The Almadraba of Conil

Do you want to enjoy an incredible holiday in Conil de la Frontera? Then you should know that this town has some of the best food in the country, and is one of the only places in Spain where almadraba fishing is carried out. It consists of setting nets vertically, with floats at the top and weights below, forming a labyrinth a few metres from the coast. Pay close attention, because in this post from Villas Flamenco we are going to tell you what it involves, when the best season is and other aspects of this kind of fishing.

Almadraba means “place where one strikes or fights”. It is a practice that has been carried out for more than 3,000 years, by which a small part of the tuna population is caught selectively, with fish weighing between 180 and 200 kg.

When is the almadraba season?

The fishing work in Conil takes place every year from February to June. Once the fishing season ends, a food route for almadraba tuna is held in the area’s restaurants and bars. This route is known as the Ruta de la Almadraba de Conil.

It has been held since 1996 and is a food event in the Cádiz town where both traditional preparations and the presentation of innovative dishes are rewarded. Here bluefin tuna is the main star, with the guarantee of being a fresh product obtained responsibly.

In Conil you can also take the chance to visit the different historic buildings related to the fishing industry, as well as exhibitions and talks held alongside the route. It has great cultural value, with the chance to try tapas at incredible prices and take part in a ronqueo, the traditional cutting up of tuna, so you learn about the parts it is made up of.

What dishes can you try from the almadraba?

Along the Conil almadraba route you can try more than 250 ways of cooking tuna. You will find a list of the prize-winning tapas and the contest participants, with traditional dishes and more modern ones. You will also see how every part of the fish is used, from the morrillo and the belly to the galete.

Some of the most outstanding dishes are tuna, tuna with onions, chard stew with tuna parpatana, tuna “clouds”, tuna salad, boiled almadraba tuna roe, seaweed and mojama, a great variety of incredible dishes you will want to try.

What can you find in the almadraba season in Conil?

Conil de la Frontera stands out as a fishing town, known for using this unique style of tuna fishing. It is in the south-west of the province, right on the coast, with various places of interest and incredible long white-sand beaches.

The activities you can do in Conil during your visit are:

• Go to Cala del Aceite: it stands out for its fine sand and turquoise water. It is sheltered from the area’s wind by cliffs and you can reach it by a flight of small steps. Its water is calm, and it has lifeguard service, public toilets and shaded areas.
• The Museo Municipal de Raíces Conileñas: an ethnographic museum with an exhibition of samples of old furniture and utensils typical of the town, including farming tools, fishing gear and everyday items. You can visit its four rooms with more than 800 collection pieces.
• Swim at Playa Roche: one of the largest beaches in Conil, in an excellent location in a residential area of detached houses. It has services and facilities for public use, good access to the sand, calm water, lifeguard service, public toilets and shaded areas.
• Visit Los Bateles beach: located opposite Conil de la Frontera, it is the perfect spot for windsurfing. It has good access to the sand, leisure options on the beach, calm water, lifeguard service, public toilets and shaded areas.

You will also find numerous monuments and historic areas, such as the preserved bronze coin in the Archaeological Museum of Cádiz, the remains of the necropolis at Huerta del Sol, and so on. You can also see the different medieval fortifications that preserve stretches of their walls, at the Puerta de la Villa, the watchtowers of Roche, Castilnovo and others.

You should also pass through Plaza del Castillo and visit the Parish Church of Santa Catalina, the town hall and various monuments and historic areas, such as the hermitage of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, the convent of Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes, among other places.

Where can you stay if you visit the town in the almadraba season?

If you have already planned your holiday in the almadraba season in Conil and are looking for the best accommodation, you should know that at Villas Flamenco you will find different options for an incredible holiday.

You can book at any time and be on the beachfront, such as the Fuente del Gallo development, which stands out for its sophisticated modern atmosphere, full equipment and sea views.

If you prefer a rural complex, the best option is one of our country houses and apartments, available for you to enjoy an incredible holiday. Don’t wait any longer and visit Conil at one of the best times of the year.

And if you want to know more about our accommodation and its availability, you can contact us and we will be happy to help.