Vejer de la Frontera – Barbate Marismas Circuit

Lyndon and Jennifer Jolley

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The walk explores the variety of wetland environments to be found on the southern extremity of Europe. Situated between the beautiful white village of Vejer de la Frontera and the ancient tuna-fishing port of Barbate, the Marismas are one of the most important staging-posts for migrating birds as they cross the strait between Europe and Africa. The walk starts at the north-west corner of the Marismas, just off the N343 road near Vejer and goes through examples of all the environments from water meadow to salt flats, returning through the centre of the Marismas alongside the tidal Rio Barbate. The diversity of flora and fauna throughout the year is amazing, but is particularly impressive in the spring and autumn when the wildflowers are blooming and the birds are on the move. The walk is easy, being almost completely flat and simple to follow, but be aware that this is a wetland environment and some of the paths can be swamped and / or muddy in all but the very driest months. This should not deter the visitor however, as the walk offers an excellent opportunity to see a fascinating ecosystem in all its glory in a compact and accessible way not often found elsewhere; an experience not to be missed.

Spain - Southern Spain - Cadiz - Acantilado

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Great Views, Moor, Mostly Flat, River, Wildlife
5/2/2015 - Peter moon

There were three places where the path was submerged to the depth of about a foot when I did this walk on 1 May. Two large plastic bags to place over your footwear would be a convenient way to cope with this. This is a walk with a difference, though not a wilderness experience the wildlife makes it worthwhile. Not only is the bird life a treat, but I saw numerous wild tortoises too. On the negative side a walking stick came in handy to ward off two large aggressive dogs between points 1 and 2 on the map.