FACILITY: SIGNPOSTED TRAIL
ALGARBES - BETIJUELO
TARIFA (CÁDIZ)
DEL ESTRECHO - Ventana del Visitante
Asset Publisher
Signposted trails
Reception and information
DESCRIPTION
This coastal natural park, nestled between the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas, is home to unique natural treasures. Heavily affected by harsh climatic conditions and witness to ancient civilisations, it is host to highly versatile fauna and flora; the result of the convergence of very different natural areas. This diversity is visible in the landscape, with cliffs on one side of Tarifa and sandy beaches on the other. At the west end of the natural park, from Faro Camarinal, you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea and the coastline. Inland, from the Silla del Papa, you can see the countryside of La Janda and the mountains in the south of Cadiz.
The east and west winds are largely responsible for the appearance of this area: shaping the terrain, causing great sand dunes and determining migratory routes of birds. The wind has been utilised by man; used to create clean energy and for the practice of water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. In Tarifa, a town internationally renowned for its windsurfing, the wind has managed so far (amongst other things) to halt the urban development of beaches made so popular in the 70s.
Visitors will enjoy the beautiful beaches of Los Lances, protected by Playa de Los Lances Natural Park, and Bolonia, whose famous sand dune has been declared a Natural Monument. In these coastal sandy areas, there are plants adapted to dryness and wind, such as barrón (beach grass), juniper and the typical “camarina”, which gives its name to the lighthouse in the area. The stone pine forests found in the area are the result of reforestation carried out in the 60s in order to contain the dunes, along with scrubland of high ecological value. In the mountains, holm oaks, cork oaks and wild olive trees appear together with repopulated eucalyptus trees. Sea fennel sprouts out from the cliffs and there are daffodils and genistas everywhere.
However, the real highlight of the of the area is the birdlife. Among the residents, those with the greatest presence are the white stork, honey buzzard, black-winged kite and griffon vulture. It is also possible to spot Iberian imperial eagles, blue kites, Egyptian vultures, Bonelli´s eagles and even peregrine falcons. This ornithological wealth multiplies with the passage of migratory birds, something that can be enjoyed in the park´s network of observatories at various points throughout the year.
The waters of the Strait are ecologically valuable, with ongoing new discoveries of species. In fact, more than 1,900 species of marine flora and fauna have been recorded, the most common and significant being the loggerhead turtles, dolphins and porpoises. In this ideal diving spot, there are extensive seagrass beds, indicating the environmental quality of the water, and the kelp is enormous in size. For those interested in marine life, there are whale-watching boat trips from Tarifa and Algeciras.
The cultural heritage is another attribute of the park. Among its many archaeological remains, the ancient Roman city of Baelo Claudia is noteworthy, a strategic site for the Bética salt industry. The archaeological spoils of the Strait are not limited to the land, however, given that there are a great deal of shipwrecks. The town centre of Tarifa, which has been declared a place of Historic Complex, is host to a number of culturally relevant buildings.
OTHER PROTECTED AREAS
DATA SHEET
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Provinces Cádiz
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MAP
NEWS AND NOTICES
ACTIVITIES
The strong prevailing winds in the Strait of Gibraltar have made this area an unmissable destination for keen water sports enthusiasts, home to activities such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. One of the most popular activities in the area is dolphin and whale-watching boat trips, an experience like no other. The biodiversity that these sea beds boast makes Tarifa an attractive destination for underwater activities, although it is recommended that visitors do it through recognised companies and are always conscious of the fact that it is an endangered environment.
Birds hold special relevance in the area as it is a good place for observing their migratory flights. From various observatories, such as those in La Peña and Cazalla, you can see a variety of species, against the backdrop of a landscape dominated by dunes, beaches and cliffs.
The Natural Park of the Strait offers various routes, perfect for hiking. The Dune of Bolonia trail is especially enjoyable, which you can do after visiting the Baelo Claudia ruins.
MAP
BRAND NATURAL PARK OF ANDALUCIA
BRAND NATURAL PARK OF ANDALUCIA
BALCÓN DE TARIFA, S.L.
Alojamiento en hotel 3 estrellas, modalidad playa, “Hotel Punta Sur”; Servicio de restauración en Restaurante "Hotel Punta Sur
N-340, Km.77.
11380 - Tarifa (Cádiz)
956684919- 621281195
info@hotelpuntasur.com
BIRDING THE STRAIT, S.L.
Excursión ornitológica en coche “TARIFA Y OBSERVATORIOS DE MIGRACIÓN”. Excursión ornitológica en coche “LOS ALCORNOCALES”.
C/ Calzadilla de Téllez, nº 5. 4º A
Tarifa (Cádiz)
+34 699 470 467 +34 669 104 869
info@birdingthestrait.com
HOTEL HURRICANE, S.L.
Alojamiento en hotel 2 estrellas, modalidad playa, “Hotel Hurricane”; Servicio de restauración en Restaurante "Hotel Hurricane"
N-340, Km.78.
11380 - Tarifa (Cádiz)
956684919- 621281195
info@hotelhurricane.com
HOTEL LA PEÑA
Accommodation
Ctra. 340, Km. 78,4
TARIFA (CÁDIZ)
956684644 - 956681070
RESTAURANTE LA PESCADERÍA
Restaurant services
Paseo de la Alameda,22
TARIFA (CÁDIZ)
956627078 956681884
info@lapescaderiatarifa.com
SIROCCO JALOQUE, S.L.
Servicio de restauración en restaurante “Sirocco Bolonia”.
C/ El Lentiscal, s/n
11391 - Tarifa (Cádiz)
956 20 49 79
admon@siroccobolonia.es
TURISMO RURAL GENATUR S.C.A
Nature tourism: canoeing, hiking and cycling routes
Polígono Industrial Guadalquivir, 36
11408 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
956316000
genatur@genatur.com
TURMARES TARIFA
Nature Tourism: whale watching and coastal excursions
Avda. Alcalde Juan Nuñez, 3 - Local 12
TARIFA (CÁDIZ)
956680741/ 956680741
turmares@turmares.com
ÁLVARO VALLEJO GUTIÉRREZ
AVISTAMIENTOS DE DELFINES Y BALLENAS EN BARCO: (2 horas aprox.), (5 horas aprox.); AVISTAMIENTO DE AVES EN BARCO; RUTAS INTERPRETADAS EN BARCO: “Paseo por la Bahía”, “Atardecer en el mar”, “Fondeo en Cala Arenas”, “Fondeo en Cala Getares”.
Dársena del Saladillo, Club el Mero, Pantalán 4
11204 - Algeciras (Cádiz)
644 76 39 52
reservas@estrechonatura.com
AGENDA
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!
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
GOOD PRACTICES
PUBLICATIONS
Barriada del Saladillo. Feria del Toro Embolao
4 de agosto
Feria y Fiestas
Mediados del mes de junio
Fiestas patronales, en honor de la Virgen de la Palma
16 de julio
Semana de la Bahía
Mes de septiembre
Fiestas de la Virgen del carmen
16 de julio
Romería de San Juan
25 de junio
Romería de la Virgen de la Luz y Feria
Primera semana de septiembre
Romería en honor a San Isidro
15 de mayo
Aemet
DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT ...
