Take a look at the best beaches in Cádiz and find the one you like best.
It’s not that easy, but someone has to do it!
Selecting just ten of the best beaches in Cádiz is no easy task, given Cádiz’s reputation for having wonderful beaches.
The “Costa de la Luz” is situated in the south of Andalusia and stretches from the mouth of the Guadiana River to the town of Tarifa. It therefore includes the provinces of Cadiz and Huelva. It became famous thanks to its breathtakingly beautiful, paradisiacal beaches, chosen by locals and tourists from all over the world alike.
1. Bolonia Beach (Tarifa)
This beach is almost 4 km long and 17 km from Tarifa, the southernmost town in Spain, located in the natural park of El Estrecho. This idyllic, pristine and almost wild beach is a real paradise for surfers thanks to the continuous wind. Nudists, on the other hand, can enjoy a day of relaxation in the secluded area of El Chorrito. Although this beach is not very urbanised, you can enjoy excellent fish and meat dishes in one of the nearby restaurants.
If Bolonia beach enjoys such a good reputation, it is undoubtedly thanks to its dune: the famous Duna de Bolonia – This 30 metre high dune was declared a Natural Monument in 2001. Situated on the west side of the beach, this dune offers you the possibility to do some exercise by climbing it.
Your efforts will soon be rewarded by the wonderful view from the top. On particularly sunny days, it is possible to see the African coast. You can also take a step back in time by visiting the ruins of Baelo Claudia, a particularly well-preserved Roman city discovered in the 1970s.
Bolonia beach is famous for its cool, crystal clear waters, white sand and majestic dune. Thanks to all these advantages, it has become the most famous beach in all of southern Spain, to the point of having been named “Best Beach in Spain”, ranked second by travellers on TripAdvisor (the winning beach was Les Illets in Formentera), in the Balearic Islands).
Finally, you can also enjoy a spa session, thanks to the region’s green soil with its beneficial properties. The perfect destination for a well-deserved holiday
2. Zahara de Los Atunes Beach (Barbate)
Despite its modest size, picturesque Zahara de los Atunes is one of the most important towns in Andalusia thanks to its coastal tourism and mild climate, not to mention its quiet and pristine beaches. On this 8 km long beach, you can enjoy magnificent sunsets and views of the African continent, as well as water sports such as windsurfing and snorkelling. And don’t forget the dreamy accommodation where you can relax.
This beach is fully equipped. There are chiringuitos (typical Andalusian beach restaurants) and bars serving cocktails in summer. In winter, the beach is just as enchanting, transforming it into a tranquil paradise.
3. Los Alemanes Beach (Zahara de Los Atunes)
This beach is part of the larger beach of Zahara de Los Atunes. Located next to a mountain. The surrounding vegetation makes access to this undeveloped beach a little difficult. The surrounding vegetation makes this undeveloped beach a little difficult to access, which may discourage some visitors.
However, its atypical pools hidden among sharp rocks and natural breakwaters make this an extremely romantic cove that is well worth a visit. In fact, the beach is named after a German soldier who hid his equipment here during World War II.
4. Costa Ballena Beach (Rota)
This fine golden sandy beach stretches for 4.5 km north of Cádiz. Although there is no promenade, the beach is very well equipped with bars and restaurants, as well as showers, toilets, lifeguard and first aid post, disabled access and sun loungers and boats for hire. There is also a sailing and diving club to make your long-awaited holiday unforgettable.
Legend has it that a shark that travelled the world in search of the perfect beach set its eyes on Costa Ballena, hence the name of the beach.
5. Caños de Meca Beach (Barbate)
La Caños de Meca is full of calm, clean beaches with blue and green waters. Here you will find magnificent scenery, from Cabo de Trafalgar to the Breñad Cliffs where you can take a stroll before returning to your holiday home. In addition to Trafalgar Lighthouse Beach you can also go to the pebble beach of Marisucia from where you can see Africa!
The best way to enjoy the extraordinary landscapes and incredible hidden beaches is to rent a kayak, as there is no other way to get there. This way you can enjoy a “private” cove with your family.
The Pirate’s Beach, located in the heart of the city, is definitely a place not to be missed: it is the most developed beach in the area. Other beaches, such as Playa de Castillejos or Playa de las Cortinas, are more secluded and therefore perfect for nudists or simply for those who want to enjoy a spectacular sunset or cool off in the freshwater waterfalls.
However, these white sandy beaches are not suitable for families with children due to the risk of rough seas in certain areas.
If you don’t want to spend the whole day on the beach, you can take a trip to the Breña Cliffs where the Breña Natural Park is located.
6. Faro de Trafalgar Beach (Barbate)
This 2 km long beach, known for having hosted a battle in 1805, is famous for its fine golden sand, its crystal clear waters and its nudist area. The beach is undeveloped, but is cleaned regularly. The beach is little frequented by tourists but the views are simply breathtaking. Its sunsets are among the best on the whole coast. That’s why the Faro de Trafalgar is one of the best beaches in Cádiz and a must during your holidays in Barbate.
7. Valdevaqueros Beach (Tarifa)
This secluded beach is one of the most beautiful and most visited in the province of Cadiz. Its golden sands, blue waters and coastline affected by very strong winds make it a perfect place for sports enthusiasts such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing and scuba diving.
In the west you can admire a majestic dune, stabilised by a pine plantation in the 1940s. Once at the top, the view is breathtaking: the sea, the desert dunes and the pine forest merge into a unique landscape.
8. Sanlúcar de Barrameda Beach
If you like nature, the town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda should be your next holiday destination. It is located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, surrounded by protected natural parks such as the Doñana National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This 6 km long beach is divided into 5 smaller beaches, including Bajo de Guía. It is the smallest of the 5 and is famous for its old port, its promenade and its services.
Las Piletas beach is dotted with natural rocks and has a promenade and a lifeguard and first aid post.
But the best known of all is undoubtedly the Calzada beach, whose golden sands are home to spectacular horse races (hence the name of the racecourse of Sanlúcar).
The pebble beach of La Jara is located in a residential area and is protected by dunes and an artificial breakwater. Finally, the last beach in Sanlúcar de Barrameda is El Coto, also known as “the beach on the other side”, because it is located inside the Doñana National Park.
9. Fontanilla Beach (Conil de la Frontera)
This 1.2 km long beach with golden sand is one of the best beaches to spend the day. You will find it in Conil de la Frontera. Thanks to its promenade, which brings you close to the cool and shallow waters, but also to numerous restaurants and bars, it is a great place to spend the day. chiringuitosLa Fontanilla beach is very popular with the locals, who enjoy it to the fullest. All the facilities on the beach make it the ideal place to spend a few days relaxing in the area.
10. Caleta Beach (Cádiz)
This unique beach is located in the heart of Cádiz and has become famous for its traditional carnival that takes place along the promenade. Its golden sand delights locals and tourists alike, who can’t help but admire the full moon from the Castillo de Santa Catalina and the “parade” of boats in the area.
This beach owes its fame to cult films such as 007: Die Another Day, Captain Alatriste (Spanish adventure film directed by Agustín Díaz Yanes) and Manolete (Spanish film directed by Menno Meyjes).
