Beaches of the province of Cádiz
Fine golden sand, dunes, coves beneath cliffs and Atlantic sunsets: a north-to-south guide to the Cádiz beaches, with tips for the wind.
Key points
- The province has beaches on the Atlantic (Costa de la Luz) and, from Tarifa eastwards, on the Mediterranean.
- Most famous for their natural setting: Bolonia, Los Caños de Meca, El Palmar, Zahara de los Atunes and Valdevaqueros.
- Easiest for families: La Victoria, La Barrosa, Valdelagrana and the beaches of Rota.
- The wind decides the day: with levante, head for the Bay; with poniente, the Strait beaches are calm.
Beaches in Cádiz city
- La CaletaBetween two castles, with fishing boats and the city’s most famous sunsets.
- Santa María del MarNext to the old town, sheltered by breakwaters.
- La VictoriaThree kilometres of sand with a promenade and all services.
- CortaduraA quieter natural extension towards San Fernando.
Bay beaches
The beaches of the Bay have calm, slightly warmer water and are sheltered from the levante: Valdelagrana and La Puntilla in El Puerto de Santa María, Fuentebravía, La Costilla and Punta Candor in Rota, and Camposoto in San Fernando, unspoilt and ending at the Boquerón point.
Costa de la Luz beaches
| Beach | Town | What it is like |
|---|---|---|
| La Barrosa | Chiclana | 8 km of fine sand, hotels and services |
| Los Bateles and Fontanilla | Conil | Town beaches with beach bars |
| Calas de Roche | Conil | Small coves between sandstone cliffs |
| El Palmar | Vejer | Long, unspoilt and with waves: the surf beach |
| Los Caños de Meca | Barbate | Coves under cliffs by the Trafalgar lighthouse |
| Zahara de los Atunes | Barbate | Golden sand and crystal-clear water |
| Atlanterra | Tarifa | Coves and dunes south of Zahara |
Strait beaches
In Tarifa are some of Europe’s most spectacular beaches: Bolonia, with its dune and Roman ruins; Valdevaqueros and Los Lances, a kitesurfing paradise; and Punta Paloma, with a dune advancing over the pine wood. On the Mediterranean side, the beaches of Algeciras, La Línea and San Roque (Sotogrande) have warmer water.
Choosing a beach by the wind
With levante (east wind)
- Best: the Bay (Rota, El Puerto, Puerto Real), La Caleta and La Barrosa.
- Avoid: Tarifa, Bolonia and Zahara, except for wind sports.
With poniente (west wind)
- Best: Tarifa, Bolonia, Zahara and the coves of Los Caños.
- The water will be cooler and the Bay a little choppy.
Beach tips for Cádiz
- TidesAtlantic tides change the beach a lot: check the tide table, especially for coves.
- FlagsRespect the bathing flag and the lifeguard areas.
- ParkingIn August, arrive early at Bolonia, El Palmar or Los Caños: they fill up.
- DunesDon’t walk on dune vegetation: they are protected areas.
More information
The official list of Blue Flag beaches is published every year in May. To organise your trip, see when to go and how to get there.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Cádiz?
In the city, La Caleta (for charm) and La Victoria (for facilities). For nature, Bolonia, Los Caños de Meca and El Palmar. For families, La Barrosa, Valdelagrana or the beaches of Rota.
Which beaches are sheltered from the levante?
With strong levante, the Bay beaches (Rota, El Puerto, Puerto Real) and those facing north or west are usually better. Tarifa, Bolonia and Zahara take the full force of the wind.
Is the water cold in Cádiz?
It is the Atlantic: in summer it is around 20-22 °C in the Bay and on the Costa de la Luz, a little colder in Tarifa when the poniente blows.