The tuna route: from Málaga to Cádiz by motorhome

The coast of the Strait has lived off bluefin tuna for over 2,000 years: the Romans of Baelo Claudia caught it and the almadraba traps of Barbate, Zahara, Conil and Tarifa still do. About 520 km of wild beaches, wind and great food.

Itinerary

1. 1

   MálagaStart

   Pick-up in Málaga and the coastal motorway westwards.

   

2. 2

   Tarifa+160 km

   Tarifa, the southernmost point of continental Europe: Africa 14 km away, wind for kitesurfing, the old town and bluefin tuna in the bars.

3. 3

   Bolonia y Baelo Claudia+20 km

   Bolonia beach, with its huge dune, and next to it Baelo Claudia, a Roman town that lived off salted fish and garum. One of the best preserved in Spain.

   

4. 4

   Zahara de los Atunes+20 km

   Zahara de los Atunes, a fishing village born around the almadraba, with a vast open beach.

5. 5

   Barbate+10 km

   Barbate, the capital of almadraba tuna: canneries, mojama (cured tuna) and, next door, the cliffs and pine woods of La Breña Natural Park.

6. 6

   Conil de la Frontera+20 km

   Conil de la Frontera: a white old town, coves and long beaches, and tuna food festivals in spring.

7. 7

   Cádiz+40 km

   Cádiz, the oldest city in the West: the old town surrounded by sea, La Caleta beach and the Central Market.

8. 8

   Málaga+240 km

   Back to Málaga to return the motorhome.

Tips

• The almadraba season is May to June, when the towns hold their tuna routes and fairs; the rest of the year they serve frozen tuna from the same catch.
• In summer, parking and overnight stays near many beaches are restricted: use motorhome areas and campsites.
• The levante wind blows hard in Tarifa: don't leave the awning out unattended.

Best time

May and June for the tuna; September and October for warm sea and fewer people.