Summertime in Spain is really hot, especially in Andalusia, the south region, where both local people and visitors look forward to find some wonderful natural place in order to refresh themselves a little bit. In my last article I recommended you to have a fresh dip in Andalusian rivers, now let`s visit some fantastic beaches located on the Atlantic coast, where you will have the opportunity to cool off during the torrid summer day. Would you like to learn about the captivating beaches in the province of Cadiz? I assure you that you will love to rest on fine white sand and swim into the bluish water of the Atlantic Ocean. It is magic, it makes you to forget about your troubles for a while…so, let’s go to the beach to heal your soul.
THE WIND THAT RISES THE COMETS ON THE BEACH OF VALDEVAQUEROS
The spectacular Valdevaqueros Beach, located just 10 km from the city of Tarifa, belonging to the province of Cadiz, is one of the last remaining virgin places in this part of the Atlantic Ocean. The infinitely long white sand beach, 4050 meters long and 120 meters wide, whose transparent water and the wind that usually blows here strongly throughout the year, have made it the internationally preferred place for kitesurfing and windsurfing lovers. However, if you are not a sporty person, you will also like to spend a day here with your friends or family sunbathing and enjoying the ocean water, which I assure you is usually quite warm and invites you to have a dip. The enormous size of the beach allows you to have fun with a certain intimacy, and being surrounded by wild nature and mountain landscapes offers you the feeling of well-being and relax.
By the way, it is in this region where the Sierra Bética starts, the most important mountain range in southern Spain, which was originated during the Alpine orogenesis. Another curiosity: the beach has a dune, artificially created by the soldiers in 1940 in order to obtain the protection for its nearby military base. Also, on the west side the mouth of the Valle River is located, which forms an estuary, that is, a part of the river where the flow is invaded by the water sea due to the marine currents and the collapse of the terrain.
THE ROMAN REMAINS ON THE BOLONIA BEACH
Heading west from Valdevaqueros Beach, there is Bolonia Beach, another gem of nature available for your delight. This grandiose beach, covered also with fine white sand and with crystal clear ocean water, is reached from the main road by a way, suitable for the vehicles and surrounded by rural landscape where many cows graze. It is not like watching the lions in a safari trip in Tanzania, but still the views are lovely. What is outstanding about this natural area, besides its extremely wonderful landscape, are the Roman ruins: the ancient city of Baleo Claudia, built in the 2nd century on the previous Phoenician remains. Why here? Easy, due to the proximity to the African continent, which allowed the flow of the trade among Romans and African towns. Apropos, in a sunny and clear day you have the possibility to see African land. The Roman city remains in good conditions due to the maintenance and it is possible to visit it, the European citizens have a free entrance and for the rest of visitors, I believe, the price is not expensive. If you come to visit, do not forget to have a walk and climb the dune, it is a perfect opportunity to work your legs and buttocks, but also to reach fascinating views of this natural monument, mostly populated by pines and junipers.
A SUNSET ON THE ZAHORA BEACH
Further west, passing through the surroundings of Vejer de la Frontera, a small town that I mention in relation to the origins of Chefchaouen city in Morocco, there is another excellent natural place, Zahora Beach, also with fine white sand and warm water, located between the Managueta and the Tomb of the Trafalgar Lighthouse. I suppose that from your History classes you can remember that it is the area where in October 23rd in 1805 the battle between France and United Kingdom occurred. The UK was a part of a coalition in which also participated other countries as Austria, Russia and Prussia, and whose main objective was to defeat the Napoleon’s Empire, developed between 1804 and 1815. The Battle of Trafalgar ended with a significant victory for the English that allowed the British Empire to dominate the seas exclusively throughout the 19th century, making it more powerful.
I invite you to have a walk on the beach during the golden hour, at the sunset, it is a really unique moment when the sun disappears into the Atlantic Ocean. I believe that it is one of the most magical sunsets I have ever had the opportunity to watch. Just sit down on the sand or in the terrace of a beach bar, called in Spanish “chiringuito”, and perceive it, it will touch your soul. The sunset is so spectacular that usually people that come to contemplate it applaud the sun for the impressive gala it offers. You will understand with your own gaze. Marvelous!
TIPS:
- The sunsets are spectacular, stay longer on the beach and enjoy it.
- Check the weather, the Levante wind coming from the east is horrible.
- A good option to sleep is a camping, nothing better to stay even closer to the nature.
- Visit the historical places. Everyone needs a dose of culture, it will make you look clever 🙂
all about eve`s journeys 