Sierra de la Plata and Bolonia

Very close to Tarifa, in the vicinity of Bolonia, Sierra de la Plata offers, without a doubt, one of the best views across the Strait of Gibraltar. The transition from the unspoiled beach and sand dunes to the pine and oak woods and mountain cliffs, creates a unique landscape of stunning beauty. These imposing crags support an important population of Griffon Vultures as well as other interesting species such as the Blue Rock Thrush and the increasingly endangered Egyptian Vulture. This is also a great spot for the Iberian Green Woodpecker, Cirl Bunting, Western Black-eared Wheatear, and one of the few locations in the Strait with presence of Dartford Warbler.

Besides, La Sierra de la Plata provides one of the best places to track down the scarce Rüppell Vulture and a fantastic setting to watch migration when the easterly winds (Levante) show up.

In terms of botany, the dune edges are particularly of interest, dominated by maritime juniper, umbrella pine trees and white broom. On closer examination, this vegetation can easily yield individuals of the elusive Common Chameleon.

While in this magnificent spot, it is worth visiting the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, founded at the end of the 2^nd century BC. Wandering along its stone streets to a background of sea sounds, marvelling at the archaeological remains and the birds and reptiles present is a whole experience by itself.