Cadiz is a beautiful region in Southern Spain famous for the Sherry triangle (the region is one of the world’s biggest cherry tomato producers), whitewashed buildings, history and culture (inclduing 2 UNESCO heritage sites) and there are so many things to see and do around here, people often forget that it’s a coastal province and as such has a lot of beautiful and often underrated beaches. In this article, we’ll go through the 15 best beaches in Cadiz. But first, let’s cover some basics…
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1. Playa de Bolonia (Tarifa)
Playa de Bolonia is a spectacular green belt of land that stretches across almost 4 kilometers, perfectly enclosed by the Punta Camarinal on the west and Punta Paloma on the east. This beach is the epitome of clean, golden sands and crystal-clear waters, which are all elements of the protected coastal area that is still almost free of urban development.
The beach’s highlight is undoubtedly the Duna de Bolonia, an enormous sand dune that stands out as a local landmark, 300 m in length and with a vertical relief of over 30 m. Another highlight you really shouldn’t miss is the Baelo Claudia, a Roman city built around the 2nd century BC, whose ruins lie next to the beach. The place is open every day except Monday and is free of charge to visitors.
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Staying at the Casita de Bolonia gives you unbeatable proximity to the dunes and sea, with guests praising its charming patio and peaceful, nature‑filled setting.
2. Playa de Zahara de los Atunes
Backing nearly 1 mile to the Gulf of Cadiz, Zahara de Los Atunes Beach is famous for its fine sand, clear waters, and well-deserved Blue Flag status. It is located in a paradise of the Andalusian coast that has not been destroyed by the unchecked development of tourist facilities. The beach is also surrounded by dunes and coastal scrub—a place for animals and plants to live without being disturbed and lies near a small fishing village that becomes quite popular during the high season.
For those who are into sports, the warm and windy waters here are perfect for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, diving, and whale-watching. Nature adds to the beauty of the place as there are shallow pools that form at low tide and a shipwreck that can be seen. The sunsets on the beach have become quite famous and most of the time have been observed while having a meal in one of the Indian eateries that are aligned alongside the beach. Additionally, the evenings bring the chance to go for a beer spa, watch an open-air movie, browse a nearby craft market, or listen to live music.
And if you’re looking for a nice place to stay, the beachfront Hotel Playa de la Plata earns rave reviews for its sea-view rooms and relaxed garden terrace perfect for sundowners.
3. Playa de los Alemanes (Cala de los Alemanes)
Situated between cliffs at Cabo de Plata and Punta de Gracia, Playa de los Alemanes, also known as Cala de los Alemanes or “Bunker Beach,” is a beach that’s known among locals as nature’s very own palette, adorned with rocky outcrops, hidden natural pools and peaceful moderate waters that are perfect for diving or calm swims.
One of the access routes is a steep path with pebbles going down from Atlanterra, which makes it a very private place that is not too crowded and thus ideal for activities like meditation sessions, small get-togethers, or romantic evenings. Due to the fact that the beach is barely developed, it has a peaceful atmosphere and no noise from the surrounding areas, like many other beaches in Cadiz.
Hotel Boutique Varadero offers direct access to nearby coves and garners praise for its stylish rooms and sunset views over the ocean.
4. Playa de la Victoria (Cádiz city)
This list of the best beaches in Cadiz couldn’t be complete without Playa de la Victoria, an almost 3-kilometer-long beach with one of the most beautiful promenades in Cádiz. Its soft golden sand and shallow, gently-sloping entry to calm waters were from the Atlantic ocean made it very family- and swimmer-friendly.
La Victoria has a lot of tourist facilities, including access for disabled people, showers, foot-washing stations, rental sunbeds and umbrellas, playgrounds, beach sports zones, and beach bars (chiringuitos).
Locals can often be seen jogging and walking on the sands during the dawn and dusk hours, and also, many cultural events, sporting competitions, and shows are often organized on the beach, especially in summer.
Looking for a place to stay? Hotel Playa Victoria gets top marks for spacious sea-view rooms, a pool, and attentive staff, making it a reliable seaside retreat.
5. Playa de Valdevaqueros (Tarifa)
Playa de Valdevaqueros is a gorgeous, wide beach located on the Tarifa Atlantic coast in a lightly urbanized area, surrounded by scrubby vegetation, dunes, and an estuary formed by the Arroyo del Valle river.
This beach is very famous all over the world for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the strength of the winds characteristic of the southernmost part of Spain. At Hotel Tarifa Lances by QHotels, they even have on‑site surf lessons (and that’s just a small reason why you should stay here if visiting, the hotel is awesome). The beach is also home to the Spin Out Kite Surfing center, a large dune near Punta Paloma, and sits right next to a biodiversity estuary, which is home to a number of different plants and small animals.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our guide to neighboring Sotogrande or Nerja, the balcony of Europe.
6. Playa de El Palmar (Vejer de la Frontera)
El Palmar is a famous 8-kilometer stretch of beach in the municipality of Vejer de la Frontera, a rural area that has grown into a surfer paradise. The beach is covered in soft, golden sand and features gentle, moderate waves that break in shallow water, which makes it perfect for both novice and more advanced surfers.
The beach is lined with wooden boardwalks, bohemian-style restaurants, surf schools, and eco-friendly shops, most of which were built in a style that fits perfectly with the local dune environment. And people looking for a peaceful getaway will be happy to hear that the number of high-rise hotels or resorts in the area is zero, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind (and also it has one of the best sunset spots in Cadiz).
Looking for a place to stay? Hurricane Beach Hotel is beloved for its bohemian surf‑camp vibe, relaxed breakfasts, and beachfront location.
7. Playa de la Caleta (Cádiz city)
La Caleta is the best beaches in Cádiz, and arguably the city’s most famous one. It’s situated in the old town of Cádiz between two old castles—Santa Catalina and San Sebastián. The beach is not only a place to swim, but it is also a cultural landmark. La Caleta was the beach that was referenced by many flamenco songs, poems, and even Hollywood films (it was a Bond beach in Die Another Day).
The beach is quite small—only about 450 meters long—but it is very atmospheric, historical, charming, has an iconic crescent shape, soft golden sand, and calm, shallow waters, protected by the Atlantic Ocean via the numerous rocks at the seabed and the old harbor walls.
Looking for a place to stay in Cadiz? Parador de Cádiz is a gorgeous hotel known for its historic charm, sweeping sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows, and a pool just steps from the beach
8. Playa de los Caños de Meca (Barbate)
Situated along the Atlantic coast within the municipality of Barbate, Los Caños de Meca is an idyllic stretch of sand renowned for its pristine environment, laid-back Bohemian vibe, and rugged cliffs. The name of the beach (Los Caños) derives from a natural phenomenon where freshwater springs go directly into the ocean, a rare and visually very appealing phenomenon.
Moving west, close to the Faro de Trafalgar (Trafalgar Lighthouse), there are vast areas of golden sand and views of the historic Battle of Trafalgar site. The further we go east, the more rugged the landscapes get, and these areas are unofficially reserved for nudist visitors.
Los Caños is the first place where surfers, hippies, and nature lovers converge. It is not only the waves that are good for surfing that lure them to come here, but also the ambiance, i.e., laid-back, open-minded, and somewhat alternative.
Looking for a nice hotel nearby? The laid-back Panorama Village offers guests a rustic hideaway with live music evenings and proximity to the cliffs and surf breaks.
9. Playa de Camposoto (San Fernando)
Located in the municipality of San Fernando, Camposoto Beach is one of the longest beaches in the province of Cádiz, with over six kilometers of uninterrupted golden sand and dunes; a landscape which offers a wild and spacious setting that appeals to nature lovers and those seeking an escape from overcrowded tourist beaches.
The beach is a part of the Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park, and the area around Camposoto is crisscrossed with wooden walkways that protect the fragile dune ecosystem and connect beachgoers to different access points, but Camposoto also holds historical significance.
Bunkers and pillboxes from the Spanish Civil War still dot the beach, standing as weathered monuments along the sand, but despite this raw, natural appearance, the beach is equipped with amenities like lifeguards, showers, and even an area for pets, making it one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the province.
Looking for a place to stay? Casa Pepa is a beautiful old restored house in a great location that combines the traditional and the modern into an unforgettable stay.
10. Playa de la Hierbabuena (Barbate)
Located in the far eastern part of the city of Barbate, Hierbabuena is a quiet beach that stretches across 1.2 kilometers and lies right next to the Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park area, making it perfect for visitors who want to relax on the beach as well as indulge in nature-based activities like hiking, mountain biking, or even just relaxing while admiring the panoramic views of the Atlantic.
Down below, the beach offers golden sand and moderate waves, crystal clear azure waters, and a characteristic Andalusian vibe. There are no large resorts here; only a few small bars and a focus on sustainable tourism.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near the beach, Casa Altamar is a beautiful villa with traditional Andalusian décor and its own private pool for a bargain price (at least at the moment of writing).
11. Playa del Faro de Trafalgar (Barbate)
Playa del Faro de Trafalgar is not only one of the best beaches in Cadiz but also one of the most historically significant ones – you see, this is basically a tiny sandy isthmus located between Los Caños de Meca and Zahora that that connects the mainland to the Faro de Trafalgar (a solitary white lighthouse that stands like a sentinel over the Atlantic).
The beach is best known as the site of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where Admiral Nelson led the British navy to victory against the Franco-Spanish fleet. Today, the area is quiet and wind-swept, offering a raw, unspoiled beauty without high-rise hotels or major developments—just sand dunes, sea spray, and panoramic views of the Atlantic.
Looking for a nice place to stay in Barbate? The charming Hotel Hacienda Montenmedio receives praise for its terraces overlooking the lighthouse and relaxed coastal ambience.
12. Playa de Zahora (Barbate)
To the west of Los Caños de Meca, Playa de Zahora is a serene, family-friendly beach known for its shallow, warm waters, fine sand, and peaceful atmosphere. The reef named La Aceitera is like a protective wall offshore, which not only dampens the waves with its effect but also increases the safety for swimming and snorkeling activities (making it a great kid-friendly beach). The beach also features a small river that converges with the sea, increasing its visual diversity and offering an interesting addition for nature lovers.
And when the sun goes down and the music comes on, chiringuitos become the place to be for relaxed conversation and dancing along the beach. It is a beach that opens itself up to you and allows you to disconnect fully.
Looking for a place to stay? Casas al Alba stands out for its secluded forest cabins, chilled beachfront bonfires, and vegan breakfast options.
13. Playa de Atlanterra (Zahara de los Atunes)
This list of the best beaches in Cadiz couldn’t be complete without Playa de Atlanterra, the main beach of Zahara de los Atunes, famous among locals for the scenic rolling hills and luxury villas. The beach offers more than two kilometers of fine golden sand and turquoise sea, with a character which is both quiet and sophisticated, meaning you can have your peace and quiet without sacrificing any modern amenities (as is usually the case).
Atlanterra is a beach that is wide and very open, and almost never gets overly crowded, even during the summer season. The development in Atlanterra is in the high-end segment of the market, which limits the number of visitors; however, despite the development, the area has not lost its natural beauty. Hiking trails that lead into the Sierra de la Plata are just a few minutes away from you, and you can find many gorgeous viewpoints from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the coast.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, Melia Zahara Atlanterra is lauded for its infinity pool, modern rooms, and stunning bay sunsets.
14. Playa de Santa María del Mar (Cádiz City)
Playa de Santa María del Mar is a charming urban beach located just south of Playa de la Victoria and between two sea walls. It is often referred to as Cádiz City’s “hidden gem,” and it is a more intimate and laid-back beach compared to its neighbors. Even though it is right in the middle of the city, it still has a cozy and almost secluded atmosphere, due to the cliffs and promenade that surround it (and hide it).
The beach is particularly popular among locals, who are fond of its clean sandy beach, gentle waves, and good accessibility. Santa María del Mar’s most attractive point is undoubtedly its view of the old town. From the beach, one is able to trace the medieval skyline of Cádiz, particularly the Cádiz Cathedral that towers above the city.
And if you’re in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to stay in this gorgeous restored 18th‑century townhouse-hotel located in pretty much the same neighborhood.
15. Playa del Castillo (San Fernando)
Last but not least, we conclude this list of the best beaches in Cadiz with Playa del Castillo, one of the lesser-known but still worth mentioning beaches in the Cádiz province. Located near the city of San Fernando and adjacent to the Castillo de Sancti Petri, it offers a blend of history, nature, and peaceful shoreline.
The beach remains relatively quiet even in the summer months, and its fine golden sand and shallow, calm waters make it an excellent choice for families or anyone who just wants to enjoy a peaceful day at the beach. The castle, visible on a small island just offshore, adds a unique historical element to the landscape, and you can even take a boat trip or kayak excursion to explore the fortress, which once served as a watchtower against pirates. Bordered by protected marshlands and dunes, Playa del Castillo also attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers, and it’s a haven of serenity and a perfect example of Cádiz’s rich blend of environment and heritage.
How did you like this list of the best beaches in Cadiz? Did you ever visit any of them? Do you know of any other beaches we should include in this list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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