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| Barbate Town hall |
Barbate is a town of some 20.000 people on the Costa
de la Luz, 40km north of Tarifa. This modern town, (often called
Barbate de Franco because the ex-dictator spent many summers here),
has grown up around a fishing industry which goes back to Roman
times when the fish-salting industry was at its peak.
Its modern layout lacks the charm of some of the
more traditional Andalucian villages, but there are nevertheless,
some nice buildings in the heart of the old town. There is a modern
square "Plaza de la Inmaculada" with the Town Hall on
one side and the ancient Church of Sta Paulino on the other.
The town is popular in the summer with Spanish holiday
makers although it is generally untouched by foreign tourists.
Beaches
Barbate has a wonderful "promenade" where
you can stroll for almost 2 km, from the River Barbate to the Marina.
The town main beach called Playa del Carmen is very popular. This
contrast with beaches under the cliffs to the north of the fishing
port and the Marina that are virtually deserted even in the height
of summer.
 To the south of the River Barbate estuary, the beaches
of Playa del Botero stretch for miles. These are also unspoilt as
most (but not all) are discouraged by the 'Military Zone Keep Out'
signs.
Natural Parks
Just to the north of the town, a vast Protected
Area of pine forest reaches down to 100m high cliffs. The miles
of long sandy beaches flanked by pines are well worth a visit.
To the south is another Protected Area, the marshy
salt-flats of the Parque Natural de la Brena y Marismas del Barbate.
Local Festivals
23rd June: "Verbena de San Juan" Local
crowds gather on the beach at night to burn images of local or national
celebrities and notorious politicians.
16th July: "Feria del Carmen" Saint Carmen
is the patron saint of Fishermen and also of the town so this festival
has particular religious importance for the town.
Gran Sardina - "Festival of the Great Sardine"
takes place in the fishing port.
Tourist Office
The local tourist office is located in Calle Ramon
y Cajal, 43
Tel: (00 34) 956 431006
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