Paloma Baja, also known as Las Dunas, is the last spot inside the Bay of Tarifa. Sitting right in the dunes near Punta Paloma, the cape at the western end of the bay provides natural wave protection that makes this spot unique.

Best wind: Both Poniente and Levante work here. During Poniente, the cape and dune sometimes accelerate the wind, giving you the strongest Poniente conditions in the bay with surprisingly flat water despite the onshore direction. During Levante, you get side-shore conditions similar to the Bibo area, though the wind can be slightly stalled right in front of the dune.

Wave protection: The big advantage of this spot is that the cape protects the bay from Atlantic swell. When all the other spots have gnarly shore break that makes getting in and out nearly impossible, Paloma Baja often has much smaller waves and an easier launch. This makes it the go-to for slalom sailors on wavy days who want to avoid destroying their gear in the shore break.

Levante: The Levante here bends around the mountain and comes in more side-shore than at the other Tarifa spots where it is more offshore. This also smoothens the wind somewhat. When the Poniente is weak in town, you can get it a bit stronger here.

Beach walk: Long walk over the beach to the water, plus you have to cross a small river mouth (sometimes called the “stinky river”). The water level of the river varies.

Parking: Height restriction of about 2.20 metres, so campers cannot enter. However, parking is free, unlike at nearby Bibo. Most of the time the spot is not too crowded — only when conditions are really firing do you see many people here.