This is particularly attractive in the spring, when it is green and there are fields of flowers and lots of rock roses.

You will also find myrtle, oleander, cistus, broom, honeywort, and, for a brief period towards the end of April if there has been enough rain, masses of the gorgeous and rather rare Scilla Peruviana (Giant Squill) with its large purple blooms.

In summer and autumn it is dry and brown, but enjoyment is to be found in the extensive vistas and the peace and quiet, away from the ‘madding crowds’ of Tarifa. It used to be the old Roman road linking Cadiz with Athens.

--- National Park Alcornocales Tarifa ---

To walk it (it is classified as GR 7) takes 4 hours and 45 minutes.
The whole drive, taken slowly, takes about one and a half hours. You may pass a couple of cars. You may choose to take a picnic (there is really only one good picnic spot, and this is not comfortable if there is a strong levante wind). You may prefer to stop at the very simple but very friendly ‘halfway house’, only open in the summer months.
Depending on the time of year, we suggest you leave as the sun is going down, timing it to do the whole trip before the sun sets. This way the light is the best over the mountains and the valleys. At the end of July we were on the gravel road by 18.00 hours.

--- National Park Alcornocales Tarifa ---

Take the N.340 from Tarifa direction Cadiz. Take the second turning right to Facinas at KM.66. Follow this road which curves to the right and passes Ventorilla El Nene (note: this is a very good restaurant, price-quality is good. It is very busy - the locals love it on Saturdays and Sundays, at lunchtime in particular).

You will come onto the CA221 to Los Barrios. This is a gravel road, at times bumpy, but only towards the end is there a major rut in the road which needs to be avoided.

--- National Park Alcornocales Tarifa ---

If you want to take a shorter drive, after about 4 kms. there is a turning right to Sanctuario de La Luz, which brings you back to the N.340 and Tarifa.

You are now in the National Park of Los Alcornocales (cork trees). Initially it is the equivalent of an ‘English country lane’; narrow with overhanging trees and bushes, but then it opens out into lovely, open country, and on your right you see the mountains on the other side of which is the N.340 and on your left you have a wide valley.

--- National Park Alcornocales Tarifa ---

At about 7 kms. from the start of the gravel road, is a potential picnic spot on your left - you walk through the bushes and find yourself looking down over a large reservoir.
At approximately 13 kms. is the café for drinks and a tapa. This is not always open, but we have always been lucky.

After a total of about 25 kms. you come to the main road and turn right in the direction of Los Barrios/Algeciras. Go slowly - you will see a restaurant on your left with a large open barbecue - quite a good end to your drive, before you get back onto the E.5 to Tarifa.

--- National Park Alcornocales Tarifa ---

We cannot call this drive ‘wildly exciting’ but in mid-summer the space, the quiet, the nature and the emptiness make it a welcome reprieve from the crowds, and in the spring the flowers are abundant.

Roman Ruins in Bolonia
A great walk from Bolonia
Evening drive: Facinas to los Barrios
El Palomar de la Breña
Vejer de la Frontera

Recommended places to eat - 'Westwards'

Restaurants outside Tarifa - Westwards

Recommended places to visit - 'Eastwards'

Agua park Algeciras
Gibraltar

 

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More on Tarifa Inside Out and Round About

Inside
Round About
Further Afield
Morocco

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About Zoë and her guesthouse

Zoë is the owner of Guesthouse Dar Cilla which is unique of its sort in Tarifa. It is located on the outskirts of the old town within the old 12th century walls. 'Dar' is an Arabic word for a town house in which a series of suites are grouped around a central courtyard. Each suite is fully independent, but there is a pleasant air of 'sociability' and you will meet Zoë and fellow guests on the roof terrace over a glass of wine.

More about Zoë
More about Guesthouse Dar Cilla

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