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Every year, one of the most popular dates on Rota's calendar rolls around again, and this time is no exception. To mark National Day, the Rota Naval Base will throw open parts of its usually restricted grounds on Monday October 12, giving visitors a rare, guided look inside.

 

Passes went live this Tuesday September 29, and they're free, but they do go fast, so it's worth acting quickly once applications open. You can apply in person at the Municipal Tourist Office, now at its new home on Plaza de España, 1, or by email to basederota2026@gmail.com, the only address the Navy is using for this event. If you live in Rota or nearby, the tourist office actually recommends popping in rather than emailing, since the sheer volume of email requests means not everyone can be processed in time.

 

Anyone applying by email will need to provide the full name of each person attending, along with their DNI number and expiry date, or their NIE if that applies. There's no need to attach a copy of the document itself. If anything's missing from your application, always reply to the original email rather than sending a fresh one, as a new message risks disrupting the order of requests. Bookings by phone aren't accepted either.

 

Once inside, visitors get to explore a genuine Fleet vessel, wander through a static display of Air Flotilla units out on the runway, and take a good look at equipment and vehicles from both the Marine Corps and the US Navy. The Ayuntamiento is once again working with the Spanish Navy to run everything smoothly, with buses laid on from the esplanade behind Rota's bus station, departing at the exact time printed on your pass.

 

The whole visit takes around two hours and fifteen minutes, and a few sensible rules apply. Each pass is personal and can only be used by the named individual, children under 14 need an accompanying adult with their own valid pass, and bags, backpacks, banners and pets aren't permitted. Comfortable shoes are a must too, so leave the heels at home.

 

The tourist office is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 7.30pm, plus Saturdays from 11.15am to 2pm, and applications will only be accepted from September 29 onwards until all the places are gone.

 

 

Image: Ayuntamiento de Rota