Excursion to the Trafalgar lighthouse in Cádiz

Cape Trafalgar (from the Arabic: Taraf al Ghar, the cape of the cave) is a Spanish cape located in the province of Cádiz, in Andalusia.

This is a small islet located between the coves of Conil and Barbate. There is a lighthouse and archaeological remains of a Roman salted fish factory and a Hispano-Muslim settlement. The famous Battle of Trafalgar took place in its vicinity on 21 October 1805, in which the Franco-Spanish squadron was defeated by the British under the command of Admiral Nelson.

The beach of Faro de Trafalgar is located in the surroundings of Caños de Meca. It begins at the foot of the lighthouse at the Cape of Trafalgar and extends northwards (right) some 2,000 metres to the area known as Zahora.

The first stretch is sandy with a sprinkling of rocks. Depending on the time of year and the tidal flow, the ground will be more or less sandy. It is not advisable for bathing because of the rocky bottoms.

The second section begins with the arrival at Marisucia beach, which is much better for bathing. It tends to have a lot of seaweed and when the easterly blows it receives the debris that the sea throws on the shore. The best time to be there and enjoy its tropical waters is with a westerly wind.

If we continue on our way we return to a rocky area frequented by shellfish gatherers and enter Cape Trafalgar. If you continue along the coast you will see the reefs that are revealed at low tide. At low tide we reach the sandy coves.

After passing the coves we climb up to the lighthouse and from there we can enjoy a beautiful view of the immensity of the sea and the large beach that stretches towards Conil. The place is steeped in history; in Roman times, where the lighthouse stands today, there was a temple dedicated to the goddess Juno. The Arabs built a watchtower in the 9th century, the remains of which can still be seen today next to the lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1860.