Bolonia / Andalusia / Spain

Bolonia is a picturesque village along a beautiful bay which has won several awards for the best beach in Andalusia. It is flanked on one side by San Bartolo Mountain which separates it from Tarifa, 20km (12 miles) away, and is backed by the ruins of a Roman settlement. Windsurfing is best here from April to September and from October to May, it is surfing season. Kitesurfing is disallowed in summer. It is 180 km (104 miles) away from Seville and 160 (96 miles) km from Malaga. The closest bus station is in Tarifa. Temperatures are mild between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) and the water temperature ranges between 13°-20°C (55°- 68°F). It rains between January-April.

The beautiful golden sandy beach is unspoilt and uncrowded. Huge sand dunes have formed to the north of this relatively long beach. It has a small shallow area of 50-100m (150-300 ft) from the shore.

The easterly wind, Levante is the dominant wind, but speeds are around 1-2 bft less than in Tarifa. It also blows more constantly, creating the best conditions for windsurfing. When Poinente blows sideonshore from the west, it is perfect for kitesurfing. Waves are mainly small but in winter, surfers can find waves between 2-3m (6.5-10 ft). A long wetsuit is required from September-April while a shorty or shorts will do for summer.

Beach bars rent out sunbeds and umbrellas and a large car park is located in the village. There is not much entertainment beyond beach bars and restaurants, some of which are closed during winter. A windsurfing school offers lessons and equipment rental. As Bolonia is still fairly remote, lodgings are restricted to self catering apartments and hostels.

Zones are marked for windsurfing and for swimming. There is an emergency first aid facility and lifeguards are positioned in the center of the bay.

• 
  mick   08 August 2010

  heeeeeeeeeeeeeeey