Which beaches to choose?
In the city of Cadiz, there are two designated beaches: La Caleta and Playa de Santa Maria.
🍀CLIKEthis link to ➽ Find out more about them
Mention is made of beaches to which we don't go much, if at all, or only at select times out of season.
We're too in love with La Caleta beach in the morning in Cadiz, and the hidden beach whose name I'm deliberately withholding. We only show it on our tours and staysnear Bolonia in the direction of Tarifa.
Let's share our beach tips, from the north to the south of Cádiz!
North of Cadiz, towards Huelva and Portugal
Playa de La Muralla
In Puerto de Santa Maria, between Puerto Sherry and Santa Catalina. The ancient wall from which it takes its name protects it from the wind. With no waves, it's a good option for beginners and young swimmers.
Playa de Punta Candor
In Rota, the locals know that at Punta Candor, thanks to the dunes, it’s possible to shelter from the “levante,” which tends to blow frequently on other beaches.
Playa Micaela
Chipiona is a small cove located between the marina and the Montijo de Chipiona beach. The beach has adapted access and parking for people with reduced mobility, as well as all the services needed for holidaymakers to enjoy this natural area to the full.
South of Cadiz, towards Tarifa, our favorite part of the province, even wilder, facing Morocco.
La Cala del Aceite
In Conil de la Frontera, south of Cádiz, on the road to Tarifa.
A series of coves known as the Calas de Roche. Watch out for the tides and the crowds. The frequent traffic jams in the summer between Conil and Barbate have always discouraged us from trying them out.
One of them, Cala del Aceite, is one of the best options for enjoying the beach when the “levante” is blowing strongly, thanks to the cliffs and its south-facing orientation. It is a small beach near Cabo Roche, about 450 meters long.
🍀Did you know there are over 18 coves between Calas de Roche and Conil de la Frontera? ➽ CLICK on the link to discover them
Playa Los Alemanes
In Zahara de los Atunes, in the Atlanterra Playa area—a beach 1,500 meters long and 50 meters wide known as the “Germans’ Beach ” — lies a corner reminiscent of the French Riviera: the most beautiful architect-designed homes and villas are perched on the hillside, facing the Moroccan coast and Tangier. Originally a vacation spot for Wilhelm II, the German emperor in the early 20th century. A more tragic site during World War II, from where the Nazis spied on the Moroccan coast and the Strait of Gibraltar. A place where, ever since, wealthy Germans, English, and Americans have mingled. The hill is at the edge of Zahara de los Atunes. Accessible by car, though parking in the area is difficult in the summer. Free parking is limited. For each lucky resident, discreet staircases carved into the hillside lead directly down to the sand.
A beach we enjoyed discovering out of season.
Playa de la Aceitera
In Barbate, on the beach at the Trafalgar Lighthouse, “el faro de Trafalgar,” where Napoleon’s French troops (without Napoleon, who was holed up in Ulm) lost the famous battle against the English.
When the “levante” wind blows on this beach, you can literally be blown away. The only solution is to take shelter at the base of the lighthouse, also known as the “tómbolo.” Cape Trafalgar serves as a natural barrier for vacationers who don’t want to miss out on hours of swimming despite the wind.
Please note, the beach is divided into two areas. The area right next to the lighthouse should be avoided. Known as Playa de Los Blancos, it is one of the most dangerous beaches , where strong currents make swimming impossible. A sign warns the uninitiated.
The second area, Playa de la Aceitera, is wide and pleasant. Swimming is safe and perfect for families.
Playa de los Castillejos
In Los Caños de Meca, a coastal town popular with hippies in the 70s, still very much in vogue today and part of the Barbate municipality. Los Castillejos beach is a series of small coves with clear waters, surrounded by cliffs from which the first freshwater waterfalls fall. Sheltered from the wind, it lies between Playa del Pirata and the naturist beach.
