Lying on the coast in the west part of the province of Cádiz, is the pretty town of Chipiona. It sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir river, only 52km from Cádiz, Chipiona dates back to Roman times.

In the 19th century, the town was a remote seafaring spa and today it is a popular resort for Spanish tourists.

Chipiona is also home to the tallest lighthouse in Spain, which was built in 1867 and stands at about 69 meters.

History of Chipiona

The history of Chipiona, a coastal town located in the province of Cádiz, Spain, is deeply intertwined with its maritime heritage, religious significance, and strategic location. Here’s an overview:

1. Ancient Origins: Chipiona’s history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement in the area since prehistoric times. The region was inhabited by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors, who recognized the strategic importance of its location along the Atlantic coast.
2. Roman Era: During the Roman period, Chipiona was known as “Caepionis” and served as a fishing village and maritime outpost. The Romans built infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and aqueducts, contributing to the development of the town’s economy and trade.
3. Islamic Rule: In the 8th century, the Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula and established Islamic rule in Chipiona. The town flourished under Moorish rule, with the construction of defensive fortifications, agricultural irrigation systems, and the cultivation of crops such as grapes and olives.
4. Reconquista and Christianization: In the late 15th century, Chipiona was reconquered by Christian forces during the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of Spain from the Moors. The town’s strategic location along the coast made it a target for successive Christian rulers seeking to control maritime trade routes and defend against piracy.
5. Maritime Traditions: Throughout its history, Chipiona has been closely connected to the sea. The town’s economy revolved around fishing, maritime trade, and shipbuilding, with local fishermen and sailors playing a vital role in its prosperity. The town’s iconic lighthouse, built in the 19th century, stands as a symbol of Chipiona’s maritime heritage.
6. Religious Importance: Chipiona is also known for its religious significance, particularly the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Regla, which dates back to the 13th century. The sanctuary houses a revered statue of the Virgin Mary, attracting pilgrims from across Spain who come to pay homage to the patron saint of Chipiona.
7. Modern Development: In the 20th century, Chipiona experienced modernization and tourism development, with the construction of hotels, resorts, and amenities catering to visitors seeking sun, sea, and sand. Today, Chipiona remains a popular destination for beachgoers, history enthusiasts, and pilgrims alike, offering a blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and cultural heritage along the Andalusian coast.

Visiting Chipiona for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Chipiona on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Chipiona not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Chipiona and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Museo Del Moscatel

Located near the historic center of the city, the Muscatel Museum in Chipiona takes the visitor on a journey through the history and culture of wine. The museum comprisies of  seven themed areas, where visitors will find real and virtual scenarios where you can see and interact with lifestyles and artisan wine-production practices at different […]

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Location: Avenida de Regla, 8-10, 11550, Chipiona | Hours: 1 June–30 September: 10.30 am to 2.30 pm and 7 pm to 10 pm. 1 October–31 May: 10.30 am to 2.30 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm (only Saturday and Sunday). | Price: €4 | Website | Distance: 0.50km

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Visiting Museo Del Moscatel

Church of Our Lady of O

A 16th century building but rebuilt in the 18th century. It is mainly Renaissance with Gothic sculptures and inside are many important pieces of art. Older locals come here to for the spa waters in the church fountain. The church has been thoroughly altered since it was first built, although it has kept the Isabelline […]

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Location: Calle Fray Baldomero González, 9, 11550 Chipiona, Cádiz, Spain | Distance: 0.70km

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Visiting Church of Our Lady of O

Chipiona Castle

Chipiona castle is a small 13th century castle. Today the castle is a monastery which is open to visitors. It also holds an exhibition, ‘Cadiz and the new world’ dedicated to the relationship of the province of Cádiz with the discovery of America, its colonization and the exploitation of the New World. Three of Spain’s […]

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Location: Calle del Castillo 5, Chipiona, Spain | Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00-14:00 | Price: 2€ | Website | Distance: 0.90km

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Visiting Chipiona Castle

Cruz del Mar

This place that was originally called Puerta de la Mar,  to the sea in ancient times, and was the maritime gateway in and out of Chipiona for all our the regions products and cities of Spain (Cádiz, Seville , Vigo) and other countries like England, Netherlands, America. There was the custom of placing a Cross […]

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Location: Paseo Cruz del Mar, 18 11550 Chipiona Cádiz Spain | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.90km

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Visiting Cruz del Mar

Chipiona Lighthouse

Chipiona Lighthouse was built in 1867 and is an located in Chipiona, in the province of Cádiz, Spain.  At a height of 205 feet the lighthouse is the largest “traditional lighthouse” in Spain, the 3rd in Europe and the 5th in the world. it was built by by the civil engineer Jaime Font Escolá There […]

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Location: Av. del Faro, 42, 11550 Chipiona, Cádiz, Spain | Price: 5€ | Website | Distance: 1.00km

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Visiting Chipiona Lighthouse

Fishing corrals

The Chipiona fishing corrals or fishing pens form an original historical, cultural and landscape, that is inherited from an ancient Roman or Arab rural fishing culture. They act like giant traps that work with the tide – the fish swim over the wall at high tide and are then trapped at low tide and can […]

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Location: Camino de los Arriates 11550 Arriates Cádiz Spain | Hours: Prior reservation through the tourist office, located at the castle, is essential. | Website | Distance: 2.60km

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Visiting Fishing corrals