ottoman attacks.
With a height of 13.5 m, its truncated cone-shaped structure is composed of two superimposed bodies: a massive lower base that acts as a buttress and two floors with vaulted rooms. The original access is through an elevated door with a mobile staircase, flanked by two defensive machicolations. On its façade there is a heraldic coat of arms with the double-headed eagle of Charles I, the four bars of the Kingdom of Valencia and the arms of the Duke of Maqueda.
Access on foot, free, to the outside. Not visitable inside.
Views of Cabo de San Antonio and its cliffs and rocky coves in the area of Les Marines, whose waters and seabed are protected and declared a Marine Reserve.
Located in an elevated setting, near the end of Les Rotes, the tower overlooks a spectacular landscape with sweeping views over the sea and the cliffs of Montgó mountain. On clear days it is possible to contemplate Ibiza and Formentera. It is common to include it as the final stage in the hiking route that starts at the Marineta Cassiana beach promenade. It is acceded by the street Milky Way. It is a path of low difficulty, in the part that crosses Les Rotes but that ascends of difficulty in the section of ascent to the Torre del Gerro due to the pronounced slope (approx. 9%).
