Europe's huge sand dune that's as tall as a building and hides remains of ancient city

You may have been to Marbella, Cadiz, or nearby Gibraltar, but have you ever heard of Duna de Bolonia? 

This giant sand dune in southern Spain is about 98 feet high and 656 feet wide, making it one of Europe’s largest sand dunes. 

What is perhaps even more fascinating is what hides beneath it.

The ancient Roman city, Baelo Claudia, which can be visited and is close to the sand dune was discovered buried in the sand and dates back to 2nd Century BCE. 

At the archeological site, you’ll be able to see the ruins of a forum, a marketplace, thermal baths, aqueducs, a theatre, a basilica, and more.

The ancient city was known for exporting of tuna, the salting of tuna and the production of Garum fish seasoning. 

These past few years, archeologists have found tombs beneath the sand dune and believe there could be more hidden treasures waiting to be discovered underneath that could be uncovered as the winds continuously make it move and shift.

The dune is located on Bolonia Beach on the coast of Cadiz with breathtaking views of the coast of Morocco, the Strait of Gibraltar and pine tree forests surrounding it. 

The beach, which tends to be very windy, is a popular spot for those who like watersports such as windsurfing or kitesurfing.

Bolonia beach is a stunning stretch of white sand that stretches over 4km and also has natural pools to its eastern side where you can swim in the crystal-clear water. 

In 2021, the site was even used in The Crown series to film Princess Diana’s visit to Egypt in 1992.