Latest update: 31 July 2023
What I love about Andalusia is that everyone knows it, and at the same time, there are still many unknown places. The coastal town of Barbate is one of those. Barbate’s highlight? Wow, that’s hard to choose. For me, it’s either the tuna temple or the cliffs of Barbate.
Barbate: untouched by tourism
Barbate is located on the Costa de la Luz. It is less charming than nearby villages because the center has a more urban feel. Unfortunately no lovely alleys and winding roads – or maybe I simply couldn’t find them. But that also makes Barbate feel less touristy, and I like that. The locals carry large shopping bags home from the Mercado de Barbate, order a coffee at their favorite neighborhood café, and honk at the traffic they believe is not following the rules.
Playa del Carmen in Barbate
Along the beach of Barbate, Playa del Carmen, is a long, wide promenade. This is the Paseo Maritimo. When the wind blows, it blows hard, making it a bad day for the bars and restaurants on Playa del Carmen beach. But luckily, there are more than enough good days at Barbate beach. During the weekend in the winter, it is already hard to find a place, so if it is high summer, reservations are necessary. At El Timón (here), I eat delicious fish and tapas outdoors.
Lighthouse and harbor of Barbate
Near the beach is a small lighthouse on a square (here). It stands out nicely against the clear blue sky. A little further is the port of Barbate. In any case, there are hardly any boats in the winter months, and it is not worth walking around the harbor. When I look at the buildings, I doubt whether the harbor will become lively in the summer. It seems more like a harbor for fishermen.
La Chanca tuna museum in Barbate
Barbate is also called tuna city. On the city’s outskirts, there is a small museum dedicated to tuna. Unfortunately closed in the winter months, so I have no idea if it’s worth it. But I think it probably is because you get to taste tuna during your visits. You can’t go wrong with that, I’d say.
In the museum, you can learn more about fishing. They call it Almadraba, and the technique is centuries old. The method consists of a special labyrinth of nets stretched into the sea. It is apparently one of the most sustainable fishing methods. The nets are cast as soon as the tuna swim through the Strait of Gibraltar past Barbate, around April, May, and June.
Tip! Are you near Barbate at the end of April or early May? Then check online when this year’s tuna week is exactly. During the Semana Gastronómica del Atún de Barbate, bars and restaurants compete to make the best tuna tapa.
Eating at the tuna temple in Barbate: El Campero
In the tuna city of Barbate, you will also find the tuna temple: restaurant El Campero. They make the tastiest and most beautiful dishes with tuna. It’s certainly not cheap, but it’s so good! There are places to sit inside and outside, so it’s pretty big. Because El Campero is so popular, you really need to make a reservation. The service is correct, and the menu is excellent and extensive. I recommend you order some different things and share. This way, you can taste the different preparations of the tuna. Or go for the extensive tasting menu!
The cliffs of Barbate
Between Barbate and Caños de Meca lies the beautiful La Breña Natural Park. The Sendero de Acandilado takes you from Barbate to Caños de Meca. That is a walk of about 7 kilometers. The path slowly takes you up, and in several spots, you have beautiful views from and on the cliffs of Barbate. You can even see Morocco on the other side.
It is a popular walking route where families, dogs, and runners like to come. During the week, it is quieter. The trail is an almost straight line; only at the end does the sand loosen up, and you have to climb a hill here and there. Many people choose to walk up to the lookout tower, enjoy the view and the snacks they brought, and then head back to Barbate.
Barbate has a small parking lot at the start of the trail. On busy days you can also park along the side of the road. Then someone usually walks around to show you a spot and asks for a euro for parking.
Parking in Barbate
There is a large free car park in the center of Barbate and within walking distance of the beach. You can find it here. Or park your car almost on the beach: here. If you still need to rent a car, compare your options at Sunny Cars and EasyTerra.
Hotels in Barbate
Does Barbate sound like a town you’d like to stay in longer? Then be sure to check out these hotels in Barbate:
- El Palomar de la Breña: peace and nature in the La Breña park
- Casa Albufera – Reformada: spacious, bright apartment with a beautiful kitchen
- Hotel Playa del Carmen: cozy family hotel on the beach
- Factory Rooms Barbate: nice apartments with industrial details here and there
More Spain inspiration?
Helpful links for your Spain trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always a popular choice. But you could also check Homecamper | campspace or Hostelworld for more options. HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. You can also check out WithLocals. Book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour.com or GuruWalk and try Baja Bikes for bike tours.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Bus and train. If you want to travel by bus or train to or in Spain, Busbud and Omio are excellent companies for planning your transportation.
- Boat. You can take a boat from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, or take a ferry between the islands. Check out the options at Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could try Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Spain.
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