The group of birds and cetaceans are the most outstanding examples of the fauna to be found in this Natural Park. The last census counted over seven hundred thousand birds belonging to 34 different species. Special mention should be make of the white stork, honey buzzard and black kite. The Golden eagle, black stork, cinereous vulture, lanner falcon, black-shouldered kite, Egyptian vulture, marsh harrier, Montagu's harrier, Bonelli's eagle, Eleonora's flacon and peregrine falcon are just some of the species to be found there.

On the other hand, the marine environment is home to the Amphiprion Frenatus or sponges such as Axinilla estacioi and the largest limpet to be found along the European coast ( Patella Ferruginea ). There are also Mediterranean date mussels, long-quill sea urchins, sea turtles, Mediterranean pond turtles and cetaceans, such as the bottlenose dolphin or the harbour porpoise. Beavers live on shore, near to the marine environment.

The sargo, moray and tuna are some of the fish that live in this underwater landscape that is so rich in life and species.

The area of the Natural Park is of unusual cultural and historical value, as it has witnessed many civilisations pass through due to its location between the European and African continents, which has made it into a transit cultural enclave between the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

Proof of the strategic aspect of the Park is the ruins of the Roman city-factory of Baelo Claudia , which is located on the Bolonia inlet in the municipal district of Tarifa. This archaeological site was declared a National Historical Monument and is laid out according to classical town planning standards and surrounded by walls. A visit around Baelo Claudia takes in the forum and the most important public buildings: the capitol, temples dedicated to Minerva, Jupiter, Juno and Isis , the senate and the curia, shops, the market and the basilica. There is also a theatre, thermal baths and the industrial district where the �garum� fish sauce was make and which made this city famous throughout the Roman Empire.

Traces of this civilisation can be found in Algeciras , more specifically at the Rinconcillo beach where Roman furnaces dating back to the 1st century have been uncovered. Other examples of the cultural ruins in the Straits Natural Park are those that formed the lookout and defence systems in the past: a set of beacon or watch towers that are key point of reference along the itineraries or routes through the zone. Special mention should be made of the Guadalmesi and La Peña towers.

Cave Painting Artistic Patrimony is very important in this area and 30 caves have been located where examples of the Paleolithic and Post-Paleolithic art can be seen. This is proof of human settlements in this area since time immemorial. The most important cave in the Straits Natural Park is undoubtedly the El Moro Cave , which contains a large number of drawing from the Upper Paleolithic era ( Solutrean).

Algarbes Necropolis , an interesting Bronze Age site, is particularly noteworthy. It consists of many man-made caves in the sandstone rock, where a wealth of objects, such as ceramic pots, pieces of bronze, ivory or gold, has been found.

On the other hand, the Straits Natural Park contains an extensive underwater archaeological patrimony consisting of different sunken ships (wrecks). The River Palmones Salt Marshes , and the ancient La Janda Lagoon, of great ornithological importance, are located in the environs of the Natural Park.

The Guzman El Bueno Castle , built in 960 AD by Caliph Abderraman III on the ruins of a possible Roman camp, is in the Tarifa municipal district. It is built on a coastal clifftop at the narrowest point of the Straits of Gibraltar. The Paraje Natural de la Playa de Los Lances protected area is also located near to this town

Algeciras is noted for its Old Town , with its old medieval city and where they are the ruins of the city's mosque and the Arab walls.

Fish is the main ingredient in the cuisine of El Campo de Gibraltar. Noodles with small cockles; cod fritters: artichokes in the Algeciras style; shish kebabs; fish whether fried, baked in salt or stewed; "sardine skewers", etc, are the region's typical delicious dishes. The tapas include delights such as olives, tuna belly, roe, sea urchins, and then for dessert, choose between the tocino de cielo (made out of egg yolks and syrup), rice pudding or pastries such as the Cajillas and the Pasta real de bizcocho blando .

The outstanding craftwork produced in the towns in the Park includes pottery, basket making and rural woodwork. Large earthen vats, pitchers, glazed tiles and money boxes are just some of the items produced in Tarifa. The village of Facinas is famous for its basket work.

The Royal Fair in June is the highlight of the year in Algeciras and declared to be an event in Andalusia of National Tourist Interest. It includes an important bullfighting programme , livestock exhibition, processions, stalls, etc. The festivities to honour its Patron Saint are held in this city in August. Tarifa' Fair is held in September. The highlight is the Patron Saint's Day with an agricultural procession accompanying the image of Our Lady from her chapel to the parish church. The San Isidro Labrador pilgrimages are held in villages such as Facinas and Tahivilla during May.

The strong easterly wind is one of the most typical features of the Straits Natural Park , which makes it a fundamental element for activities such as windsurfing, surfing, kite surfing, sailing and hang-gliding. This explains why Tarifa is known as " Europe's Wind Capital ". On the other hand, the Straits of Gibraltar is an exceptional location for whale watching and for diving . Many local companies organising hiking, horse trekking and cycling tours for those people that want to enjoy the landscapes in this Natural Park.   Organizing Companies of Activities of Adventure and Nature   DEL ESTRECHO NATURAL PARK INFORMATION OFFICE Address: Coghen s/n Town: San Fernando Telephone:956 590 971 / 956 590 405 Fax: 956 880 259

DEL ESTRECHO NATURAL PARK NATURE AND ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES | SPECIALITY | PLACE | PHOTO | Hang-Gliding | Sierra y playas de Tarifa. | Whale Watching | Estrecho de Gibraltar e inmediaciones; | Bahía de Algeciras   | Diving | Estrecho de Gibraltar e inmediaciones; | Puerto de Tarifa (Isla de Tarifa).   | Mountain Biking | Sierra de la Plata; San Bartolomé; | Antigua Laguna de la Janda.   | Climbing | Colinas de los alrededores de | Bolonia, San Bartolomé.   | Caving | Cueva del Moro (Tarifa)   | Bird Watching | Antigua Laguna de la Janda; Paraje | Natural de las Marismas del Río | Palmones (Algeciras).   | Boat Trips | Bahía de Algeciras   | Horse Riding | Ruta del Toro; | Playas del Estrecho de Gibraltar   | Hiking | Sierra de la Plata; San Bartolomé; | Antigua Laguna de la Janda   | Surf, windsurf, | flysurf, kitesurf, etc� | Playa de los Lances; Playa de | Valdevaqueros; Playa de Bolonia; | Punta Paloma.   | Sailing | Playa de Punta Paloma