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.