Sitting on Spain’s Atlantic Costa de la Luz, the many wonderful beaches in Cadiz are a major draw for this historic port city. From beautiful, rocky coves to vast stretches of golden sand, beach-lovers have an incredible choice.
Buzzing beach bars, great seafood, and the fun-filled Spanish people meet great natural beauty to create the perfect vacation atmosphere.
Discover the best beaches near Cadiz, listed from north to south.
Playa de Regla, Chipiona
Playa de Regla, Chipiona
Only 45 minutes north of the beautiful Spanish city of Cadiz, Playa de Regla is a curving stretch of golden sand made even more picturesque by the historic Chipiona lighthouse. Dating to 1867, it’s the tallest in Spain and among the highest in Europe.
Near the center of the mile-long beach is the Neo-Gothic Church of Nuestra Señora de Regla. Fairly plain outside, the church’s rich interior is worth seeing, as is learning more about its Black Madonna.
The region is famous for its Moscatel vineyards, and you can sample the product in local bars and seafood restaurants. Stay sober for a lighthouse tour, which delivers dizzying views of the coast from over 200 feet in height.
Playa de Las Redes, El Puerto de Santa María
Playa de Las Redes, El Puerto de Santa María
Playa de Las Redes stretches for a mile along the Atlantic coast, blending north into the wider sands of Playa de Fuentebravía. Less than two miles from the center of El Puerto, its sheltered position in the Bay of Cádiz brings calm water and great views.
The long boardwalk north towards Fuentebravía will take you past the protected sand dunes of a section called Playa El Ancla. Limited access by stairways makes this a much quieter part of the beach.
Playa de Las Redes, El Puerto de Santa María
Walking the beach on calm mornings in spring and early summer, you might even spot dolphins or pilot whales jumping offshore. They follow the tuna that migrate down this coast and into the Mediterranean to spawn every May and June.
The beach has several good summer beach bars, known as chiringuitos in Spanish. They are ideal for a drink or some freshly grilled seafood.
Playa de la Puntilla, El Puerto de Santa María
Playa de la Puntilla, El Puerto de Santa María
Only 30 minutes by car or ferry from Cadiz, Playa de la Puntilla is one of the most popular urban beaches in El Puerto. This long beach, very deep at its eastern end, is backed by a forest of pines that makes a natural windbreak.
La Puntilla has every facility you can think of, including limited mobility access. It wins consistent Blue Flag status for its clean water and range of amenities.
El Puerto de Santa Maria is known as the “City of 100 Palaces” for the historic homes built on trade with the New World. Juan de la Cosa, famed mapmaker and owner of the flagship Santa Maria, left here in 1492 on Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas.
Playa de Valdelagrana, El Puerto de Santa María
Playa de Valdelagrana, El Puerto de Santa María
Further south of El Puerto de Santa María, below Río Guadalete, is Playa de Valdelagrana. Located within a protected bay, this Cadiz beach is the kitesurfing capital of the province with consistent winds.
The setting is ideal for kitesurfing beginners, while the 1.5 miles of beach gives enough room for all abilities. If you’d prefer to watch, you could relax on a sunbed, walk the long promenade, or stop in one of the beachfront restaurants or bars.
Playa de Valdelagrana, El Puerto de Santa María
El Puerto de Santa María is a major center of sherry production, and famous local names such as Osborne and Terry have guided tours. Any chiringuito is also a good place to enjoy tasting fino, amontillado, and cream sherries.
La Caleta, Cádiz
La Caleta, Cádiz
Just a short walk from Cadiz Cathedral and the Museum of Cádiz, La Caleta is a true urban beach. Short and narrow, “Little Bay” is the best beach in Cadiz for socializing as well as for swimming.
You’ll see people setting up tables for picnics or playing cards—perhaps awaiting the sight of Halle Berry emerging from the sea as she memorably did here for James Bond. In summer, lifeguards watch over calm waters busy with bathers, kayakers, and paddleboarders.
Castillo de San Sebastián
Walk west over the causeway to visit Castillo de San Sebastián, one of the best things to do in Cadiz. Head east to climb Torre Tavira for panoramic views over La Caleta and the city’s Old Quarter. If it’s too hot for that, you might want to sunbathe or enjoy the shade of the central historic spa, which is now home to the Subaquatic Archaeology Center of the Andalusian Historical Institute.
Playa de Santa María del Mar, Cádiz
Playa de Santa María del Mar, Cádiz
This small beach sits in a sheltered cove between Playa de la Victoria and Cádiz’s old quarter. Two stone piers jut into the sea to calm the waters and frame the view.
The piers attract surfers when the waves break just right. It’s also popular with walkers and anyone wanting to escape the crowds that can fill Playa de la Victoria.
There are lifeguards in season, a central beach bar, and a long wheelchair-friendly ramp. Nearby is the remarkable Casa de Iberoamérica, a must-see if you are interested in Spanish and Latin American art.
Playa de la Victoria, Cádiz
Playa de la Victoria, Cádiz
Easily among the best beaches in Cadiz, Playa de La Victoria is consistently awarded a Blue Flag for its cleanliness. Almost two miles long, it’s a beautiful stretch of golden sand with calm Atlantic waters.
This urban beach, well served by public transport, is where the people of this Spanish city come to play. Facilities range from foot-washing stations and showers—bring a one-euro coin to use them—to boat hire and padel/tennis courts.
Playa de la Victoria, Cádiz
Backed by a palm-shaded promenade lined by hotels, bars, and restaurants, there are plenty of food and drink options. Ramps allow wheelchair access, and in summer there are protected zones for those with reduced mobility.
The promenade behind the beach is popular for walks to enjoy the view out to Cadiz Bay. It connects La Victoria with the beaches of Playa de Santa María del Mar and La Caleta.
Playa de la Cortadura, Cadiz
Playa de la Cortadura, Cadiz
Playa de La Cortadura seems much further from the beach town of Cadiz than it actually is. Extensive dunes and a freshwater lagoon make for an unspoiled natural setting just ten minutes by car south of the city center.
Its winds and waves attract wind‑ and kite-surfers, as well as bodyboarders. At almost 2.5 miles long, this Blue Flag-certified beach never feels crowded.
The beach is reached by wooden boardwalks across gentle dunes that screen it from the city. In summer, you’ll find showers and a few beach bars, but facilities are otherwise minimal.
Playa de Camposoto, San Fernando
Playa de Camposoto, San Fernando
A more built-up alternative to La Cortadura is the three-mile-long Playa de Camposoto, one of the best beaches in southern Spain. This Blue Flag beach has everything from foot‑wash stations and beach bars to lifeguards and specialized facilities for those with reduced mobility.
The San Fernando marshlands nearby are protected inside the Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park. Walk or cycle the park’s many paths to spot flamingos, storks, and other migratory birds.
Cyclists can follow the EuroVelo 8 route through the marshes. The botanical garden and visitor center of the natural park are other popular attractions.
Playa de la Barrosa, Chiclana de la Frontera
Playa de la Barrosa, Chiclana de la Frontera
La Barrosa’s five miles of powdery white sand and rolling Atlantic waves make it not only one of Cadiz’s best beaches, but also put it among the best in Spain. Surfers play offshore, while sunbathers lounge close to their favorite chiringuito.
Behind the beach is a pine forest and a promenade lined with tapas bars. At low tide, children love playing in the tidal pools that remain behind.
Sancti Petri Castle, Chiclana de la Frontera
Just offshore, the Castle of Sancti Petri stands on a tiny island. The site was once a Roman temple dedicated to Hercules and makes for a scenic boat trip.
Playa de La Fontanilla, Conil de la Frontera
Playa de La Fontanilla, Conil de la Frontera
This vast mile-long beach near Cadiz never seems to be crowded, even during the peak times of July and August. A wide expanse of golden sand offers plenty of room for sun-lovers to spread out their towels and umbrellas.
The beach is remarkably flat, so the distance to the water changes dramatically with the tide. If you come at high tide, you could stop by one of several excellent restaurants and chiringuitos nearby while you wait for more space.
Fishing port in Conil de la Frontera
A short walk away, Conil’s historic fishing port is well worth an early visit for the traditional fish sale. The 14th-century Torre de Guzmán is now a cultural center with interesting exhibitions.
Playa Los Bateles, Conil de la Frontera
Playa Los Bateles, Conil de la Frontera
Playa Los Bateles is Conil’s main beach—and one of the most fashionable vacation destinations in southern Spain. Its soft white sand blends almost endlessly into Fontanilla to the north and Castilobo to the south.
The beach is backed by dunes, which are crossed by only a few boardwalks for access. That lends Playa Los Bateles an air of remoteness that’s somewhat at odds with its closeness to Conil.
Quiet during off-season, the beach thrums in summer, but a short walk will soon take you away from all that. An alternative is to explore the many innovative restaurants Conil has become famous for.
Playa El Palmar, Vejer de la Frontera
Playa El Palmar, Vejer de la Frontera
This spectacular five-mile beach is a surfers’ paradise for its natural beauty and excellent surf. Its fine golden sand and undeveloped shoreline make it equally popular with anyone wanting to get away from it all.
There are plenty of surf schools if you want to join in the fun. Chiringuitos offer an alternative place to relax after enjoying the laid-back surf vibe.
On windy days, take refuge in the line of bars and shops selling jewelry and beachwear overlooking the beach. Local restaurants specialize in seafood paella made with black squid ink.
Caños de Meca, Barbate
Caños de Meca, Barbate
Just under an hour south of Cádiz, Los Caños de Meca lies between lighthouse-topped Cape Trafalgar and La Breña Natural Park. The cape is famous for a naval battle in 1805 that saw the death of Britain’s Admiral Nelson at the moment of victory.
The tranquility of the beach now—you might not even have phone reception—makes that event seem very distant in history. It’s a great beach for walking, with a mix of dunes, cliffs, and rocky coves—some given over to nudists.
La Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park
Along the way, you’ll find the caños—freshwater springs tumbling off cliffs—that give this Spanish beach its name. Recently discovered Roman baths, garum fish sauce pits in La Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park are other sights.
After enjoying the rugged natural beauty, find a beach bar or restaurant in the tiny village that was famous for its hippie population in the 1960s. Ohana stands out among several others noted for their tuna dishes.
Playa de Zahara, Barbate
Playa de Zahara, Barbate
Yet another beautiful Atlantic beach of white sand and blue water, Playa de Zahara stretches for five miles north of a historic fishing village. Zahara de los Atunes has been a center for bluefin tuna fishing since at least the 1500s.
The town’s many restaurants still specialize in tuna dishes using traditional recipes. During the spectacular spring tuna runs, you can join boat tours to understand more of this local history.
Playa de Zahara, Barbate
Fishing is highly regulated, and the traditional Almadraba traps are typically in use from April to June. Bluefin tuna have been caught here for thousands of years, with the Romans using them to make their garum fish sauce.
Back on the beach, the winds create perfect conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Sun loungers and hammocks are available for anyone wanting to unwind.
Read: Best Places to Visit in Spain for First-Timers
Cádiz
Has this guide to the best beaches in and around Cadiz tempted you to visit? Browse our cruises to Cadiz and you’ll find the perfect cruise to whisk you off for some Spanish sand, sea, and sunshine.
