Balneario → Bolonia (El Lentiscal) · Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain
Needs a E–SE wind at Balneario, 18–30 kn (Advanced level), and wind at the finish.
Loading the route's forecast…
The classic Tarifa downwind with Levante: starts from Balneario, runs along the whole of Los Lances and Valdevaqueros, rounds Punta Paloma on the outside and finishes at Bolonia beach. About 18 km of coastline with beaches to exit during the first half and a more exposed final stretch. Approximate route: adjust it to the conditions of the day.
With Levante the wind is offshore or very cross-shore: do not go far from the coast and leave a margin to return to the shore. Strong gusts coming down from the dunes in Valdevaqueros and Punta Paloma. In front of Punta Paloma there are rocks and shallows: pass on the outside. Beyond Punta Paloma there are no easy exits until Bolonia. Further out is the traffic of the Strait. In summer respect the buoyed swimming areas and the exit channels.
Leave a car in Bolonia (El Lentiscal car park) or arrange who will collect the gear. Return to Tarifa via the N-340, about 25 minutes. In summer the Bolonia car park fills up early.
A downwinder takes you away from where you started: go with someone, tell people your plan, carry your phone in a waterproof case and check the forecast at the start and at the finish.