The Campo de Gibraltar is the southernmost region of the Iberian Peninsula. Located in the province of Cadiz, it looks out over the Strait of Gibraltar and comprises the municipalities of Algeciras, Tarifa, San Roque, La Linea de la Concepcion, Los Barrios, Castellar de la Frontera and Jimena de la Frontera.
It is a land of contrasts: the major commercial port of Algeciras, Tarifa as a world capital of windsurfing and kitesurfing, whitewashed hill villages inland, the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, and the unique position right next to the Rock of Gibraltar. Many of today’s towns grew or were founded after the capture of Gibraltar in 1704, when a large part of the Spanish population settled in San Roque, Los Barrios and Algeciras.
From Malaga and the Costa del Sol the Campo de Gibraltar is only around an hour and a half away by car. The area offers an appealing mix of history, Atlantic beaches, nature and the distinctive atmosphere of a border region.
The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological sites range from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age, including the necropolis of Los Algarbes near Tarifa, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Later the Turdetani and especially the Romans left their mark, taking advantage of the strategic location between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
After the fall of the Roman Empire and the Visigothic period, the region flourished again with the arrival of the Arabs and the creation of al-Andalus. The Christian reconquest left a legacy of fortresses and watchtowers.
The event that most shaped the modern Campo de Gibraltar came in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession, when an Anglo-Dutch fleet captured Gibraltar. A large part of the Spanish population left the Rock and settled in the surrounding area. This led to the growth of places such as San Roque (which still carries the title “where Gibraltar resides”), Los Barrios and Algeciras. During the 18th century several attempts were made to retake Gibraltar, and many of the fortifications from that period remain in good condition and can still be visited.
The largest town and main port of the region. Worth exploring are the Plaza Alta, the Chapel of Nuestra Senora de Europa, Maria Cristina Park and the lively port area. Algeciras is also a convenient departure point for ferries to Ceuta or Tangier and offers an interesting insight into the commercial life of the area.
The southernmost point of mainland Europe. Famous for its long sandy beaches and as one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations in the world. The old town, the Castle of Guzman el Bueno and the views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa are highlights. Tarifa is also an excellent base for whale and dolphin watching.
More information can be found on the Tarifa page.
A historic town that preserves the legacy of the population that left Gibraltar after 1704. The old quarter, the Alameda Alfonso XI and the typical Andalusian atmosphere make it a pleasant place to stroll. The municipal area also includes upmarket residential developments and golf courses, including the Sotogrande area.
More information can be found on the San Roque page.
The border town with Gibraltar. It offers beaches, a lively town centre and a seafront promenade with direct views of the Rock. La Linea is the most practical point from which to cross into Gibraltar on foot or by car, combining coastal atmosphere with shopping opportunities.
A quieter municipality inland and a good base for exploring the Los Alcornocales Natural Park – ideal for walking and birdwatching. The town itself retains a local atmosphere and is a pleasant option if you are looking for nature close to the coast.
More information can be found on the Los Barrios page.
Two of the most attractive places in the region. Castellar stands out for its medieval castle and walled old town, with spectacular views. Jimena is a classic white hill village with castle ruins, set in the beautiful surroundings of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Both are excellent for a trip into the interior.
The Campo de Gibraltar offers far more than just beach and town:
The Campo de Gibraltar is well connected to the Costa del Sol. The distance from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport to Algeciras is approximately 135–140 kilometres via the A-7 (Mediterranean Motorway). The journey by car usually takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
With a hire car you can move freely between Algeciras, Tarifa, San Roque, Los Barrios and the hill villages, combining coast, nature and a possible visit to Gibraltar as you wish.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
If you prefer not to drive, you can book a private transfer from Malaga Airport or from your accommodation on the Costa del Sol to any point in the Campo de Gibraltar.
Book a transfer from Malaga Airport*There is no need to enter credit card details or make an advance payment. We recommend booking in good time.
There are bus services and a train line from Algeciras to Bobadilla with stops at Los Barrios and San Roque. From Bobadilla there are connections to Malaga and Seville. For flexible exploration of the region, however, a hire car remains the most practical solution.
The main ones are Algeciras, La Linea de la Concepcion, San Roque, Los Barrios, Tarifa, Castellar de la Frontera and Jimena de la Frontera. Some lists also include San Martin del Tesorillo.
To Algeciras it is approximately 135–140 kilometres via the A-7. The journey by car usually takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tarifa with its beaches and wind sports, the proximity to Gibraltar, the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, the hill villages of Castellar and Jimena, and the historic and port atmosphere of Algeciras and San Roque.
Yes. The usual crossing point is from La Linea de la Concepcion. You can cross on foot or by car (subject to current regulations). Valid identification documents are required.
Yes. Although there are bus and train services, a hire car is the most flexible way to combine the coast (Tarifa, La Linea, Algeciras) with the inland villages (Castellar, Jimena, Los Barrios) in a single day.
Spring and autumn are excellent for a mix of beach, walking and villages. Summer is ideal for wind sports in Tarifa and beach holidays, although it can get very hot inland.
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