Bolonia beaches, beaches on the Costa de la Luz, Cádiz province, Information about the beaches of Andalucía, Southern Spain

Soaking up the sun at Bolonia Beach, Costa de la Luz — where turquoise waves, golden dunes, and ancient Roman ruins frame the perfect escape © Michelle Chaplow

Beaches - Bolonia

Very popular with summer weekend day trippers, quieter in the week and quiet out of the summer season. Large sand dunes to the north and military land ensure it will always remain totally undeveloped. Visit the ruins of the Roman town . The village called El Lentiscal to the south is waking up to tourists very quickly and bars and shops are opening up.

The large bay is reached from the narrow 7km road CA-8002 and is reached by the country road passing over a col between two rocky hills, the Sierra de la Plata (459m) and the Lomo de San Bartolomé (444m). signposted from N-340 km 70.

Centre part of Bolonia bay

At the central part of the bay the beach is favoured by families because of the Red Cross emergency first aid point and Lifeguard lookout. There is free parking out of the summer season otherwise 1.50€ . The beach bars since 2018 rent sunbeds and sun shades. Much to the delight of those who like comfort and much to the disappointment of the purists who can be overheard to say. “How things are changing in Andalucia, you can even find sunbeds on the beach in Bolonia now!” What would they say if Tarifa council ever built a seafront promenade in Bolonia?

Baelo Claudia

The Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia are just to the north of the present settlement. They show how important the town used to be as a fish salting community. There is a large car park just by the ruins. Those visitors with more interest in the great outdoors than history can still park here and head off to the beach.

You can treat yourself to a refreshing drink or meal in either the Bar Ortega or Restaurant Miramar Bolonia ( was Bar La Bahia), two very cool locations in between the ruins and the beach. The terraces of these sheltered bars are a popular spot on a weekend lunchtime in the winter. Sunbeds can be hired on the beach.

Huge Sand Dunes to the North

Bolonia Beach
from the Dunes

At the north end of the bay the golden sand blows up the peninsula to form a huge sand dune system. It is said to be one of the biggest in Europe. Many would-be explorers attempt to climb the dune and see what is on the other side. Unfortunately, they are disappointed: after a series of false summits the dune simply fades into the pine forest.

South part of the bay

The southern part of Bolonia’s bay is dominated by three very popular wooden beach bar/restaurants: Serenade (was La Cabaña), Sirocco (was Los Caracoles - snails), and Sunset Playa (was El Tucan). This is a very popular watersports area, and the zones where you are allowed to use water craft are marked out by yellow buoys. Hip young wind and kite surfers head here, especially when there is a levante (a strong easterly wind) is blowing, although the wind is as strong as the Atlantic blows at Tarifa, Punto Paloma or Valdevequeros, but many favour Bolonia as opposed to crowded Tarifa although it is no longer a secret bay. There is also a separate swimming space for bathers, also clearly marked by yellow buoys.

Isolated naturist coves

Parking the car at the end of the village road opposite Serenade bar and walking south through the fields or on the beach, crossing Arroyo de la Churriana you can visit a number of isolated coves including El Lentiscal Cove which are officially designated as naturist beaches by Tarifa town council. A red paint sign on the wall of a derelict wartime pill box advises sun worshipers. Conversely there is also a signs in the village reminding visitors that clothes must be worn.

Natural Pools of Bolonia

Continuing past two narrow beaches you reach the Piscinas Naturales de Bolonia. Here (GPS 36.068438 N 5.74009245 W) natural rock formations on the seashore creating natural channels so that when the tide is out natural pools are created. The pools are called Baños de Claudia. The are interesting but not unique.

You can walk along the beach and over the rocks to Punta Paloma and Valdevaqueros, or follow indistinct paths up the hillside. However, it is a tough walk in the summer heat, so only attempt it if you are well prepared with plenty of water and suitable footwear.

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