A guide to Chipiona | Spain’s secret beach town
Looking for things to do in Chipiona? Or trying to work out if this beach town should be part of your southern Spain road trip? Then this guide to Chipiona is here to help.
Amongst the Spanish, the pretty beach town of Chipiona is known as something of a gem.
Sharing the same stretch of Atlantic ocean as Cadiz on Spain’s southern coast, wonderful Chipiona is a Spanish seaside town in all the best ways. A maze of cute side streets, potted plants, tapas bars, bodegas, whitewashed walls, and the most fantastic beaches. Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why the Spanish flock here every summer.
Yet it’s a true hidden gem, a world away from the overdone package holiday resorts along the coast - and all the better for it.
So, if you’re looking for a seaside stay combined with an authentic Spanish experience, then venture to Chipiona. It’s a spot made for a leisurely lunch, to have a go at speaking some Spanish, a sweet local sherry, and a wander to the beach.
Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect stay, including where to find the best tapas, lovely hotels, the most amazing beaches, and the best things to do in Chipiona.
Where is Chipiona
Find Chipiona in Cadiz province, Southern Spain. This coastline is known as Costa de la Luz (or coast of light). It’s a lesser visited part of the spectacular Andalusia region and can easily be included in a southern Spain road trip.
Why you should visit Chipiona
For travellers seeking authentic Spain with the pleasure of a beach and swaying palms, Chipiona is a must.
Visit for the relaxed pace of seaside Spanish life – eat small plates of fried fish, sit in the sun, sink a few glasses of the local sherry, maybe a siesta, or plan a wander through the narrow streets. In fact, it’s entirely possible to get lost in the lanes of this little town for hours. Follow with a stroll along the promenade to the lighthouse or watch the sunset with a beachside cerveza. Whilst there are countless villages along this coast of Spain, Chipiona stands out as one of the best.
A brief history of Chipiona
Occupied since the time of ancient Roman, then under centuries of Moorish rule before being re- conquered by the Spanish in 1264, the history of Chipiona is most evident in its buildings. Islamic influence is countered by ornate Baroque facades and a touch of beautiful Andalusian gleaming white.
Things to do in Chipiona
As I’ve hinted at, the best things to do in Chipiona aren’t big tourist attractions. This is a little town to get lost in, and you can easily explore for hours. Park your car at the newly built marina and stroll along the beach and into the maze of streets that is the town centre.
Once here, you’ll find a handful of sites to visit, and foodies will be kept especially busy choosing where to eat. Here is my pick of the best things to do in Chipiona:
1. Explore the old town
Chipiona’s old town is a beautiful maze. Small, cobbled streets, colourful buildings, pretty flower pots, tiny plazas, and white walls lead from one narrow lane to the next. Amongst the streets are cafes and tapas bars and shops, all of which buzz throughout the day.
To see it all with fewer people and chatter, visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the streets are quiet.
2. Enjoy a siesta
Which brings us on nicely to the lovely Spanish tradition of the afternoon siesta. Not a myth, it very much happens in Chipiona. Be prepared for bars and cafes to close in the afternoon, and for shops to also take a few hours break. Designed to avoid the mid-day heat, be as productive, or not, as you like during these hours!
3. See the churches
Every small Spanish town and village has a church to visit – Chipiona has two:
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la O | This exquisite gothic church was built in the 16th century, on the site of an Arab mosque and the ruins of the original church lie below the current structure. Located in the most beautiful small plaza, near the centre of town. Find it here.
Santuario De Regla | Originally a castle fortress, this church was converted into a religious site in the 14th century with continuing modifications into the 20th century. Today it’s an interesting mix of religious architecture and fortress battlements – all by the beach. Find it here.
4. Spend the day at the beach
One thing Chipiona and the surrounding area is not short of, are beautiful beaches. There are dozens only a short drive from town, some easier to access than others. The beaches and coves in Chipiona centre, though urban, are very pretty and spotlessly clean, with miles of soft golden sand to enjoy. Conveniently, showers, loos, car parking, and a scattering of beach bars are never far away. Perfect for a morning or afternoon in the sun.
There are three main beaches to choose from:
Playa Cruz del Mar (find it here) and Playa de Regla (here). Both small but popular stretches of sand with cool beach bars.
Playa del Camaron, a wonderfully long golden stretch, this award-winning beach is backed by sand dunes (here).
Afterwards, make a beeline to Beach Bar A-Gusto (here at Cruz del Mar beach) or AWA Beach Club (here at Playa de Regla) for some shade and a cold beer. The setting, view, food, people, and drinks are wonderful.
5. Walk along the promenade
This pathway, running the length of the town, follows a string of beaches and coves, as well sweeping Atlantic views. Along the way you can visit some of Chipiona’s most iconic sites - the lighthouse (here), castle (here), and church (here).
The promenade is accessible from any street that ends at the beach, so simply pick a starting point, and walk in either direction as far as you like. Alternatively, you can walk the whole length in around an hour each way. Start at either the marina (here) or wooden walkway (here).
6. See the lighthouse at sunset
Chipiona lighthouse, or Faro de Chipiona, is the largest in all of Spain and frankly, it’s spectacular. You can book a tour of the lighthouse on certain days at the local tourist board (find their office here); however, I’d recommend walking the lighthouse’s perimeter and marvelling at the sheer scale. Still active, it’s light signals a warning to passing ships.
You’ll also see the most spectacular sunset from this stretch of promenade, so be sure to visit when golden hour hits. Find Chipiona Lighthouse here.
7. Order tapas
It’s impossible to visit southern Spain and not gorge on tapas. These small, tasty morsels are especially delicious in Chipiona, which it turns out is a bit of a gastronomic gem.
As you’d expect from the coast, the local speciality is fish, especially fried, and most tapas bars offer the days catch as a large or small plate. But we also found lots of meat and veggie dishes to choose from.
There’re tons of places to try tapas, so follow your feet around the streets. However, I’d highly recommend these tapas bars:
Casa Manolo Peña | A lively tavern with helpful staff, a varied tapas menu, great wine, and delicious food (here on Google Maps).
Gastrotasca Sin Bulli | Tapas at this unassuming street joint are legendary, so be early to guarantee a table (here on Google Maps).
Restaurante El Faro | Consistently great reviews for incredible fresh food and a choice of tapas or bigger meals (here on Google Maps).
Restaurante Beach Bar A-Gusto | Relaxed beach vibes and a simple but delicious tapas menu (here on Google Maps).
Tip 1 | If in doubt, ask the waiter for their recommendation on dishes and how many plates to order. Remember too that you can always order more plates, so it’s wise to start small and try more of the menu. Then you can re-order your favourites.
Tip 2 | Also, in this part of Spain most tapas bars open for a few hours around lunch time, then close for a break in the afternoon. They then reopen for dinner, usually around 8pm. Adjust your eating times accordingly!
8. Visit during a festival
Join in the festivities at a festival. There’s a few to choose from, but Chipiona Carnival every February is by far the best for atmosphere, food, and music.
9. Indulge in ice cream
If, like me, you spend significant time hunting down the most delicious ice cream in town, I’d recommend you head straight to Heladeria Heidi. Known to serve the best helado in town, the dulce de leche and fresa (strawberry) are especially delicious. Find it here.
10. Revel in the nightlife
After 8pm, Chipiona comes to life. There’re heaps of gorgeous little bars in the town centre, many with outdoor seating so you can watch the world go by. Most also serve tapas or coffee through the day. But if you’re looking to order a cocktail or cerveza after dinner, then I recommend Bambú Café & Copas (find it here) and Pub Kaipion (find it here).
You’ll also find pubs and bars along the beach strip near the hotels, though we chose to stay in town for what felt like a more authentic experience with local people. Please let me know if I missed any gems!
11. Go sherry tasting
Chipiona (and the surrounding area) is renowned for its muscatel sherry. Whether you like sherry or not, during your visit it’s essential that you try a glass – there’s so many types, you’re bound to find one you like. If in doubt, I recommend you order dulce, which is sweet and a bit sticky, and very moreish.
For a really great experience, you have to visit Despacho de Vinos César Florido. The oldest winery in Chipiona, they also have a rustic Spanish bodega and at the weekend you’ll find it full of locals enjoying a small glass or three (usually before lunch). Find the bodega here.
Hotels Chipiona
As you’d expect from a beach town, there are plenty of hotels in Chipiona. Whilst most of you will visit on a daytrip, especially on a Southern Spain road trip, Chipiona does make a charming and fun place to stay for a few nights. This is especially true if you’re looking to visit other seaside towns in the area, like as Rota or Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Here is my pick of the best hotels in Chipiona:
Hotel Agaró | Set on the seafront and only a few minutes’ walk from the heart of the town, this small hotel offers contemporary design and a lovely pool. The reviews are excellent and the terrace with sea view is a definite crowd pleaser. Book it here.
Casa de los Balcones | If you’re looking for more space and the independence of a kitchen & lounge, check out these studio apartments. Surrounding a shared courtyard you can choose from a range of rooms. Situated perfectly in the centre of town, reviews are superb. Book it here.
Hostal El Faro | Technically a hostel but could easily pass for a small hotel, the rooms in Hostal El Faro are decorated in a beautifully traditional Spanish style. Rooms come in different sizes and prices, from budget friendly options to a more expensive double with private balcony & sea views. Reviews are excellent, especially for the quiet residential location only a few minutes’ walk from town and the beach. Book it here.
Chipibeach | One of the best rated stays in Chipiona, this is a boutique hostel that again could easily pass for a small hotel. The décor is Andalusian-style gorgeous, especially the shared patio. The reviews are excellent, and people speak very highly of both the staff and location. This would be my top choice. Book it here.
The weather in Chipiona
The weather in Chipiona tends to be gloriously sunny, but facing the Atlantic it also takes the force of the wind. If you’re looking to check the weather for your trip, then use Aemet Chipiona for the best forecast.
How to get to Chipiona
Public transport
On public transport, the easiest way to get to Chipiona directly is from Seville - perfect for beach daytrip. It takes 2-hours on a direct bus, and you can plan your journey here.
Driving
However, it’s likely you’ll visit Chipiona as part of a wider Andalusia - or much bigger Spain - road trip. In that case, have a read of my Southern Spain road trip for more ideas (coming soon).
If this is you, it makes more sense to hire a car. Having a car makes getting around Spain much easier, especially if you want to explore harder to reach destinations or cross regions. I’d recommend Rentalcars to compare prices.
To give you an idea of driving times:
Seville to Chipiona | 1.5-hours.
Cadiz to Chipiona | 45-minutes.
Once here, there’s plenty of parking around the marina here on Google Maps.
Finally, for those driving into Chipiona, please don’t be put off by the industrial scenery on the outskirts of town. It’s only a reminder that real people actually live here, not just tourists.
Pin for later
