The tiny hamlet of Bolonia has escaped the developers unscathed thanks to the existence, right at the ocean’s edge, of one of southern Spain’s best-preserved Roman settlements: even in summer you can stake a claim on its gorgeous arc of white sand. Just beyond this, high on a cliff above a hidden bay and a natural park, is a secret oasis built into a cliff face. Up here, you're sheltered from the levante wind by the highest dune in Spain and a forest of umbrella pines. And the views will astound you. Gaze out at Atlantic breakers rolling in, hawks circling above the pine forest, and the twinkling lights of Tangier shining after dark, reminding you that Africa is tantalisingly close.
The property has three self-catering houses which fan out beneath a sandstone bluff. The Casita is perfect for a couple, the larger Stone House is ideal for families or friends, and The Glass House happily suits both. They all share a secret landscaped garden with mysterious sandstone monoliths and spring-fed pools filled with frogs. Below this, a sandy path winds through the trees down to El Canuelo beach, always deserted because it's inaccessible by road. Prepare yourself for a magical journey to one of Andalucia’s most seductive and secluded retreats.
Highs
- The views out over the forested dunes, protected pine forest and the strait towards North Africa are heart-achingly beautiful
- The beautiful houses, sleeping 2-6, are unique in style and perfectly spoiling; the larger house has a spectacularly sited plunge pool
- The magnificent, Zen-like garden, with hidden corners and double daybeds sprinkled amongst the rocks and lawns: it's made for honeymooners
- Good kitchens for self-catering. Stock up on fresh seafood at Tarifa's market
- The little village of Bolonia, where you’ll find a spectacular beach and great oceanside restaurants and beach bars
Lows
- The access track is off-road and very bumpy (you'll want a 4x4), so driving out to restaurants at night might seem a bit daunting (10 mins' drive to Bolonia, 20 mins to Tarifa)
- Levels of service and maintenance may not be what you'd expect for these prices – you're paying for the location and those views
- This is a popular wedding venue, so the houses are often booked out over weekends - particularly in spring and autumn
- You can't drink from the taps here as the property relies on well water, but big water filters are provided
- You have to pay the balance of your stay on arrival in cash, plus a sizeable security deposit
Best time to go
The houses are open all year. The area fills up with holidaying Spaniards in July and August, but you're well away from them in this secluded spot. This area is pretty peaceful in other months, and thanks to near year-round sunshine even winter can be very pleasant - though be prepared for beach restaurants being closed out of season. Expect close encounters of the windy kind all year round; when the levante (a strong easterly wind) is blowing, you'll know about it.
Our top tips
- Walk through the pine forest for 15 minutes to discover the hidden beach of El Cañuelo, inaccessible to traffic, where nude bathing is the norm (make sure you note where the path starts/ends for your walk back)
- Visit the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia and its state-of-the-art museum, located 10 minutes away
- Bolonia beach is great for windsurfing or kitesurfing, or saddle up for an unforgettable horseback ride along the beach to Valdevaqueros
- Head inland and discover the pristine beauty of Los Alcornocales Park: the hiking possibilities here are endless
- Take a whale- and dolphin-watching trip out from Tarifa
- Take a fast ferry to Tangier, wander the souks, drink mint tea, buy a rug - and be back in Bolonia in time for a late supper
- Boutique Villas
- 3 villas sleeping 2-6
- Self-catering (restaurants a drive away)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
The Stone House
This house is the largest of the trio, sleeping 2-6 + 1 child. The name stems from the huge sandstone boulders serving as the back wall. We loved the floor-to-ceiling tapestry from Burma, and phrases made from painted wooden letters reflect the owner's pacifist/Buddhist take on life. A fireplace and central heating keep things warm in winter, and there's a magnificent plunge pool in the private garden.
Our favourite bedroom was the rooftop double, which has a huge, sea-facing terrace and an ensuite shower room. Two walls of glass, one facing the sea, the other the rock garden, meet in one corner. The other two bedrooms, just off the living area, have double beds and sea views.
In the open-plan living area, you'll find a swish kitchen: to one side is the dining table, to the other is the terrace for alfresco meals, complete with a barbecue.
The Glass House
This one-storey, conservatory-like house sleeps 2-4 and really maximises the views from the huge master suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows form the walls on two sides, and the sofa and bed are carefully positioned to lazily drink in the scenery. Sliding doors open directly onto the private garden, and there's an ensuite with a shower and bathtub. A smaller twin bedroom, also ensuite but shower only, connects to the living space.
The open-plan kitchen-dining room is sleek, contemporary and well-equipped for self-catering. Despite being built into the rockface, the room is flooded with daylight thanks to a vast glass skylight. The dining room leads into a sitting room with more wall-to-wall windows and access to the garden.
The Casita
The smallest house is best suited to couples, sleeping 2-3. The all-in-one living room has a small kitchen, a dining table and lovely big windows that allow light to pour in. Off from here is the shower bathroom. The open-sided stairs that lead up to the bedroom increase the sense of space (although they are somewhat treacherous!), as do walls of light-coloured stucco, off-white floor tiles and the lack of decorative clutter.
Up in the bedroom, a huge window, coupled with a mirror backing the double bed, brings in light and the glittering waves of El Cañuelo beach. The sofabed downstairs can serve as a third bed. The Casita doesn't have as much outdoor space as the others, but there's a little terrace with some shaded seating at the back of the house, accessed via the lounge.
Kids
The rocks, the garden, the forest, dunes and beach: this is a fun setting for adventurous kids. But it's not ideal for toddlers, given the number of steps, sharp edges and drops in in the garden.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Casita sleeps up to 3 in a double bed and a small single sofabed. The Glass House has a private garden, one double and one twin bedroom; all rooms are on the same level. The Stone House sleeps 6 in 3 double bedrooms plus one additional child on a sofabed upstairs. This villa has its own private garden and a plunge pool.
Families Should Know:
The tap water here isn't drinkable, but filtered water is provided. The stairs in the Casita are open-sided (young kids will need to be supervised), and there is no bath. The huge floor-to-ceiling window in the bedroom opens up onto the sloped roof (there’s no barrier/railing). The shared garden has lots of sharp edges and drops.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Bolonia Beach Houses are set near the hamlet of Bolonia in Andalucia, southern Spain. They are a 20-minute drive from the centre of Tarifa.
By Air
Fly into Gibraltar (70km), Jerez (120km), Málaga (170km) or Seville (200km).
By Car
You will definitely need a car to get here. For hire cars see our car rental recommendations. We advise requesting a hire car with good road clearance or four-wheel drive, though almost all cars (except perhaps a low sports car) can reach the houses if driven carefully.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Gibraltar North Front 70.0 km GIL
- Málaga 170.0 km AGP
Other:
- Beach 3.0 km
- Shops 24.0 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
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