What should you expect in these private guided hiking tours in El Estrecho natural park in Cadiz?
Welcome to nature in Cadiz. My name is Carlos and I will be your local guide. I worked in the environmental and conservation field in Canada, UK and Spain for 5 years. In this private guided hiking tour in El Estrecho natural park I try to mix both of my passions. If you are looking for a hike within Costa de la Luz then you will be interested in this hiking tour.
If you want to hike along the coast but not in a private tour, please click here. This tour is a 3-4 hour hiking and photography tour in the beautiful El Estrecho natural park. Take in the views of the most magical place where the Mediterranean sea and the Atlantic ocean meets and to see at the same time Africa and Europe.
Cadiz province is one of the most biodiverse provinces in mainland Spain. Habitats range from dense forest reminiscent of cloud forest to Mediterranean forest, dune systems, and more. Moreover, you will be seduced with views of magical landscapes in Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar. Cadiz has over a third of its surface protected, while its climate and sunlight hours are similar to Canary Islands.
Please contact us in advance to book these private guided hiking tours in El Estrecho natural park in Cadiz province to check on availability. Depending on the season some of the hikes are more recommended than others. If you are more interested in hiking a subtropical forest in the heart of Los Alcornocales natural park, click here.
Choose the guided hiking tour of El Estrecho natural park in Cadiz that you are most interested in from below:
I will lead you in these hiking trails to get the most out of them. Furthermore, I will also explain the habitats that we find and some the landmarks of the hikes. I will help you identify Mediterranean plants and explain the traditional, culinary or medicinal use that it had in the region. Did you know that these uses have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries? You can still find many of these plants in your supermarket in lotions, herbal teas, and to flavour your food or even eat them as part of your main plate.
These hikes last from 3.5 - 7h depending on the guided hiking tour in Cadiz that you choose. Most of the hiking tours I offer consist of hikes that last 3.5 - 4.5h (8-13km). However, we can design longer or shorter hiking trails for those groups that are interested.
Although I'm based in Vejer de la Frontera we can arrange transportation for your group from anywhere within Cadiz province. Moreover, having a transport with a driver will help you enjoy doing linear hiking routes and discover different types of habitats. Alternatively, if you prefer to use your own vehicle, we can meet at the end point and I can drive us (up to 4 guests) to the start of the hike.
Please be aware, the temperatures can be extreme during summer. It is recommended that during the summer months you take extra precautions to avoid the heat and bring extra water. I also recommend we start early to avoid the worst of the heat.
Sierra San Bartolomé (Circular trail - Medium high difficulty)
In this hike in El Estrecho natural park, we will hike to the top of the San Bartolome mountain. This hiking tour is for people who are used to hiking with irregular terrain. However, the views are worth it! As well, it is an excellent place for birding. Take in 360 degree views, from Tarifa, to Morocco, Vejer and Los Alcornocales Natural Park.
Duration: 3:00h / Length: 6km / Habitats: Pine forest, dune system and Mediterranean shrubs/ Highlights: Viewpoints, and Roman-age quarry, and tradition of Bluefin Tuna almadraba of Tarifa. / Recommendations: Wear hiking boots that cover the ankles and bring lots of water.
Sierra San Bartolomé - Bolonia (Linear trail - Medium difficulty)
In this hike we will hike to the top of a mountain in El Estrecho Natural Park. This hiking tour is for people who are used to hiking with irregular terrain. However, the views are worth it! As well, it is an excellent place for birding. Take in 360 degree views, from Tarifa, to Morocco, Vejer and Los Alcornocales Natural Park. After we will head down to the beach and see the old Roman quarry used to build Baelo Claudia. The last part of the hike goes along one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain and Cadiz.
Duration: 4:00h / Length: 9km / Habitats: Pine forest, dune system, beach and Mediterranean shrubs/ Highlights: Viewpoints, Roman-age quarry, and tradition of Bluefin Tuna almadraba of Tarifa. / Recommendations: Wear hiking boots that cover the ankles and bring lots of water.
Duna de Bolonia (Linear trail - Medium difficulty)
In this hike we will hike to the top of one of the largest dunes in Europe. This hiking tour is for people who are used to hiking with irregular terrain. However, the views are worth it! As well, it is an excellent way to walk along the beach and see two of my favourite beaches of Cadiz. After we will head down to a hidden beach and learn about the use of the coastal towers.
Duration: 3:00h / Length: 9km / Habitats: Pine forest, dune system and Mediterranean shrubs/ Highlights: Viewpoints, one of the largest dunes in Europe, and tradition of Bluefin Tuna almadraba of Tarifa. / Recommendations: Wear hiking boots that cover the ankles, bring lots of water, sun cream and a hat.
Silla del Papa (Circular trail - Medium difficulty)
In this hike we will hike to the top of a small mountain in El Estrecho Natural Park. This hiking tour is for people who are used to hiking with irregular terrain. We will hike along the mountain crest and enjoy the views while walking as well as travel through cork oak forest.
Duration 3:30h / Length: 12km / Habitats: Pine forest, eucalyptus forest, Mediterranean shrub / Highlights: Viewpoints, Pre-Roman history in the area. / Recommendations: Wear hiking boots that cover the ankles, bring lots of water, sun cream and a hat.
Ruta El Pelayo - Tarifa (Linear trail - Low medium difficulty)
In this hike we will walk down to the coast by following a dirt road in El Estrecho Natural Park. This hiking tour is easier terrain but longer. We will then walk along the coast, it is an incredible hike to see the flysch formation and for birders. Please take into account that there are some abandoned dinghies at the beginning for about 20 minutes, however it turns into a gorgeous hike. It is a very open hike with not much vegetation.
Duration 5h / Length: 16km / Habitats: Pine forest, cork oak forest, Mediterranean shrub, coastal/ Highlights: Viewpoints, Flysch geological formation. / Recommendations: Wear hiking boots that cover the ankles, bring lots of water, sun cream and a hat.
