Route of the Atlantic Coast

Out of the provinces in Spain, Cádiz has one of the longest stretches of coastline. It's a coastline which includes both the Mediterranean Sea to the south east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The Costa de la Luz borders the Atlantic and it is largely unspoiled by tourism. The high rise apartments and hotels in evidence elsewhere on the costas are scarce on the Costa de la Luz and the towns and villages dotted along its coast have lost little of their special character over the years.

Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Famous for its manzanilla wine. Dates back to Roman times. Town divided into Barrio Bajo and Alto (Low and High). Long sandy beaches stretching for miles.
Population: approx. 61,000

Chipiona
Seaside town with its own special brand of wine called Moscatel. Used to be a spa resort and remains a popular destination for Spanish tourists.
Population: approx. 16,000

Rota
Ancient town close to US naval base established in 1950s. 16 kilometres of clean beaches. Interesting old quarter.
Population: approx. 24,000

El Puerto de Santa María
Nearest seaside town to Arcos de la Frontera. Like Jerez, well known for its sherry production. Excellent long and wide beach called Playa de Puntilla. Great seafood bars in town.
Population: approx. 75,000

Puerto Real
Founded by the Catholic Kings in 1483. 1810-1812: used as a base by Napoleon's troops to prepare for the assault on Cádiz, leaving the town in a terrible state. Townspeople rebuilt it. Naval activity would help the economy in the twentieth century.
Population: approx. 33,000

San Fernando
Just 8 kilometres from Cádiz. Its Playa de Camposoto is a beach lying within the Natural Park of the Bay of Cádiz. Several churches of interest.
Population: approx. 90,000

Cádiz
Less than one hour from Arcos de la Frontera by car. Europe's oldest city, with an extraordinary history. Situated on a peninsula off the Atlantic. Its old quarter is famous for its atmosphere and charm. Very attractive beaches, such as Playa de la Caleta and Playa de la Victoria.
Population: approx. 160,000

Chiclana
Well developed resort, has the most hotel rooms available in the province. Its history starts in 1303 when the land was donated to be settled on. Long wine making tradition, mainly sherrys.
Population: approx. 58,000

Conil
Very popular beach resort which retains its village charm. Few hotels.
Population: approx. 17,000

Vejer de la Frontera
Set 10 minutes inland from the coast, beautiful whitewashed town with long and fascinating history. Delared a national monument in 1978.
Population: approx. 13,000

Barbate (pictured left) Coastal resort with prehistoric origins. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans were here. Tuna fishing was an important source of income. 1805: Battle of Trafalgar took place off these shores. From after the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) until 1998 it was called Barbate de Franco - after the dictator of that name. Population: approx. 22,000

An empty beach at Barbate

Bolonia
Small fishing village, little changed over the years. Peaceful, surrounded by unspoiled scenery. Beach ideal for windsurfing. Home to spectacular Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia.
Population: approx. 400

Tarifa
Long beaches of white sand and a reputation for the windiest stretch of Spanish coastline make this a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. Spain's windsurfing capital. Also great for birdwatchers. Attractive town steeped in history.
Population: approx. 15,000

See all the Routes from Arcos

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