If Spain is known for anything other than its great gastronomy, climate and multiculturalism, it is definitely for its incredible beaches. In addition to its island coasts, the geographical situation of the peninsula offers a great number of beaches that will undoubtedly make you wish the summer would be eternal.
In this particular article we will talk to you about Bolonia Beach located in the municipality of Tarifa, in the province of Cadiz. With a length of almost four thousand metres, it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Spanish coast. Read on to find out our pieces of advice and recommendations for your trip to the Bolonia Beach and understand why it is so special and loved by all those who visit it.
Walking in the Bolonia Dunes
At the northwest end of the beach are the Bolonia dunes. These, as their name suggests, are sand dunes characterized by being more than 30 meters high and 200 meters wide. Located within the Strait’s maritime-terrestrial natural park, the dune complex was named the Bolonia Dune Natural Monument in 2001.
This place is home to pine trees whose growth hinders the advance of the sand, which is lifted by the east wind. All these events lead to the creation of this great dune. Sometimes, the dune exceeds the height of the adjacent pines.
Visit the Ancient Roman City of Bolonia
A few metres from Bolonia beach you can visit the Baelo Claudia Archaeological Site. As can be deduced from their name, these ruins are of Roman origin and are dated 2nd century BC. Thanks to the first excavation in 1917, their great importance for the maritime market during the most brilliant period of the Roman Empire was known.
Among these ruins, the Roman theatre stands out, which could hold up to two thousand people. This Roman city also has an Archaeological Museum of the same name and a Visitor’s Centre that consists of a permanent exhibition and other fixed exhibitions that you can visit next to the ruins of the archaeological site.
Another Roman theatre worth visiting is the one in the capital of the province, which is right next to the Cathedral. In Oway Tours we invite you to join us in the guided visits to the Cathedral of Cadiz and the Roman Theatre to make sure you don’t miss any historcial and artistic details about these two emblematic monuments.
Bathing in its Natural Pools
Located at the east of Bolonia beach you can swim in some amazing natural pools. Once the tide comes in, much of the place is almost submerged until the tide comes back down and the water is stagnant between the rocks. This is how these natural pools are formed, which are difficult to access.
If you are careful, you can take advantage of the mud that is formed by the fusion of sea water and the slate of the rocks, used on the skin by some visitors for therapeutic purposes.
Enjoy the Lentiscal
El Lentiscal is the population centre where you can find the different typical Spanish ‘chiringuitos’ (beach bars), restaurants and shops for the enjoyment and rest of the visitors to this beach. This area is perfect for enjoying of the company of other visitors and the leisure atmosphere of the place while enjoying magnificent views of the coast.
Hiking
This option is perfect for those who most enjoy walks by the sea. There are two official routes established by the Government of Andalusia itself. These are the trekking route of the Bolonia dune, which is just over a kilometre long; and the route that connects Bolonia beach with the Camarinal lighthouse.
The route to the dune begins in the public parking area of the beach, located between El Lentiscal and the ruins. At the beginning of the route you will be able to walk on a wooden footbridge that will end almost halfway along the route. You will then walk along a path of fine sand and at the same time you will be able to see the views to the south of the Baelo Claudia Archaeological Site mentioned above.
After another stretch of wooden walkway, the path ends at a viewpoint where you can witness the magnitude of the great Bolonia dune. Without a doubt, this pleasant walk will allow you to enjoy the wonderful views of this place and its entire ecosystem. In Oway Tours we also offer routes to the lovers of the urban life, who will have the opportunity to join us in our Free Walking Tours around the city of Cadiz.
As you can see, Bolonia beach offers an attractive series of places to rest and enjoy at the same time one of the best views and ecosystems of the whole Spanish peninsular coast. Don’t hesitate any longer and enjoy one of the few virgin beaches in the south of the Spanish peninsula!
