Barbate is a breezy town set between rugged coastal mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The whitewashed houses and sun-drenched plazas of the old town make it one of the prettiest destinations on the Costa de la Luz. Relax on bustling urban beaches and escape to uncrowded stretches of sand along the Andalusian coast.
Things to do in Barbate
Parque Natural de la Breña y Marismas del Barbate protects 50 square kilometres of pine forests, marshlands and rocky cliffs. A seven-kilometre walking trail called the Sendero del Acantilado skirts the clifftops and showcases some of the most beautiful sections of the park. On the way you’ll pass Torre del Tajo, a centuries-old defensive tower that commands sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Spend the day on Playa De Barbate, a golden stretch of sand within strolling distance of the town centre. Bask in the sunshine, swim in the Atlantic and stretch your legs on the waterfront promenade. A constellation of beachside bars and restaurants will tempt you with ocean-fresh seafood. For a quieter scene, head east to Playa de la Hierbabuena, an uncrowded beach fringed by rocky cliffs and sand dunes.
Learn about the town’s seafaring past at the La Chanca Tuna Museum. Exhibits chart the evolution of tuna fishing in Andalusia, with immersive audio-visual exhibits used to bring the museum to life. The live tuna carving demonstrations are a highlight but can be a little gory. Pick up salted, canned and smoked tuna products from the gift shop.
Getting around Barbate
Barbate is located in the Province of Cádiz in Andalusia, a one-hour drive from Cádiz and 2.5 hours from Malaga. The town is compact and easy to get around on foot, while rental cars offer the freedom to explore the Costa de la Luz at your own pace. Gibraltar Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.