We’re continuing to make our way southwest towards Gibraltar and stopped in two lovely, very Spanish resorts of Mazagon and Chipiona where the beach has the remains of ancient fish farm walls. In Mazagon, despite our lack of Spanish and indecipherable menus, we had fabulous fish tapas at a restaurant by a park overlooking the sea. We think it was the first weekend of the Spanish holidays as all the restaurants and bars were overflowing with youngsters enjoying their freedom. As we sipped icy beers, the food and atmosphere was enhanced for us by England’s win against Ukraine. We watched on an iPad as there are definitely no English sports bars here.
We sailed on to Rota, in the northern part of the Bay of Cadiz. As we approach Northern Africa, the Moorish influence on Spanish architecture is apparent. The cobbled streets are narrow and shady with closely crammed flat roofed buildings. An open door gives glimpses of exotic tiled floors and walls, with cool courtyards beyond.
We’re now in Cadiz, pinned to the marina berth by a Force 8 Easterly Gale-the ‘Levanter’- that frequently blows through the Gibraltar Straits bringing scorching weather and, what currently feels like most of the Sahara. The boat is coated in a film of sand, inside and out, as are we! Fortunately Cadiz is a beautiful old city, ideal for exploration by bike although the cobbled streets are a bit uncomfortable. We’ve slipped into Spanish time. Shops are closed between 2pm and 5pm, it’s difficult to find a lunch stop open before 2 or dinner before 9. So we explore in the morning, enjoy an afternoon siesta and head out for a swim in the early evening.
We’ll be here in Cadiz for a few more days waiting for the Levanter to ease as it’s not possible to round Tarifa, the most southerly part of Spain only eight miles from Africa, in these conditions. Tarifa is known for its winds – 300 days a year with winds over 30 knots – it is the European board surfing hot spot. We’re waiting for the Poniente, the cooler, lighter wind from the Atlantic, to carry us safely to Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean. Perhaps we might find a spots bar here for the final!
It looks lovely. Xx