El Palmar is a special place on the south coast of Spain where you will find the best of many things, such as beautiful beaches of fine white sand that come from the Sahara desert (more than 8 km and 80 meters wide of beaches from the Atlantic Ocean). You will find the typical Spanish Andalusian culture such as flamenco, tapas, joy, water sports, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, body boarding, kayaking, paddle surfing (SUP), biking (mountain) and beautiful flower fields. The wind conditions are caused by the narrowing of the land where the southern part of Europe almost connects with Morocco, the northern part of Africa. In fact, you can clearly see Morocco on clear days, as it is only about 50 km from El Palmar and at the narrowest point of Tarifa only 14 km. This narrow channel is called the Strait of Gibraltar and it is the point where the Atlantic Sea connects with the Mediterranean Sea. The wind changes approximately every 5 days from east to west. The Mediterranean wind is the strongest and is called “levante”. When the winds change direction after about 5 days (it can be many more or less days) we normally have 2 days of light or no wind and then it starts to come from the Atlantic direction and is called “Poniente”. The wind blows throughout the year, so you can enjoy kitesurfing and windsurfing all year round. Due to these unique conditions, it is an ideal place for water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing due to the unique formation of breakers at El Palmar beach. The high season for surfing takes place in winter, from October to March. Especially famous in El Palmar are the left waves and the best spot is usually in front of the “Homies” surf school and the lighthouse tower.
An impression of what you can do in El Palmar and the surroundings
Beautiful unique landscapes full of nature and wide views
El Palmar is home to a very unique landscape due to the wide variety of properties, land and agriculture that you will find in El Palmar. Wherever you walk, you will find that each house and land is unique and has different animals, crops or flowers growing on it. Especially between November and May you will find flower fields everywhere with different kinds of flowers, it is very beautiful. The views change every corner you go through and with the change of light it forms spectacular views. We particularly like the views of the neighboring white village of Conil de Frontera. The reflection of the light is incredible and during sunset the white houses take on a reddish pink glow. Our houses are located a bit in the upper part of El Palmar, so when you go outside you will be able to see all of El Palmar and enjoy the views of Conil de la Frontera and the beach as well. Our houses are located just 200 meters from the bike path that will take you to all the neighboring towns such as Conil de la Frontera, Zahora and Caños de Meca. And we are a 15 minute walk from the beach.
Some curious facts about El Palmar
A little history of El Palmar, a unique place on the coast of the province of Cádiz
Gastronomy, what are the typical dishes that you can find in the area of El Palmar and the province of Cádiz
Carne de retinto (retinto meat), high quality meat and specialty of this region
Carne retinta is beef and comes from the native bovine breed. You will find them in the southern part of the Spanish peninsula. The Retinto cattle are raised in freedom, grazing freely and feeding mainly on natural grass. Is it because they have such a good life that they taste so good? Is it because of the different taste of the bovine breed or because of the lack of use of drugs and testosterone? We are not sure but the only thing we know is that we love retinto meat.
Culture, festivals and events in El Palmar
El Palmar hosts quite a few events. Here we will discuss some events held in El Palmar and surrounding villages.
An event that you cannot miss if you are in the area in February is the Cádiz carnival. The Cádiz carnival is very famous in Spain and is after the Tenerife carnival the largest in Spain but in duration it is undoubtedly the largest since the preparation festivities can last around 2 months and the actual carnival is 2 weeks. non-stop. festivities As in the entire province of Cadiz, in El Palmar they also like to celebrate carnival and it is celebrated a week after the carnival in Cadiz capital.
Throughout the year you will find many smaller events organized by locals and can include organic farming meetups where people share and sell locally produced vegetables, fruit, honey and CBD, for example. There you will also find “artesanía” (crafts) and homemade pastries, food, cakes and creams for your skin.
The bluefin tuna fair (feria or ruta de atún) in May does not take place in El Palmar but it does take place in all the surrounding towns such as Conil de la Frontera, Vejer de la Frontera, Barbate and we especially like Zahara de los Atunes which is a beautiful beach town full of restaurants and quality gastronomy.
The May Fair in El Palmar. The fair is based on equestrian events and takes place in the month of May over a period of four days. There are tents and rides.
San Juan night. After the burning of Juanillos and Juanillas, the locals take a night swim in the sea, light a bonfire on the beach and spend the night in good company.
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