Andalucía in southern Spain is blessed with miles of coastline and hilly countryside. Two of the best regions are Chiclana and Cadiz. They have coastal regions featuring golden beaches and places to see and things to do. Let’s take a look at the best places to go and why you should visit this region of Spain.
La Barrosa
Just outside of Chiclana is the beautiful and enigmatic beach town of La Barrosa. It has a laid-back vibe and is hugely popular. The beach stretches for 5 miles and the sand is fine and white. The Azure waters are perfect to partake in water sports of every type.
The beach feels like two beaches in one. The first boats beachfront bars, restaurants, and walkways. This morphs into a more natural environment and you will soon find yourself walking among dunes and woodland.
One of the great things is that there is plenty of choice for accommodation, such as Iberostar Andalucía Playa hotel in Chiclana which offers travellers everything they could wish for.
Playa La Caleta
This beach has plenty of significance to Cadiz. It has a natural harbour that was used by several empires throughout the centuries including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. Locals like to gather on the west side and socialise and every large rock has a name. The names date back centuries and are that of an animal or everyday object. Nobody quite knows why.
Again, water sports can be found on the north side of the oceanfront, but here the beach is for meeting friends and soaking up the sun.
There are plenty of great accommodation choices from budget to other hotels in Cadiz aimed at the high-end market.
Ermita de Santa Ana
This 18th-century chapel is of a beautiful design and overlooks the whole city of Chiclana. This is thanks to its construction on top of the highest point. Architecturally, it is stunning and features a semi-spherical vault on a small drum. The architects constructed four holes in the vault to better illuminate the hermitage.
Inside the chapel, a small altar can be found bearing the image of Santa Ana.
San Sebastián Castle
If you follow the Paseo Fernando Quiñones that runs along the edge of the northwestern edge of the city you will come to the fortress of San Sebastian Castle. The views back towards the city are stunning and you can dangle your legs over the Atlantic Ocean when you fill the need.
The fortress was constructed in 1706 but the lighthouse is far older and was built by the Moors.
The castle is often used for exhibitions, film sets, and concerts. Prior to this, it was used as a prison. Well worth a visit.
La Torre del Reloj – Chiclana
One of the most prestigious buildings in Chiclana is the La Torre del Reloj a clock tower. It was constructed in the 18th century and was once part of the old Town Hall. Later, it was used by the Church of San Juan Bautista as the bell towers were never completed.
When visiting the tower sometimes known as Arquillo del Reloj, you can see the clock mechanism thanks to a cut arch in the tower itself. The tower is situated next to the Church of San Juan Bautista and gives both historical and cultural insights.
Gran Teatro Falla
The Gran Teatro Falla is a 19th-century concert hall constructed in the neo-mudéjar style, harking back to medieval times and is a highly popular destination in Cadiz among visitors and locals.
From the moment you enter the large Moorish inspired alternating voussoirs (red and white archway stones), you get the feeling something exciting is about to happen and often there is. If you want to get to know the Cadiz mindset visit in February and March and experience the Comparsas competition.
Here, musical ensembles dress in matching outrageous outfits and sing satirical songs about politics and culture.
Other times of the year are just as exciting and feature musicians, bands, and artists performing different musical styles.
Islote de Sancti Petri
The Islote de Sancti Petri is an island reachable from El Pueblo de Sancti Petri. After your 15 minute journey, you will find yourself on a barren island that was once controlled by the military.
These days, the island is controlled by the Spanish Environment Ministry. One structure you can’t fail to notice is the Castle of Sancti Petri. Now mostly ruins the tower has been rebuilt and is a fully working lighthouse. You can learn about the history of the island and the castle which is rich and deep.
No visit to either Chiclana or Cadiz is complete without a visit to this island.
Andalucía is an amazing part of Spain with golden beaches and rich historical delights. It is a must visit destination that you will want to come back to time and again.
