Barbate de Franco Andalucia SPAIN
Vacation rentals and homes, commercial property and residential sales in Barbate de Franco
Barbate de Franco Vacation rentals and homes
Barbate de Franco
A fishing town with a certain charm that makes it very appealing to tourists
Barbate is a fishing and canning town with a long sandy beach and a big harbour. Located 40km north of Tarifa, this modern town, (often called Barbate de Franco because the ex-dictator spent many summers here), the town has grown up around a fishing industry which goes back to Roman times when the fish-salting industry was at its peak.
Built in the fifties, mainly dedicated to Tuna fishing, Barbate is also the famous site of the Battle of Trafalgar. Its modern layout lacks the charm of some of the more traditional Andalucian villages, but there are nevertheless, some nice buildings in the heart of the old town. There is a modern square "Plaza de la Inmaculada" with the Town Hall on one side and the ancient Church of Sta Paulino on the other. Barbate is a great place to shop as prices are really low and the markets offer plenty of deals.
Surrounded by virgin beaches and the clean tidal waters of the Atlantic, Barbate tends to be popular in the summer with Spanish holiday makers although it is generally untouched by foreign tourists.
Barbate has a wonderful "promenade" where you can stroll for almost 2 km, from the River Barbate to the Marina. The town main beach called Playa del Carmen is very popular. This contrast with beaches under the cliffs to the north of the fishing port and the Marina that are virtually deserted even in the height of summer.
For a different experience Barbate offers ballooning where those seeking a different view of the coasts can rent out a balloon and experience a birds-eye view of the local area!
