Barbate
Barbate is a town of some 20.000 people on the Costa de la Luz, 40km north of Tarifa. The modern town, (often called Barbate de Franco because the ex-dictator spent
many summers here), has grown up around a the original old town and it's fishing fleet, which goes back to Roman times when the fish-salting industry was at its peak.
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Modern yet friendly
Its modern layout lacks the charm of some of the more traditional Andalucia villages, but there are nevertheless, some nice buildings in the heart of the old town.
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There is a modern square "Plaza de la Inmaculada" with the Town Hall on one side and the ancient Church of St. Paulino on the other.
The town is popular in the summer with Spanish holiday makers although it is generally untouched by foreign tourists. |
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Beaches
Barbate has a wonderful promenade where you can stroll for almost 2 km, from the River Barbate to the Marina. The town main beach, called Playa del Carmen is very popular. This contrasts with
beaches under the cliffs to the north of the fishing port and the Marina that are virtually deserted even in the height of summer.
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To the south of the River Barbate estuary, the beaches of Playa del Botero stretch for miles. These are also unspoilt as most (but not all) are discouraged by the 'Military Zone Keep Out' signs.
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Natural parks
Just to the north of the town, a vast Protected Area of pine forest reaches down to 100m high cliffs. The miles of long sandy beaches flanked by pines are well worth a visit.
To the south is another Protected Area, the marshy salt-flats of the Parque Natural de la Brena y Marismas del Barbate.
Local festivals
23rd June: "Verbena de San Juan" Local crowds gather on the beach at night to burn images of local or national celebrities and notorious politicians.
16th July: "Feria del Carmen" Saint Carmen is the patron saint of Fishermen and also of the town so this festival has particular religious importance for the town.
Gran Sardina - "Festival of the Great Sardine" takes place in the fishing port.
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