Description
This location can be particularly good in spring when migrant raptors crossing the strait can come in low giving good opportunities for photography. Parking is tricky and limited on the road by the lighthouse at Punta de Carnero so it's generally easier to continue into the small urbanisation to park. From the urbanisation a footpath runs to Torre de Fraile (c3.5 km) which can be good for migrating passerines.
In spring the main raptor passage extends from February to early May: Viespar: Late April – May (peak Early May); Gaie neagră: Spring Feb - April (peak March); Hoitar: Spring Feb – May (peak late March); Vultur sur: Spring Feb – June (peak early May); Șerpar: Spring Feb – May (peak early March); Acvilă mică: Spring March – May (peak late March); Erete sur: Spring April- May (peak early April). Autumn can also be good but other nearby sites are generally better (see El Algarrabo for passage timings in autumn). Good views across the strait and towards Gibraltar mean seabirds (all year) are also a possibility - Corb de mare, Cory's Shearwater, Lup de mare atlantic and Pescăruș mediteranean. In winter check the rocks for Fugaci de mare.
Details
Access
Take the N 340 west out of Algeciras and turn off south-east for Gatares at a roundabout onto the CA 224. After c1 km go first right at a roundabout (avoiding Getares itself) and follow the coasts road for c6 km to the urbanisation (passing the lighthouse en route).


