“Cadix Plage,” welcome!

In Cádiz, the sea is everywhere—and some years, people swim there right up until Christmas. There’s only one beach in the Old Town: La Caleta, the one from the James Bond movie. On the other side of the city walls, in the new town, Santa María, Victoria, and La Cortadura stretch out for 8 km of sand. Jorge, the taxi driver, loves La Cortadura—but it’s to Santa María that he takes his 3-year-old son. To each his own beach. That’s Cádiz for you.

And in the province, the coastline stretches for more than 100 km of Atlantic beaches —which stay cool (23°) even in July, a luxury when Seville is nearing 45°.

"Cadiz beaches" in the plural, rather.

Like many beaches on the Atlantic coast, Cadiz's beaches are extensive, yet enjoy "Mediterranean" temperatures.

Which beach to choose?

➽ Suivez las guiritanas, on vous guide.

Cádiz has 4 beaches and 1 dog-friendly beach (between March and October). Nearly 12 km of beach—11.41 km to be exact—stretching from La Caleta Beach, in the “La Viña” neighborhood, to La Cortadura Beach, at the entrance to the city.

Sandy beaches, served by... cycle paths, also accessible on foot, skateboard or rollerblades.

LA CALETA BEACH

Where is La Caleta Beach located?

In the historic center, the “Casco Antiguo.” The “La Viña” neighborhood.

You reach it by going behind the Cathedral, "Avenida Campo del sur", on the right (leaving the new town behind). After 15 minutes along the sea, the entrance is on your left, under a pretty arch surmounted by a small boat.

Tip: kids need a break?

At the halfway point, lean over the boulders: below, you'll spot a family of black cats and a family of ginger cats. They are housed here, protected and pampered by a local association.

From the “Mercado,” all the streets within the old town also lead to La Caleta.

The Most Poetic with its fishing boats, the spa center at “ Las Palmas "which provides shade beneath its columns for the families of Cádiz seeking shelter from the sun."
The Most Beautiful Sunset From the Peña Juanita Villar, where you can enjoy an aperitif in the summer at 8:30 p.m.
The most romantic and poetic stroll since the "Camino" (the path) that leads to the lighthouse "Castillo de San Sebastián".

Thanks to the "camino," La Caleta is the beach that is most sheltered from the wind when it blows.

Walk at low tide to the “San Sebastián Castle“, go under the bridges.
➽ Visit the website "It's going great" to find out the low tide times in advance.

The beach is patrolled from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and has a lifeguard station and restrooms.
A beach where you'll find plenty of space to spread out your towel from mid-April through the end of October.
Very safe beach: To the best of our knowledge, there have been no thefts.
Come to think of it, that reminds me of this one student. He sticks his cell phone in the sand, presses the video button, and runs off to dive into the waves. He turns around, smiles at his phone, and waves hello with his arms in the air. He swims out and comes back 10 minutes later. The phone is still there. Try the same thing in Barcelona, and I’m not so sure…

Family-friendly beach
People from Cádiz gather there with family and friends.
You can also rent lounge chairs near the second entrance, close to the pier and the fishermen's bar.
Good to know: For the people of Cádiz, the beach is their living room. They arrive at 10 a.m. and don't leave until after sunset.
Be aware of peak hours in July and August: in the afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Best time to swim there: in the morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
9 a.m.: You run into the abuelas (grandmas) on their way to their aqua-gym class.

And the abuelos (papis), a group of friends who you'd imagine grew up together in the "Viña". You can always find them near the low wall where they hang up their shirts. One morning, 9 years ago, one of them came up to us and said. " Al linquindoï, al linquindoï ". as we got up to go swimming. With gestures, we came to understand that this meant "keep an eye on things" in Gaditan. We love our papis, always on their feet, talking, joking, putting their hands behind their backs. They're always out on the water in packs, and every year when the season resumes in mid-April, we count them, dreading the moment when there's one less...

Snowshoeing along the waterfront, paddleboard rentals

Where should I put my towel?

To the right of the "camino."
The beach to the left of the “camino” seems more inviting. Tourists who are exploring the area naturally head there. It’s quieter. People from Cádiz don’t go there very often.
Why? You can't see the rocks, but they're just below the surface and are slippery.
Perfect for sunbathing. Not so great for swimming.

 SANTA MARIA BEACH

Where is Santa María Beach located?

In the new city, just outside the “Casco Antiguo,” at “Puerta de Tierra.”
Exactly 674 meters on foot; you can still get there by walking behind the Cathedral.
This time, turn left and follow the sea along “Avenida Campo Sur.”
After about ten minutes, you’ll see the first entrance on your right. It’s a lovely descent that’s accessible by bike or on foot.

Larger than La Caleta beach, it is popular with executives living in the new town and Spanish tourists staying in the many apartments rented in summer.

The beach is supervised from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and has a lifeguard station and restrooms.

Surfing lessons for children and adults.

No danger—nothing like the waves in Biarritz; perfect for beginners.
Sarah, a French-born resident of Cádiz, teaches lessons there through August in French.
➽ Hurry up and go: Hopupu Surf Cádiz 

Be aware of peak hours: in the afternoon between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in July and August.
Even so, you'll always be able to find a place for your towel without any trouble.
It’s a whole different atmosphere here—this beach turns this part of town into a seaside resort in July and August. Bars, restaurants, beach shops. The Spanish love it.

The many “chiringuitos,” beach bars and restaurants where you can have a drink or dinner with your feet in the sand, facing the sea.
Noon, afternoon, evening. Whenever you like.
The Guiritanas recommend: Tirabuzón  

Want to “chill” with friends late into the night without any worries? Is your budget a little tight? We get together for a picnic, laugh, and share music under the soft glow of the bars and restaurants that close at 3 a.m. in the summer.

Best time to swim there: starting in mid-April and at 2 p.m. in September and October, when the days are getting shorter.
Eli, the other Guiritana, likes to go swimming there “a mediodia” (at noon) when the tide is high at La Caleta…
And of course, at the end of each day, when the sun takes the place of the swimmers and dives into the sea itself.

With the vacationers gone, the weekends are peaceful and the water remains at a very pleasant temperature. Like Caleta, this beach—nestled between two coves—is very sheltered on days of strong Levante —the warm wind that blows from the Mediterranean toward the Atlantic.

 

 VICTORIA BEACH

Where is Victoria Beach located?

Along the stretch of Santa Maria Beach all the way to the PLAYA VICTORIA Hotel (an easy landmark). It is the longest beach in “Puertas de Tierra,” stretching over 8 km.
➽ If you don't have a bike and don't want to walk:
From the Old Town: Take the No. 1 bus from Plaza España toward CORTADURA, and get off at the “Estadio” stop.
Ticket price: €1.10.
The driver does not give change for amounts over €5 and does not accept card payments.
You can also buy a bus pass at any tobacco shop: "Estanco"

The beachfront is very lively, with its bars, restaurants, and an open-air movie theater in the evenings to entertain guests staying at 4-star hotels and other accommodations, as well as local families.

Beach volleyball, beach soccer, and racquetball “courts,” with tournaments held in the summer.
For kids and adults alike.

And just like at Santa María Beach, you'll find the same benefits there.
The beach is supervised from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and has lifeguard stations and restrooms.
Safe beach, family-friendly atmosphere
Surfing lessons for children and adults.
➽ This time , head over to Aurea Surf.  Alberto will inspire you with his passion for surfing.
The many “chiringuitos”
"Chilling" with friends until late through the night in complete peace.
Best time to swim there: from mid-April through the end of October.

 LA CORTADURA BEACH

Where is La Cortadura Beach located?

Along Victoria Beach, all the way to the “Ventorillo El Chato” restaurant.
Just outside the city.
This is usually the first beach you see when you arrive in Cádiz by train, bus, or car from Seville.
Its small dunes separate it from the road.

➽ Take Bus Line 1 from Plaza España toward CORTADURA, and get off at the CORTADURA stop. The trip takes about 20 minutes.
This isn't the last stop. The last stop is near the "Cortadura" train station—don't get it wrong.
Ticket price: €1.10. Be sure to have the exact change; see above.
Walk toward the city limits, pass the police station facing the sea (it must be nice to be a police officer in Cádiz), and take the raised sidewalk that runs alongside the two-lane road for 100 meters. It’s surprising to see that. In France, this wouldn’t be allowed. Here, though, it is—the people of Cádiz drive smoothly and gently. No accidents. The locals use the sidewalk with beach balls, umbrellas, and beach chairs.
We copied their habit.
Otherwise, to be on the safe side, when you get off the bus, head toward Victoria Beach behind the buildings. Once you're on the beach, walk along the left side.

The wildest beach.
Best time to swim there:
After spending the morning at La Caleta Beach—the one we like to go to at the end of the day for our last swim at 6 p.m.
It's even more refreshing in the summer and resembles the beaches along the Atlantic coast of the Landes or the Gironde. Right next to the city—it's surprising!

A 1.6-kilometer stretch of protected beach starting from Victoria Beach.
There’s no shade all the way to the Ventrillo El Chato restaurant, where we lay out our towel.

The perfect beach for kitesurfing.

The large number of RVs and vans confirms this.
A windy beach. No more buildings to shield it from the wind.
Come early or late in the evening to find a parking spot.
Free parking. Perfect for those on a budget and for weekends with fellow students.

"Chilling out" at the Nahu Beach.
Small tables and chairs, set in the sand. "The place to be" kitesurfers at lunchtime. And once we're dressed again, to have a drink and dinner.

The Andalusian "kif" of the guiritanas.

Take the bus at 6 p.m. from the “Casco Antiguo” and go for a swim at La Cortadura.
Walk back along the coast with the cathedral and the “Camino” de la Caleta in sight.
Stop at a “chirringuito” to watch the sunset.
Continue on and have dinner at a taberna in the Popúlo neighborhood.

Kif assuré (= "State of total bliss, perfect happiness", according to Larousse).

DOG BEACH

Dog lovers in Cádiz had been asking for it. Now, a beach—an extension of Cortadura Beach—is dedicated to them from March through October.

You’ll always find dog owners walking their dogs on the beaches of Cádiz between March and October. But they risk a fine, even though there are no signs indicating this (and fines are rare).

Question: How can you tell a Spanish swimmer from a swimmer from another country? (The answer is in the text…)
➽ Leave your answer in the comments.