Bolonia

The small village of Bolonia is situated about twenty kilometres from Tarifa and has three attractions to offer: a kilometre-long sandy beach, a large shifting dune and the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia.

Ruins of Baelo Claudia in Bolonia

The 3.8 km long and on average 70 m wide sandy beach in the bay of Bolonia is one of the most popular beaches among Spanish tourists. At the western end of the sandy beach the east-wind (called Levante) hits the bay frontally. In this way the over 30 m high and 200 m wide dune of Bolonia was formed. It advances further and further inland and gradually buries the surrounding pine forests beneath it. Since 2001 the dune has been protected as a natural monument.

At the foot of the dune lie the ruins of Baelo Claudia. The settlement was founded in the 2nd century B.C. and was known throughout the Roman Empire for the processing and export of tuna and a seasoning sauce called Garum. Until the 2nd century AD Baelo Claudia grew and flourished. But finally crisis and fall of the Roman Empire, attacks of other nations as well as sea and earthquakes in this area led to the economic decline of the city. At the beginning of the 7th century at the latest, Baelo Claudia was finally abandoned. On a tour of the ruins, information boards provide valuable information about individual buildings and fish processing.

In July and August Bolonia can be reached by public bus from Tarifa. During the rest of the months you will need your own car.