11 Best Beaches in Cadiz, Spain in 2024
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Searching for the best beaches in Cadiz, Spain? You’re in the right place! I recently spent an amazing weekend in this coastal paradise. I explored the best beaches in Cadiz, along with some of the incredible sightseeing and activities the city has to offer.
Cadiz, Spain is a coastal town in the southern part of the country that offers some of the most stunning beaches in all of Europe.
With plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, you can soak up the sun on picturesque beaches and enjoy water sports – particularly wind surfing and sailing, explore the ancient ruins, and taste all the tapas that Spain is famous for.
It’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Barcelona or Madrid – whether traveling solo or with your favorite person. The city is easily accessible by air or rail, though I’d suggest taking a plane to save a day of travel.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the sea or an adventurous weekend away, Cadiz has something for everyone to enjoy! Here are the 11 best beaches in Cadiz Spain!
11 Most Beautiful Beaches in Cadiz, Spain
One of the most popular questions about coastal towns I get – does Cadiz have nice beaches? The answer is an astounding yes. Some of my favorite in Spain, along with Costa Brava, of course!
1. La Caleta Beach
La Caleta Beach is a must-see destination for any trip to Cadiz. It’s easily the most famous beaches in this coastal town. Located in the historic city center, this gorgeous beach has seen centuries of civilization, as it was once a port for the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans.
Today, visitors can take advantage of its beautiful coastline and enjoy swimming in its warm turquoise waters. With favorable wind patterns and gentle waves, La Caleta Beach makes for fantastic windsurfing and sailing.
When not in the water, locals can be found lounging on the sun-soaked sand or participating in beach games. Be sure to also explore a chiringuito, a traditional beachside bar that serves delicious seafood dishes with an unbeatable view of the ocean.
No matter how you spend your time here, La Caleta Beach Cadiz is sure to leave a lasting impression when you visit!
🏖️ Looking for Cadiz hotels? Check out these accommodation options ↗ to make your trip planning easy.
2. Playa del La Cortadura
Playa de La Cortadura is an incredible beach located just a few kilometers outside of the city center of Cadiz.
It’s easy to get here with a leisurely walk along the coastline to the tail end of inland. You won’t be disappointed by the stunning beauty this pristine beach has to offer, including its remarkable sand dunes.
It’s a popular spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding – while still offering walkways for easy strolls. It might just be the best beach in Cadiz!
The beach is part of the Bahia de Cadiz Natural Park, which is an environmentally protected area, teeming with diverse vegetation and birdlife. No matter what your ideal beach experience may be, Playa de La Cortadura will certainly provide it.
3. Playa de Santa Maria del Mar
Another beautiful stretch of coastline on this inlet, Playa de Santa Maria del Mar is situated on the Costa De La Luz, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
This beach is known to have choppy waves and makes for fantastic surfing. A great spot to paddle board, or snorkel, you can easily rent equipment nearby for the perfect July day.
With plenty of great cafes and chiringitos nearby, you’ll have plenty of choices to choose from for an Andalusian lunch. A lively and social city, this area also offers plenty of cultural events, festivals, art exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.
Complete your beach trip with my favorite quick dry sand proof towel! ↗️
4. El Palmar
Make sure to add El Palmar, a magnificent coastal village situated on the Costa de la Luz, to your itinerary when visiting Cadiz.
A tranquil environment, this is the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle. With consistent Atlantic swells and favorable wind conditions, El Palmar has become known as a surfers paradise.
If you’re new to the sport, you’ll easily be able to find equipment and surf schools offering lessons for all ages and experiences. If staying on land is more your style, sunbathe on this soft, sandy coast, walk along the shores or join one of the recreational volleyball games sure to be nearby.
After the perfect beach day, enjoy some “pescaito frito” or fried fish, my favorite local cuisine. I live in Barcelona, so I’m used to delicious tapas.
5. Playa de la Victoria
If you don’t plan to rent a car during your visit to Cadiz, Playa de la Victoria is a great option that is easily accessible by foot from the center of Cadiz City.
Stretching nearly 3 km along the coast, this beautiful beach has plenty of amenities like showers, public restrooms, changing rooms, and ramps, making this a convenient and accessible option for all visitors.
You’ll find no shortage of water activities, places to swim, beachside bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Depending on when you visit, you’re also likely to stumble upon a beach concert or sports competition nearby. No matter what you’re looking for, it can be found on Playa de la Victoria.
6. El Chato Beach
If you are craving a more relaxing environment, El Chato Beach will provide you a quiet and uninterrupted beach experience. Located 6 kms from the city center, it is easily accessible by car (I always suggest using DiscoverCars.com) or taxi and includes nearby parking.
El Chato is a nature lovers paradise and is surrounded by unspoiled coastline.
Though a significant low tide is present you can still partake in some water activities or sunbathe on the soft sand.
You won’t find restaurants or cafes nearby, but you can certainly plan an epic beach picnic to be enjoyed in this little piece of paradise while you recharge your batteries in the beautiful Mediterranean sun.
► Rent a car from DiscoverCars.com
7. Playa de Santibáñez
Located 7.2 km from the city center of Cadiz, Playa de Santibáñez is another great option if you have access to a car and are looking for a quiet and serene atmosphere outside of the city. It’s easily one of the best beaches near Cadiz.
This spot offers crystal-clear and calm waters, perfect for swimming or paddle boarding – a great option away from the windier beaches.
In addition to the picture perfect waters, the beach is nestled in a natural area with sand dunes, coastal vegetation, scenic cliffs with local trails nearby for hiking enthusiasts. After your beach activities, enjoy a picnic on the beach soaking up everything this pristine beach has to offer.
This is farther than Cadiz’s main beaches, but much closer than Tarifa Beach and Bolonia Beach Cadiz – you’ll need a car to get to those as they’re not technically located in Cadiz.
8. Playa De Torregorda San Fernando
Located in the town of San Fernando of Cadiz province, a 15 minute cab ride or 20 minute train ride from Cadiz city center, this beautiful beach is popular among locals.
As with most beaches in this area, you’ll find shallow waters, gentle waves and favorable wind, the perfect conditions for water sports and beach activities.
With a beautiful walkway along the coast, spot seashells on the sand, while you soak in the fresh sea air from a quieter town. If you’re interested in history, Playa de Torregorda is located near Castillo de Sancti Petri, a historical defense fortification used to protect the inlet, dating back to the 13th century.
9. Playa de Camposoto
Playa de Camposoto, one of the longest beaches in Southern Spain, is also located in the San Fernando town of Cadiz province.
Another excellent spot for nature lovers, the beach is part of Bahia de Cadiz Natural Park, a 26,000 acre natural park boasting impeccable scenery and a wide range of wildlife. People flock to this area to view migrant birds.
If you’re looking for a great photography spot, look no further, as the landscape here is gorgeous and makes for some stunning shots at sunset. After a leisurely stroll taking in the nature, relax on the coast or wade out for a dip in the sea.
10. Cala del Aceite: Cove
Conil de la Frontera, a province in Cadiz, is 53 kms or a 39 minute drive from Cadiz city center, and is home to Cala del Aceite, the largest of the coves in Conil.
Due to its southern facing orientation, the easterly wind does not raise the sand, and is much less annoying than other coves can be.
Best accessed by car, you can find this cove after taking CA-308 road. Once there, you’ll find stunning views of the ocean from the cliff landscape backed by pine forests. With the gorgeous scenery, and plethora of sea activities here, this makes for the perfect day trip from Cadiz city.
11. Cala Encendida
Part of Calas de Roche, a network of 6 coves, connected by footpaths that are hard to spot by the road and rooted in secrecy and seclusion.
Cala Encendida, the first, is easiest to access, is a 38 minute drive by car from Cadiz city. While you will likely still find crowds in the Summer, you will also find stunning landscape differing from the beaches found near Cadiz center.
You also won’t be totally remote either. Nearby you can find Timon de Roche, a rustic beachfront restaurant with incredible views and fantastic seafood and wines.
If given the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to venture to these gems outside the main city.
Things to Do in Cadiz
• Hit the Beaches
Whether you are in Cadiz center, or the province of Cadiz, there are no shortages of beaches. Plenty of beaches are located one after another on the coast, so if one isn’t your vibe, it’s likely that one around the corner is.
Most of the beaches offer calm waters, but can be cold, depending on what side of the inlet you’re on. Sunbathing on the beach with family and friends is a favorite pastime of locals here and you’ll often find plenty of games, picnics and beach activities nearby.
If you need a break from the sun, make your way to a “chiringuito” also known as the local bars and restaurants right on the beach!
Pro tip: Don’t forget your quick dry sand proof towel! ↗️
• Eco Bike Tour
If you don’t love the sand but enjoy taking in the sights, this bike tour will pass you through the best sightseeing in Cadiz.
Cruise through this historic town on a eco friendly bike tour that will take you through the city center, historic attractions, and best photo ops in Cadiz.
Check pricing and availability↗️
• Cadiz Medieval Tour
Not a fan of bikes? I get it. Opt for a walking tour around Cadiz’s ancient Roman quarter!
Experience the history of Cadiz through visiting the 18th-century New Cathedral, its museum, and learning about their backgrounds. Stroll along the city’s streets and squares, and find your way to the “Gates of Earth” at the New Cathedral. I love the Sagrada Familia (by famous Antonio Gaudi) in Barcelona, so I’m a big fan of exploring the cathedrals around Spain.
Your tour guide will help you immerse yourself in the city’s rich past! P.S. Don’t forget your comfy shoes!
Check pricing and availability↗️
• Roman Ruins
Cadiz city is home to a Roman theater that was used for various performances and dates back to the 1st century AD. The theater was rediscovered in the 1980s and is now open to guests.
I would recommend planning an hour or two to check these out as it’s interesting to see ruins living next to modern day homes. The remains are also in impeccable standing, and they resemble a smaller scale version of the Colosseum in Rome.
Gadir Archaeological Site, is a museum offering exhibits and artifacts from another Roman excavation. Outside of these exhibits, you’ll find Roman influence throughout the city, like in winding streets, reflecting the Romans street plan.
• Taste Your Way Around Cadiz
Cadiz has some of the best seafood you’ll find in Spain. Pescaito Frito, are lightly battered and deep fried fish.
You’ll typically find fish like anchovies, calamari or baby squid offered, these are a classic for Cadiz.
Next up, and my personal favorite, Tortillas de Camarones are the shrimp fritters of your dreams. Made with a chickpea batter and tiny shrimp, these are fried to perfection and are the perfect snack to go along with a cold cerveza.
Montaditos, are similar to bite sized sandwiches, served as tapas. You’ll find plenty of cured meat and local cheese type offerings on bread and they are delicious! If you visit in Summer, Gazpacho is a must. Gazpacho is a tomato- based soup served cold and is popular all through the south. If you make your way to Barcelona, don’t forget to plan a food tour or wine tour.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants near Cadiz:
Best Restaurants Near Cadiz Beaches
Almanaque Casa de Comidas
Almanaque Casa de Comidas was recommended to me by a local friend so I knew it would be good. The first thing I noticed upon arriving was the Michelin Star accreditation on the exterior of the building.
The inside was cozy and intimate, an excellent date spot! Expect local types of dishes and fantastic seafood in upscale dining. I really enjoyed the Ensaladilla de Gambas as an appetizer and will continue thinking about this dish until my next trip to Cadiz!
Restaurante Cadiz Taberna Almarcen
Upon my arrival in Cadiz, I had the pleasure of visiting a highly recommended restaurant. It was an excellent way to begin my stay and it certainly set the bar high! The menu catered to typical Cadiz cuisine; it featured tapas-style dishes with plenty of fried fish offerings.
The “tortillas de camarones” dish was a must-try, and it did not disappoint. We also enjoyed fried sardines on tomato bread and tuna tataki with fresh guacamole.
The quality of the food was remarkable, but that wasn’t all! The service was fantastic; our waiter went out of his way to make sure we were taken care of.
The wine selection was also incredible. We got to enjoy it while soaking in the magical atmosphere of Cadiz from their lovely terrace. This restaurant truly had it all – quality food, service and ambience.
Taberna Casa Manteca
If you’re looking for a spot to get authentic Andalusian cuisine in an informal setting, then Taberna Casa Manteca is the place for you.
This restaurant is known amongst locals for its unbeatable quality food at great prices – and it’s usually filled with locals who come back time and again.
The star of the show here is the pescaito frito, but there’s plenty of other delicious dishes to sample. We personally loved the Tomate con Ventresca de Atun, boquerones en vinagre and patatas alinadas – all served with a smile!
Where to Stay in Cadiz
- San Lorenzo Apartamentos y Suites (I stayed here – everything was amazing!)
- Tandem Torres de Cadiz Suites
- Summer Cadiz Hostel
Cadiz Packing List
Here are my favorite things to pack when it comes to traveling around Spain’s coastal paradises.
SAND PROOF/QUICK DRY TOWEL
The one thing you definitely cannot forget! Remember your towel, but don’t to wait for it to dry. These quick-drying towels keep sand where it belongs, and are simple to store when you’re back in the hotel. Plus, they’re ultra-compact and lightweight.
You’ll definitely want one if you’re visiting Cadiz or Barcelona in August or September since you’ll be spending lots of time at the beach.
LIGHTWEIGHT SUNSCREEN
Because just like the Caribbean, the sun hits different in Barcelona! Protect your skin. And if you’re traveling carry-on only, remember that Europe (specifically London) has pesky liquid requirements to keep in mind.
BEST BELT BAG
I’m all about style, practicality, and affordability. Pickpockets can be a real problem on the busy beaches in Spain, so keeping your belongings secured in front of you is super important.
E-SIM CARD
SIM cards can be a nightmare, I get it. Airalo makes it easy to add a SIM card right to your phone – one less thing you have to worry about when you get to Europe. You can purchase a card for Spain, Europe, or Global.
Just make sure your phone is compatible before you buy! You can check in the settings of your phone.
Cadiz Beaches FAQ
Now that you know about the best beaches to visit in Cadiz, here are some frequently asked questions about this village town and the beaches Spain is famously known for!
Final Thoughts: Best Beaches in Cadiz Spain
There you have it – the best beaches in Cadiz Spain. Cadiz is a fantastic city located in Southern Spain with rich history, incredible food and plenty of recreational activities to explore.
The people are warm and kind and I enjoyed seeing the closeness to family evident in the city squares as generations of families mingled with one another.
And of course, it holds some of the best beaches in southern Spain – making it a can’t miss coastal town if you’re looking to getaway for a weekend in Spain.
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