Zahara De Los Atunes – Beach, Almadraba and Culture

Playa de Zahara de los Atunes stretches from the town of Zahara de los Atunes to Cabo de Plata. As a semi-urban beach, it is easily accessible on foot and by car. Playa de Zahara has suitable facilities for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and diving, as well as for fishing.

Playa del Carmen in Zahara de los Atunes has been awarded the Blue Flag. The wide beach is suitable for walking, running, cycling and horse riding. Several surf schools along the coast of Zahara de los Atunes offer courses and equipment rental.

Other destinations: Los Caños De Meca, Zahora.

Trails and directions

The Zahara de los Atunes–Atlanterra trail begins at the beach access next to the castle. Zahara de los Atunes can be reached via the A-2231 from Barbate or via the A-2227 from the N-340.

In the first section of the trail, wooden walkways cross a dune system in Zahara de los Atunes, allowing it to regenerate, remain protected and be preserved. The Zahara de los Atunes–Atlanterra trail is a 4 km-long linear route with a low level of difficulty.

There is also an 850 m-long footpath running parallel to the stream known as the “Cachón”. The different trail lengths make it possible to compare routes by distance and theme. The Zahara de los Atunes Tourist Office is located opposite the exit of Playa del Carmen, at the end of Avenida José Matías Guerrero, and provides information about activities, restaurants, beaches, hiking, accommodation, transport and culture.

Culture and history

The Fortaleza o Castillo de Zahara de los Atunes is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the Monument category. Activities involving the processing and preservation of tuna took place in the fortress; it was also used to store fishing gear, boats and Almadraba equipment.

The Fortaleza o Castillo de Zahara de los Atunes influenced the town’s urban structure and is a fundamental reference point for its cultural identity. The Almadrabas originated from an ancient, traditional fishing technique and played a defining role in the history and identity of Zahara de los Atunes.

The Torre Atalaya de la Almadraba served as a watchtower for the Almadraba of Zahara; remains of its walls are preserved on the Peñón de Zahara. Some Casas Cañones are still preserved as private residences on C/ Real, C/ Agustín Medina Chico and C/ Zapal.

The rock paintings of Zahara de los Atunes date from the Paleolithic through the Bronze Age to the Iron Age and display a semi-schematic and schematic style. They were classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) on 29 June 1985 and catalogued under code 01110350026.

The church of Zahara de los Atunes is located in the former Nave de la Sal of the 16th-century Casa-Chanca fortress. On Tuesday, 12 December 1893, the ship “GLADIATOR”, whose home port was Glasgow, ran aground in Zahara.

Cuisine

The Ruta del Retinto was established as an initiative of the merchants’ association Asociación de Comerciantes de Zahara de los Atunes (ACOZA) to celebrate and promote the culinary diversity of Zahara de los Atunes.

The Ruta del Atún takes place in Zahara de los Atunes in May. Local restaurants compete with their own tuna creations for the award for the best tuna tapa.

During the XI Ruta del Retinto, held from 9 to 13 October, the participating establishments prepared tapas with Retinto beef.

For the main travel overview: Barbate.