Barbate is a coastal town in the province of Cádiz, Spain. At the 2006 census, it had a population of 22,496. Barbate is at the mouth of the River Barbate, 7 miles along the coast east of Cape Trafalgar and within the La Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park. The "Tómbolo de Trafalgar", a local point of interest, comprises a sandy isthmus joining Cape Trafalgar to the mainland. From the 1930s the town was known as Barbate de Franco because General Francisco Franco spent leisure time there. It ceased to be called this in 1998 after a decree was passed by the Junta de Andalucia. Barbate has a long history of fishing stretching back to Roman times when fish salting was at its peak. The town has a central square, "Plaza de la Inmaculada", flanked by the Town Hall and the Church of St. Paul. Barbate is popular with Spanish tourists in the summer, but attracts few foreign visitors. El Campero restaurant in Barbate was where Kenneth Noye was arrested in 1998, and later extradited to England. Besides, it’s the most famous of the town.
Fiestas
Barbate celebrates several fiestas during the year:
"Carnival" is celebrated in February or March, usually the week after it is celebrated in Cádiz. A temporary building is erected by the river and during the appointed week there are various dramatic, satirical and musical events. The Six Taps Square is a particular centre of activity.
Tuna Gastronomy week has been held since 2008 to celebrate the central role of tuna in the towns economy. It takes the form of a fair with temporary buildings, local trade stands and other attractions
St John's Night, traditionally on 23 June during the evening, artificial figures of local outstanding people, national celebrities or politicians are burned, it is customary to go down to the beach to cool down after the bonfires.
St. Carmen's Fair held on 16 July to celebrate the patron saint of fishermen and the town.
The Great Sardine Festival is held in the port area to enjoy the sardine season and its produce.
Nearby villages
Zahara de los Atunes
Los Caños de Meca
Zahora
Beaches
This part of the coast has a number of beaches, among them:
