LA BREÑA Y MARISMAS DEL BARBATE - Ventana del Visitante
From the Barbate area to Caños de Meca and inland towards Vejer de la Frontera there is one of the smallest nature parks in Andalusia with some 5,000 hectares, the Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park. It contains five different ecosystems: marine, cliff, pine grove, marshland and dunes. Special mention should be made of the stunning Tajo de Barbate. It is more than 100 metres high and is the most famous area of cliffs on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia.
To enjoy this spectacular location from up close, the best thing is a boat trip from Barbate port, moving through the clear, turquoise waters, which are also suitable for scuba diving and snorkelling. Along the cliff face, which has been eroded by the water and wind, you can see freshwater springs that flow into small coves; these are the famous "caños" (water spouts). Along with brambles and fig trees there are typical plants you would expect to find in saline environments, such as sea-blite, saltwort and everlasting. The holes in the stone are nesting grounds for many cattle egrets, jackdaws and yellow-legged gulls, as well as the peregrine falcon. As far as birds of prey go, special mention should be made of the osprey, barn owl and kestrel. This is a great destination for paragliding and hang-gliding enthusiasts. There is even a free flight club in Vejer.
This biodiversity is even more varied in the marshland areas and lagoons, home to a large number of birds; the site of nesting grounds and migratory stopovers. A walk around the park will give you the chance to photograph the mallard, northern shoveller, and even the occasional little grebe, heron and purple heron. Amongst the reeds you can see little bitterns, Cetti's warblers and common warblers.
Another characteristic landscape is La Breña pine grove. It has undergone intensive reforestation to stabilise the dunes, prone to movement, making it the largest pine wood in Cadiz province, and the pine cones and nuts produced are collected for use. Here, the scent of pine mixes with that of rosemary and lavender. These make up the Mediterranean scrub here, along with palmetto, juniper and even broom and mastic. The pine wood reaches right up to the cliffs, where Aleppo pines share their copses with different juniper species. The best thing is to explore on horseback. Especially outstanding is the Torre del Tajo trail which ends with a beautiful panoramic view.. It was one of the watchtowers used in the 15th and 16th centuries to warn of approaching pirate ships, and which later witnessed the Battle of Trafalgar.
The sea played a vital role here as far back as the times of the Phoenicians, with tuna fished in trap nets and salting. Barbate is still a major fishing harbour, with many angler enthusiasts seen in the area. Mullet and eel are fished on the estuary; sea bream and sole on the marshes. Visitors have the chance to purchase cured tuna products, such as "mojama" (salted tuna) and cured fish eggs.
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Provinces Cádiz
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Municipalities Barbate, Vejer De La Frontera
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Total area 5.077,00 ha.
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Declaration Date 28 - July - 1989
The marine setting of this Natural Park lends itself well to water sports. During deep sea dives that can be done with professional companies * you will be able to get up close and personal with the rich flora and fauna on offer. Surfers are also regulars here, as some of the best waves on the Andalusian coast can be found on beaches such as the mythical Yerbabuena.
The Barbate river marsh is an extraordinarily rich wetland for bird watching, located in a prime place on the migratory routes. Furthermore, you will find several routes for hiking, enabling you to really discover the natural and cultural diversity of the park. The Acantilados de Barbate trail passes a spectacular vertical gorge of nearly 100 metres in height, offering impressive views.
(*) Activity requires authorisation from the natural park.
This natural area is also affiliated with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism , whose associated projects can be consulted by clicking here .
Alojamiento en hotel, categoría 2 estrellas, modalidad playa, “ Playa del Carmen “
Avenida del Faro, n.º 46
11160 - Barbate (Cádiz)
956 434 311
info@hotelplayacarmen.es
Breads and cakes
C/ Pío XII,18
BARBATE (CÁDIZ)
956430536
infotresmartinez@com
Salted fish (6), preserves (8), smoked tuna (3), stewed red tuna, tuna fillet with olive oil (2), tuna cubes in olive oil (2), tuna loin (3), mojama tuna (2), tuna belly (7), roe (7) and patés
Pol. Ind. El Olivar. Parcela 3
11160 - Barbate (Cádiz)
956430979 956435805
info@lachanca.com
Nature tourism: canoeing, hiking and cycling routes
Polígono Industrial Guadalquivir, 36
11408 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
956316000
genatur@genatur.com
Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.
Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times
Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.
Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.
Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.
Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.
Facilitate use for people with special needs.
By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.
Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!
Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.
Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places
Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.
Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.
The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!
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Wednesday, 18 September 202429°C
- WIND SPEED 0km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 80%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
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Thursday26° max.19° min.
- WIND SPEED 20km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 95%
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Friday27° max.18° min.
- WIND SPEED 5km/h
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Saturday25° max.18° min.
- WIND SPEED 15km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 100%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 85%