Neither Vejer nor Conil: this white village in Cádiz has cliffs, tuna, and narrow streets steeped in history.

When we think of the Cadiz coast , places like Vejer de la Frontera or Conil de la Frontera often come to mind. They're charming towns, yes, but there's another one that sometimes goes unnoticed and has so much to offer: Barbate .

This Cadiz town combines sea, nature, good food, and a history closely linked to bluefin tuna. It's surrounded by stunning landscapes, such as the cliffs of La Breña Natural Park , yet maintains an authentic atmosphere, free from the hustle and bustle of other nearby beaches.

So if you're looking to discover a place with a taste of the sea, outdoor routes, good food, and a quieter atmosphere , Barbate is a great option, and ABC tells you why.

Barbate has always faced the sea. Its history is closely linked to fishing, especially bluefin tuna fishing , an activity that is still carried out here as it was centuries ago: using almadrabas, a traditional technique already used by the Phoenicians. This method of fishing is not only sustainable, but also forms part of the local culture and identity.

The town grew up around this tradition, and you can still feel that connection in its daily life today. The port remains a key hub , not only for fishing, but also as a meeting place. Walking through the port area, watching the boats arrive, or simply sitting and observing the movement, is a simple yet authentic way to understand the local pace of life.

Beyond the port, Barbate has a center with wide squares, whitewashed alleyways, and a general sense of calm . You won't find grand monuments or flashy tourist attractions, but you will find a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to stroll leisurely through this whitewashed town on the Cadiz coast.

One of Barbate's greatest attractions is its natural surroundings. Here lies the Breña and Marismas del Barbate Natural Park , a little-known gem that surprises with its varied landscapes: dizzying cliffs, marshes teeming with life, dunes, pine forests, and trails that crisscross the park with spectacular views.

One of the best-known routes runs from the Torre del Tajo , an old watchtower, to Caños de Meca. It's an easy trail, with little elevation gain and a huge visual reward: from the cliffs, you can see the open sea, the outline of the African continent on clear days, and, if you're lucky, even the occasional whale.

But you don't need to lace up your boots to enjoy nature. Barbate's beaches also have their charm. Playa del Carmen, located right in the city center, is perfect for a quick dip or a stroll at sunset. And Hierbabuena, further north, is ideal if you're looking for a quieter beach, surrounded by pine trees and with great views of the cliffs.

Plus, if you go in spring, the park is filled with wildflowers and the weather is perfect for walking or just relaxing on the beach.

In Barbate, bluefin tuna isn't just a fish: it's part of the town's identity . It's known and respected here, and this is evident in the way it's cooked, talked about, and experienced. Every spring, during the almadraba season (usually between April and June), the largest tuna arrive on the Cadiz coast, and Barbate celebrates this occasion in style with food fairs, tapas tours, and cultural activities .

If you're interested in the more historical or technical aspects, you can visit the Tuna Museum , where the entire capture, butchering, and preparation process is explained. But the best part, without a doubt, is sitting down to eat it. There are many ways to enjoy it: raw (as sashimi or tartar), with onions, preserved, grilled... and they all have their own charm.

El Campero restaurant is possibly the most famous place to try it. Its menu revolves around tuna, and they treat it with utmost respect. But there are also other, more informal places, such as La Taberna de Abelardo, La Esquina del Tofe, or El Refugio , where you can eat very well without spending a fortune.

And if you're more into snacking, try mojama, ijada, or dried roe . They're intense and very local flavors, perfect for pairing with a glass of white wine or an ice-cold beer.

Barbate isn't a picture-postcard town, nor does it pretend to be. There aren't souvenir shops on every corner or streets primed for selfies. And, honestly, that's part of its charm . Here you can still stroll without being overwhelmed, watch locals chatting in the square, pop into a traditional bakery, or sit in a tavern listening to discussions about the weather and fishing.

It's also ideally located for trips to other nearby destinations . Zahara de los Atunes is just a few minutes away by car, as are Caños de Meca and Vejer, so you can use Barbate as a base to explore the entire area.

And if you're one of those who travels during the off-season, this is an ideal spot. In fall and spring, the weather is still very pleasant and there are far fewer people. Everything can be enjoyed more leisurely: the trails, the restaurants, the beaches...

So now you know: if you're looking to discover another side of Cádiz, a quieter, more authentic one ... give Barbate a try. It may not have the same name as other nearby towns, but it has a soul. And that, in the end, is what we appreciate most.