Things to do on the Paseo and Beaches of Rota

It is summer in Southern Spain. And it is amazing here. I love living by the beach, and enjoy being a tourist in our beach town as much as possible. Even though we live on base without ocean views, we can park on base and walk to the beaches of Rota. Lately, our family has been enjoying numerous evening walks on the Paseo (boardwalk). It is refreshing and exhilarating. Here, we can drop by anytime, with or without bathing suits. The kids have become accustomed to staying on the boardwalk some days, or walking on the sand fully clothed to look for shells on other days. 

So, here is our list of favorite things to do on the Paseo and Beaches of Rota:

16. Go to the Fish Market. It is a small building at the Port, near the lighthouse. Each day, (except Monday), fresh catches are unloaded, so the selection is very fresh, and changes with the seasons. Fish names will be in Spanish, so either take a dictionary or take a guess. :-) Prices are reasonable, and they will clean it and gut it for no extra charge. Simply ask for it to be limpia. We like to put the fish whole on the grill or smoker, but I have also baked a whole bass in the oven, with just some oil, herbs, and lemon. Everything is delicious. You just have to get past having your food stare at you...

15. Stay Hydrated. Yes, the days are hot, up into the 90's sometimes, but that is not much different from Baltimore, MD and Jacksonville, NC. The difference is that even on the coast we have this 'dry heat' that just sucks the moisture right out of you before you notice. So you hardly ever sweat, but staying hydrated can be a challenge. You have to either carry lots of water with you, or be sure to fill up at every water fountain you see. Or, there's always this option if you have a baby on your back...

14. Play tag in the waves. At low tide, the waves just gently whisper up to the shore. The slope is very gentle, so even the toddler can run around in the ocean without danger. The game is even more fun when Daddy joins in! Running like maniacs for an hour or so seems to be a favorite summer past time of my children.

13. Jump! Our kids have a lot of energy. So when we go for a family 'walk,' none of the kids are actually walking. They run, they skip, they climb, they jump. Someone is usually running ahead as our 'leader' to show us where to go, someone else is probably climbing on a wall, and in general they find it impossible to pose for pictures. But sometimes, when I snap gems like this (when I was of course trying to photograph the boring lighthouse) I remember that these energy-filled adventures are what make it fun for them. So relax, and let out some wild energy!

12. Play in the sand. Sure, our kids have sand toys. And sure, sometimes we make sand castles. But they also like it when we do something different. The wonderful thing about sand and water is that there is no wrong way to play. So they love to be buried in the sand like a mermaid, or to dig a deep hole and then sit in it for no particular reason. Or they make their own toys, like this rainbow made from pebbles.

11. Explore the town. You can spend a whole day on Rota's beaches and Paseo. But just one block away is a beautiful 12th century castle, and a small church. Rota's pedestrian streets offer small shops, delicious bars and restaurants, and sometimes interesting festivals and celebrations. So we like to wander around and see what is going on, even if it is only for a few minutes. We have discovered so many interesting little details about our 'hometown' this way.

10. Enjoy the views. Most days, you can look across the bay and see the city of Cadiz from the Playa del Rompadillo. From the other side of Rota, you can look across the Atlantic towards 'home,' aka the United States. Sometimes the water is green, sometimes blue, but always gorgeous. And there's something equally exciting about a beach filled with colorful umbrellas.

9. Stop by a playground. There is a small playground in the sand of the Playa del Rompadillo. There are two other larger playgrounds at the northern end of that beach. One is shaped like a pirate ship, and the other is a small, somewhat typical Spanish playground. Of course, the playgrounds are mostly empty during Spanish siesta (2-5 PM). So you will have them to yourself then. In the evenings, kids will be playing until the sun has set (after 10 PM). So be prepared to drag your kids away while they ask, "how come the other kids are staying? I want to stay up late like Spanish kids!"

8. Feel the Wind in your Hair. At the beach, it is constantly windy. This is true in most parts of the world, but it can be especially true on the Southern coast of Spain, when the levante winds come off the coast of Africa and whistle through this area. They are especially strong out on the point by the lighthouse. Sometimes the seas are completely calm. Other times, you will see whitecaps and huge waves. But there is hardly ever a need for a jacket, since the winds are so warm.Of course, in the absence of enough wind, you can create your own by jumping...

7. Watch Kite Surfers. Because the winds are so strong on the Spanish coast, a variety of water sports are available here, including one that is completely new to me: kite surfing. These guys can be seen some evenings at the beach on the far side of Rota, where the pine park replaces the Paseo. Kites fill the air, and are controlled by hand while the kite surfers propel through the waves with a small board attached to their feet. They surf in lines, and each time they change direction, they use the power of the kite to jump several feet into the air, sometimes even doing tricks! Very exciting and exhilarating!

6. Search the Tide Pools. Do what the locals do: at low tide, grab a bucket or a net, and wade through the shallow water looking for animals like crabs, snails, or mussels. You will see groups of kids excitedly grouped around certain areas, each time a new small discovery is made. Sure, sometimes there is a bit of seaweed and rocks, especially on the Western side of Rota,but the kids will love making new discoveries, and you may even find some dinner! Yes, the locals eat snails. I personally have not tried them yet, but I'm sure it will be a rite of passage sometime.

5. People-Watch. Spain is wonderful for that, as long as you don't mind seeing a little skin. Or Speedos, on very old men. Yep, everyone wears bikinis or thongs, whether they should or not. Young boys will sometimes play completely nude. Young girls will play and eat and chat on the beach, topless. Older plump women will remove their tops to sunbathe. But aside from the fashion statements, you will see plenty of people playing sports: young boys kicking a soccer ball in the sand, a father and son playing ping pong (there are tables set up on the Paseo!), mixed groups of teens playing beach volleyball. There are adorable children in matching bathing suits. There are families enjoying food and music together. It is all a wonderful portrait of people who are relaxed, happy, and enjoying and enjoying themselves. You can't help but feel the same way!

4. Collect Sea Glass. I had not heard of sea glass before coming here, but I am told that it can be found on beaches throughout the States. There are probably larger amounts in areas where you are permitted to bring glass onto the beach. Basically, any broken glass that ends up on the beach is going to become blasted by the sand and tossed in the waves until it is frosted and smooth. Each piece is beautiful and unique! Sometimes we find large pieces like the bottom of a bottle. Other times they are so small they are a mere glint in the sun. But the kids love looking for the sea glass, and we have started a small collection. It's a fun activity for cold or windy days, when you want to stop by the beach, but can't imagine taking a dip. We find more at the less touristy beaches, since the main ones are plowed over and cleaned regularly.

3. Run out to the Point. There is a large jetty at the very tip of Rota, which is the kids' favorite place. It's great to watch the waves break and climb on the rocks a bit. I have taken my parents here, and my sister, and will probably take my in-laws when they visit in a few months. So each time we go, I am reminded of other visitors, and the fun times we have shared here.

2. Check out the Sand Castles. These two sculptures have been up for over a month now, on the Western part of the Paseo, near 100 Montaditos. They have to be misted with water every hour during the day, and every two hours at night. There was also an Ironman sculpture for a few weeks, but it did not last. The artists accept donations, but it is just a cool site to check out even if you don't throw in any coins.

1. Enjoy a treat. We almost always get ice cream or popsicles. Sometimes from an actual ice cream shop, other times from the kiosks, bars, or tiny stores that sell frozen treats. When time permits, we stop for tapas or dinner as well. There are numerous restaurants right on the Paseo, as well as the little beach bars that are right on the sand. In Spain, you are never far from an alcoholic beverage, so they have beer and sangria available everywhere! The kids look forward to choosing their treat, and know they won't get it without good behavior, so it's a good way to make the evening more pleasant for everyone.

And my personal all-time favorite? Watch the sun set over the Atlantic. I grew up on the East Coast, so I saw a few sunrises over the Atlantic, but to see the sun set over water we had to be on the Bay. Not anymore. Unfortunately the sun doesn't set until close to 10pm in the summer, so we don't usually stay out quite that late. But on the few occasions  I have watched the sun set, with or without children, it has always been pretty memorable. Rota is a gorgeous town, and I am so spoiled and so blessed to be able to call it home!