Outdoor Pursuits and Sports
Kite Surfing
Los Caños de Meca, Conil de la Frontera and Tarifa are kite surfing hot spots these days for this sport in Spain with lots of places to learn dotted all along the coast. Championships are held throughout the year. Contact Total Kitesurf (based in Conil) or High Flyers (Tarifa) for rentals, lessons or advanced practice.
Paragliding
Ever wished you could fly? Now’s your chance. Visit Zephiros in El Gadir Garden Restaurant in Vejer, with spectacular views. You could also try Fly Spain for courses.
Surfing
The area just in front of our Beach Apartment in Caños de Meca is a popular surf spot, though the biggest surfing site is just up the road at El Palmar. Check out conditions at Windguru or Magic Seaweed. For surf lessons, try Trafalgar Surf (Conil) or Escuela de Surf on the Sea (El Palmar).
Scuba Diving
The unspoiled waters of the Parque Natural de la Breña y las Marismas de Barbate make this one of the best places in Spain for diving. Summer is the most popular, though those who can brave the chill will get the best visibility in winter. You can book courses through Nature Explorer (Barbate) or Explora Cadiz (based in El Puerto de Santa Maria).
Canyoning
Perfect for thrill seekers, this is one of the most exciting ways to explore the great rivers of the region. It includes rappelling, rafting and waterfall jumping all in one day. Contact Xplora Aventura or Horizon Aventura for more information.
Walking and Biking
There is a fantastic cliff top walk from Caños to Barbate (approx 2 hours), as well as innumerable trails through the Natural Park that follow ancient Roman footpaths. At the top of the sand dune behind Casas Karen there is an old watchtower, the Torre de Meca, a spellbinding spot to watch the sunset or to explore under the light of the full moon. Don’t miss a walk to the lighthouse at Trafalgar when there is no moon: the starlight is magical. You can hire bikes from Camaléon Sports (Conil), who can also deliver bikes directly to Casas Karen.
Horse Riding
Daily trekking adventures for novice and experienced riders across the hills and beaches of this beautiful region. Try Los Alamos (San Ambrosio) or Centro Hípico El Jíbbah (Zahara de los Atunes).
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Whales and dolphins migrate through the straits of Gibraltar between April and October to reach the warmer breeding grounds of the Mediterranean. Firmm Foundation for information and Research on Marine Mammals offers watching trips at this time. You can also watch dolphins in the wild with Dolphin World, Gibraltar.
Bird watching
We are based in an area which is fabulous for bird watching. For information on birding tours or daytrips, contact Andalucian Guides (near Barbate).
Karting
If you fancy whizzing around a racetrack while you´re on holiday, why not have a go at karting? There´s a kart racing track located between Chiclana and Conil which is open throughout the year – visit the Circuito Kart de Chiclana website for more information.
Swimming
For an alternative to the beach, head for the Bahía Park aquapark in Algeciras for lots of fun for all the family. Check out the Bahía Park website for more information.
Golf
If you fancy a round of golf, head for the Montenmedio Golf & Country Club near Vejer, or the Benalup Golf & Country Club.
Sailing
If you´re interested in learning how to sail, contact the Club Náutico de Barbate sailing school (Barbate) or the Zaida sailing school (Chiclana) for information on courses.
Please note: As weather conditions can change rapidly in this region, it is always advisable to confirm your chosen activity the day before to ensure it is still happening.
