Cadiz, also known as the Costa de la Luz, is scattered with delightful coastal towns and charming white villages. Furthermore, Cadiz beaches are truly a slice of heaven. You can explore its 300 km of golden sand and experience various attractions through them.
From family-friendly Cadiz beaches to adventurous surf spots, you will find something to suit your desires. Let us show you the best beaches in Cadiz along the Costa de la Luz!
Most Popular Beaches In Cadiz
Bolonia Beach
Bolonia Beach is an idyllic and pristine stretch of coastline, located at the El Estrecho Natural Park. This is about 17 km from Tarifa, the southernmost city in Spain.
At nearly 4 km long, it is a paradise for windsurfers due to the continuous breeze and a haven for nudists in the secluded area of El Chorrito. This Cadiz beach is not very well equipped, but you can grab a delicious bite of fresh seafood or meat at one of the nearby restaurants.
The beach’s excellent reputation is largely due to the majestic Bolonia Dune, which stands 30 meters tall, and was declared a Natural Monument in 2001. Climbing to the top of the dune is a great way to be rewarded with stunning views.
On a clear sunny day, you can even see the African coast. The ruins of Baelo Claudia, an exceptionally well-preserved Roman city, is also nearby. This is one of the best things to do in Cadiz.
Be sure to bring sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen to enjoy the area.
Best Beaches In Cadiz For Families
La Barrosa
Situated a brief drive away from the town of Chiclana, La Barrosa is a family-friendly Cadiz beach well-known for its shining white sands and pristine blue waters.
This beautiful beach comes with the well sought-after blue-flag status. It is also recognized as one of “Spain’s Best Beaches” by the Telegraph Newspaper. La Barrosa is also known for its water sports facilities, and for very good reasons.
The choppy Atlantic waters, matched with the distinctive high winds that Cádiz is renowned for, make La Barrosa the ideal spot for kitesurfing and wind sailing.
This wide Cadiz beach is split into sections depending on one’s mood – a lively family area with several beach bars giving way to calmer virgin sands, the perfect spot to chill in peace and quiet. Kids like to bring their sandcastle-building kit to take advantage of the shoreline.
Playa La Fontanilla
Holidaymakers flock to Cónil de La Frontera in the summer to take in the sights and enjoy some of the best beaches in Cadiz. But they don’t need to go far to get their beach fix.
Playa La Fontanilla is a short stroll away. It’s perfect for families, boasting facilities such as showers, toilets, lifeguard stations, and shallow waters that are ideal for little ones to paddle in at low tide.
If hunger strikes, Francisco la Fontanilla is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings. Located right next to this Cadiz beach, the chic dining room has stunning views and serves fresh seafood as its main fayre. It’s not to be missed if you’re looking for a tasty tuna dish!
Beaches In Cadiz That Are Less Touristic
Caños de Meca Beach
The Caños de Meca district boasts a plethora of tranquil, pristine beaches with azure and emerald waters. Here one can explore spectacular scenery, from Cabo de Trafalgar to the Breña Natural Park.
In addition to the renowned Faro de Trafalgar beach, you can also visit the pebble beach of Marisucia, which offers a view of Africa.
The best way to relish the breathtaking vistas and secret Cadiz beaches is to rent a kayak, as there are no other means of accessing them. You can enjoy a secluded cove with your family or friends.
Los Alemanes Beach
This stretch of Cadiz beach forms part of the more extensive Zahara de Los Atunes beach. It is next to a mountain, making it the perfect spot to take cover when the Levant wind blows unrelentingly.
However, the vegetation surrounding it makes access to this undisturbed Cadiz beach challenging and may put some people off. That said, those who make an effort will find a multitude of attractions.
The hidden swimming pools between the rocky cliffs, the natural dykes, and the romantic atmosphere of the place make this beach worth the detour. This Cadiz beach got its name from a German soldier who had hidden military equipment there during WW2.
Las Calas de Roche
For those looking for well-secluded Cadiz beaches, Las Calas de Roche is the place to go! Sitting at the Southern limit of Urbanizacion Roche and surrounded by red cliffs, these coves are only accessible via a dirt road and a steep flight of wooden steps down to the shoreline.
Head to Cala del Aspero, Cala del Encendida Roche, or Cala del Pato Roche. If you are lucky, you might find the place empty of humans, offering true peace and tranquility.
There are no facilities nearby, so it’s best to pack a picnic and plenty of water for the day. Consider bringing a simple setup beach tent for shade. After all, what could be better than a private Cadiz beach?
Best Beaches In Cadiz For Water Activities
Zahara de Los Atunes Beach
Zahara de Los Atunes is a small yet picturesque town in Andalusia that is well-known for its coastal tourism, temperate climate, and serene beaches. Spanning 8 km, visitors can enjoy magnificent sunsets, a view of the African continent, and a variety of watersports such as windsurfing and snorkeling.
This Cadiz beach is also well-equipped with chiringuitos (typical Andalusian beach dining area) and bars that offer refreshing cocktails in the summertime. During the winter season, this beach becomes a peaceful and heavenly paradise.
El Palmar
Located in the charming coastal town of El Cónil, El Palmar is a picturesque 4-kilometer stretch of white sand. It is frequented by Spanish tourists and is known as the Surf Capital of Andalucia due to its frequent high winds and impressive waves.
This Cadiz beach is lined with beach bars oozing bohemian vibes and local shops selling everything from watersports gear and sunglasses to handicrafts and clothes. It’s the typical chill spot.
The Most Well-Equipped Beaches In Cadiz
Costa Ballena Beach
This pristine shore of glimmering, golden grains of sand extends for 4.5 km north of Cadiz.
Although there is no seaside promenade, it is incredibly well-equipped with eateries and bars, showers, toilets, a lifeguard and medical station, access for those with restricted mobility, special offers, and hammock and vessel rental services. Additionally, a nautical and scuba diving club will make your much-awaited vacation unforgettable.
Legend has it that a shark circumnavigating the planet in search of the perfect beach would have zeroed in on this Costa Cadiz beach, giving it its name.
Playa de la Caleta
This idyllic beach is nestled in the heart of Cadiz and is renowned for its traditional carnival that takes place along the picturesque coastline. The golden sand mesmerizes locals and visitors alike, with a breathtaking view of the Castillo de Santa Catalina and a procession of boats bobbing along the shore.
This Cadiz beach has gained worldwide fame through iconic films such as 007: Die Another Day, Captain Alatriste, and Manolete. If you’re looking for the perfect beach getaway, look no further!
Where To Stay In Cadiz
Cadiz offers many different accommodation options. Here are some of the best hotels and hostels in Cadiz for all budgets and travel styles.
Budget Accommodation In Cadiz
Casa Caracol Cádiz: Caracol Hostel is a cozy, social and soulful place focusing on making visitors feel right at home. The staff is multilingual, friendly, and always looking to make everyone’s stay memorable. Located in the center of the old town, the hostel is just a few minutes from the main transportation hubs.
Planeta Cadiz: A deluxe accommodation with low-cost rates. It offers top-notch service, with capsule bunk beds, auto-check-ins, and more. Plus, it’s in the heart of historic Cadiz! Guests can access bars, restaurants, tourist attractions, and public transportation within walking distance.
You can also take advantage of the hostel’s amenities, such as the 300 m2 terrace, fully equipped kitchen, children’s room, meeting room, and more. They offer free Wi-Fi, breakfast service, laundry service, daily cleaning, and personal lockers.
Casa Nautilus: A quaint and inviting guesthouse situated in the heart of Cadiz. Their team possesses extensive hospitality industry experience and knowledge of the city to ensure a great stay for guests. They are situated in one of the most renowned areas of Cadiz, near the most popular attractions like the Cadiz Cathedral, the Roman Theater of Cadiz, Castillo de San Sebastian, and many more.
Mid-Range Accommodation In Cadiz
Hotel Cádiz Bahía: This is an accommodation right on the beachfront. It features a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a garden. The hotel also has a restaurant, room service, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi.
Some rooms have a terrace with a city view. A buffet breakfast is offered. Popular attractions close to Hotel Cádiz Bahía include La Victoria Beach, La Cortadura, and Santa Maria del Mar, as well as other things to do in Cadiz.
Plaza Mina Suites:700 m from Playa de la Punta San Felipe and 300 m from the downtown area, Plaza Mina Suites – Adults Only offers air-conditioned accommodations with free WiFi and a terrace.
Each unit has a fully-equipped kitchenette, a dining table, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with a shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. Popular attractions near the aparthotel include La Caleta Beach, Santa Maria del Mar, Genoves Park, and other Cadiz attractions.
La Sal by Pillow: Situated in the old town, this hotel offers a tour desk and is only 200 m from the city center and less than 1 km from La Caleta Beach. The rooms are equipped with a wardrobe and a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer.
Each room is also outfitted with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and, for select rooms, a terrace. Popular attractions near the hotel include Playa de la Punta San Felipe, Santa Maria del Mar, and Genoves Park.
Luxury Accommodation In Cadiz
Hotel Monte Puertatierra: This charming hotel is situated just 100 meters away from Santa María del Mar Beach and a 20-minute walk from the old town of Cádiz. The rooms at Hotel Monte Puertatierra are air-conditioned and have wooden floors. Visitors can reach the renowned Puerta de Tierra in just 10 minutes by foot. The Cathedral, Torre Tavira, and the Gran Teatro Falla are all within walking distance.
Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas: This 4-star hotel in the center of Cádiz offers room service, a 24-hour front desk, a terrace, a restaurant, a bar, and free WiFi. The non-smoking property is located less than 1 km from Playa de la Punta San Felipe and 1.2 km from La Caleta Beach. Some rooms include a balcony and city views, and all are fitted with bed linen and towels. Nearby attractions include Santa Maria del Mar, Genoves Park, and Cadiz Museum and other things to see in Cadiz.
Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz: This accommodation is housed in a 17th-century convent in the center of Cádiz. It offers a charming interior courtyard and retains its original design, complete with picturesque archways, Baroque marble pieces, and ornate stonework.
The convent is also home to a Dominican Order, with a church, cloisters, and listed chapel dating back to 1635 – another secret Cadiz must see! The hotel is conveniently located for access to a range of restaurants and tapas bars along the same street and Cádiz’s seafront, port, and beach, all within a 5-minute walk.
Enjoying The Best Beaches In Cadiz
Cadiz has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Andalusia, from family-friendly spots to serene, untouched havens. For sports lovers, beach-goers looking to soak up some sun, and those hoping to experience a truly idyllic Spanish getaway, there’s something to suit all tastes.
We hope we helped you discover the ten most beautiful beaches in Cadiz, Spain, ensuring you a memorable trip.
