Below you will find an A-Z of locations situated in the province of Cadiz.
All comments, descriptions and information posted here are the personal views and opinions of Ole Solutions and are provided as a guide only. Click on any of the links below. Costa de la Luz, Slightly Inland or Inland to find out information and photos of your particular place of interest. Or, if ou know the name of the place of interest, just click on the letter it begins with. This will bring up all the places that begin with the chosen letter.
You must remember, all places can be seen in a different light at different times of the year. Places are changing and growing everyday of the year, albeit some at a much slower pace than others.
It is a completely different thing to live in a place, than visiting a couple of times a year.
Although we have tried to be as unbiased as possible in our opinions and keep up to date with what is happening with regards to development etc, Ole Solutions cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. While every effort is made to update this website as regularly as possible, it may be, that sometimes we lag behind.
If you see anything you think should be updated or inaccurate, please contact us at info@OleSolutions.net.
Algar is a tiny, white washed, Andalucian village, perched high upon a hill over looking some magnificent scenery. At about 204m above sea level the panoramic views are breath taking. With an estimated population of around 2000 inhabitants, Algar is truly a Spanish village. It sits between the sierra de Grazalema and Los Alcornocales natural parks and right next to ?Los Hurrones? reservoir. To live here, is to live in the open space of nature and the many trails and walks are special at any time of the year. History states that Algar was established after a vow that its founder (D. Domingo Lopez de Carvajal) made after a turbulent voyage overseas but it dates back as far as Neolithic times. Today, agriculture, cattle farming, leather and wooden furniture support Algar.
The gastronomy, as you might expect is based around venison, wild boar, pheasant and partridge as well as soups and egg or oil doughnuts. It does have a strong religious tradition that can be witnessed at Easter and the pilgrimage and festivals of the patroness and patron saint of Algar.
Properties for renovation can be found in and around the centre for reasonable prices.
Arcos is on the pueblos blancos (white villages) route, is well established on the tourist route and has a small ex-pat community dotted amongst it's steep narrow streets. You can head towards Arcos from many different directions but be sure of one thing; it will see you before you see it! Arcos is steeped in history and that's why in 1962 it was declared a monumental city. Navigating the inclining, narrow and winding streets, by car can be a feat in it self, especially as most of old Arcos orientates on a one-way system. To live in the old part of town in the 21st century might be romantic but not very practical. To be located lower down in the newer parts of town and on the outskirts would definitely give you the best of both worlds, especially with the surrounding views, the lake and the city itself. From the top, the views are fantastic and you can see for miles on a clear day and from one of the many balconies you can watch the Guadalete River meander into the distance. Arcos is very pretty, with all its arches, churches, wonderful decorated patios, flowers and ironwork, it really is what an Andalucian town is all about. With the total number of inhabitants standing at nearly 30000 in 2005 it is fairly populated for its size. New buildings and apartments are still being built and quite a few properties in the old town, come onto the market fairly regularly. Prices have been slightly pushed up by the few foreigners who have bought in Arcos but there are still plenty of bargains to be found. A beautiful new golf complex has been built just a few kilometres away; it also has fantastically designed villas, chalets and town houses built within the magnificently scenic grounds of the course.
Barbate is just along the coast from Ca?os de Meca, if you are entering along the costal road (CA-2143) from Ca?os, you drive through the beautiful natural park de la Bre?a. From the beautiful golden sands of Hierbabuena beach, the pine forest makes a quite wonderful backdrop with its blanket of deep green firs and the contrasts in the distinct colours all around you on a bright sunny day are truly amazing. The port of Albufera is mainly a working one but does also have private sailing vessels passing in and out of its small harbour. Del Carmen beach starts from the port, stretching along the front of the main town to the mouth of the river Barbate and the salt marshes. Barbate is best known for it's catching of Tuna with its special type of nets, called Almadrabas that date back to the Phoenicians. The nets have changed over the centuries but still work on the same principal. The tuna enter the waters of the coast around May to June looking for the warmer waters of the Mediterranean. The tuna, when caught, are dried naturally in salt and sun, which takes about a month. Tuna is not the only fish dish on the menus of the many bars and restaurants in town, so try as many varieties as you can; they come personally, highly recommended. The town itself is very much a working town but the local council is also working hard at attracting a slice of the tourist market. There are bargains to be had in and around the town and with most of the town being not very far from the beach, prices are very reasonable.
The capital of the province, Cadiz is almost an island only joined by the road (N IV) from San Fernando and the Jose de Leon Carranza bridge (A-4 from Jerez/Seville). The main problem with Cadiz can be entering or leaving at any of the busiest times of the day. This can be a problem with living in Cadiz just as much as visiting the city.
The promise of a second bridge has been on going for many years now.
Property prices are also very high due to the fact that there is no more land to be built on. The knock on effect is parking space is at a premium, so your own parking or garage space, in the long term, would definitely be worth paying the high price it would cost you. The upside is Cadiz cannot really change that much or be spoilt by developers, so if you love Cadiz now, not much is going to happen to make you change your mind in the future.
The city itself is a joy to be in and consists of, basically, two parts, the modern wide avenues that house the shops, bars, apartments & hotels that run parallel with the glorious beach (playa de la Victoria) & the old part (casco antiguo). It is said that Cadiz is the oldest city in Western Europe and certainly has a wealth of interesting places to visit but for me it is the people who make the City what it is. They have their own language in Cai (Cadiz), to see what I mean, just enter any one of the boisterous bars & enjoy the ambience and spirit of life. Places of interest are the Cathedral, (6 euro entrance but you can enter free on an evening mass), Roman theatre, Genoves Park, Castles Santa Catalina & San Sebastian, (which are more like Fortresses), Plaza de Espa?a and many of the churches, cafeterias, bars & restaurants that are around every corner. The tourist
Information office in Plaza Victoria is a good place to start.
The word is spreading about this wonderful and privileged place. It has been known for many years as a somewhat hippy destination, it still is to some degree but people from all walks of life are coming to this tiny haven. Along this picturesque coast, the natural park of La Bre?a has many grades of walks that take you through pine, wild olive, cypress, maritime juniper and eucalyptus trees to name but a few. Along the coastline to Barbate, you will find the La Janda lagoon, which is home to many types of sea-life as well as being on the main migratory bird route, therefore a privileged environment for bird watchers. Naturists and nudists enjoy the beaches, coves and inlets most of the year round and is one of the characteristics of this coast. There are a number of good restaurants and you can eat anything from the wide variety of local fish dishes to couscous or falafel.
In some bars, in summer, the drink prices tend to be on the high side but the great laid back and friendly atmosphere more than make up for that!
Ca?os de Mecca sits just along the bay from the cape of Trafalgar where the famous battle took place between the French/Spanish fleet, under the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte and the British fleet led by Admiral Nelson.
The beautiful blue crystal waters do have currents and there can be high waves, also some parts of this coast are a bit rocky.
Due to the idyllic location very few, if anybody who lives here wants to leave this place and as building regulations are very strict you will probably have to look a little further a field.
Chiclana really covers a much larger area than just its famous 10km of fine sandy beaches. It actually covers 207 square km and has roughly 70,000 inhabitants. Chiclana seems to be a popular place to live amongst the ex-pat community; local government records show there are currently 2,700 foreigners living here. New developments are springing up but, to be fair, are in keeping with the style of the area, which is very much focused on chalets, built outside of the main town. Chiclana has many public services and facilities, shops, bars and restaurants and although there always seems to be a lot of traffic travelling towards the town, it somehow all seems to disappear when you get there. Summer is very busy with tourists as there are many hotels and summer rentals between Chiclana and Novo Sancti Petri. The town itself is very Spanish, mainly pedestrianised, with narrow streets both shopping and residential.
We would describe Chiclana as having four dividing parts that work very well. The main town is typically Spanish in style and very laid back, the beautiful surrounding scenery, the villas and chalets dotted amongst the pine trees between the town and the coast (where the main part of foreigners live) and the commercialised and the industrial area, which is far from any residential area. Chiclana boasts many detached properties for sale and to rent.
Chipiona is a favourite seaside town of ours, for its beaches, the people, promenades, restaurants, bars and little alleyways criss-crossing each other often springing up hidden surprises! You can choose from a variety of beaches that are separated by rocks and purpose built seawalls either side of the 69 metre tall lighthouse, which is the tallest in Spain. For the kids it has safe shallow waters and rock pools and for the adults it has wide stretches of golden sands to relax, sunbathe and swim off. Two of the beaches are regularly awarded the European blue flag and La playa de la Regla has a well-dated history of possessing healing and medicinal qualities. Its waters have a high content in salt; minerals and iodine and the quality of the air in respect of its orientation in relation to the winds of the Atlantic apparently make ideal conditions for bone and skin problems. The beaches do get busy in summer and parking can become a bit of a lottery. There are lots of good restaurants along the promenade and in the centre, not only the serving fresh fish and shellfish but also a wide variety of sumptuous dishes. Try the local Moscatel.
Chipiona can triple in inhabitants in summer, so winter seems very quiet. There are many second homeowners here and all types of property are available.
Conil is a small town with a relaxed ambience by day and which gets much more busy and vibrant long after the sun has gone down, especially in summer. It does have rather an important history but there isn't much evidence to be seen with the naked eye apart from a few churches (Santa Catalina is worth a visit) and a watchtower. There are a few nice shops and caf? bars especially ?Caf? de la Habana? and an array of restaurants along the promenade and on the beach, all having varied menus of the local delicacies.
As for the beach, when the tide is out you nearly have to walk the length of a football pitch to just reach the sea from the moment you first set foot on the sand. The massive expanse of fine golden sands and crystal clear waters makes it well worth it. If you take a look back, from the beach at the white washed town perched below the enchanting green pine forests it makes you feel WOW! The people that live here are very privileged indeed. Prices here depend a lot on where you would like to place yourself and what type of property you are after. Prices range from 150,000 Euros for a small two-bedroom apartment in the centre of town to 1.500,000 Euros for a private luxury 4-bedroom villa with a sea view and a pool.
Costa Ballena is the Atlantic shoreline that stands between Rota and Chipiona.
It used to be campo, which means not so long ago the only buildings that were here were the odd finca or the odd farm storage building, pine trees, cacti, shrubs and the hardy sea grasses and plants that withstand the winds and the sun all year round.
About some ten years ago the Tourist board of Andalucia bought the 400 hectares land and this environmentally friendly resort was built. Under strict guidelines only 25% of the land was to be taken up by buildings, whether that has since changed or that the building work that is still going on is on designated land, we do not know!
Buildings have to be 300 metres from the shoreline and no more than 3 storeys high.
Now the large apartments, urbanizations and hotels run right along the coast only separated by the Costa Ballena golf course. There are lots of green spaces, parks, lakes and natural park areas, as well as lots of leisure and sports activities.
We are not sure of what percentages of people actually live here on a permanent basis but in the winter months it is very much like a ghost town. It is believed that many of the apartments are second homes to Madrile?os, Sevillano?s and foreigners.
Costa Ballena offers a good investment, both as a buy to let and longer term investment even though properties are a bit on the pricey side.
El Puerto as it is known locally is an ever-expanding town that has a depth to the importance of its history as regards of what it is today. Columbus was an important guest here on many occasions and his ship the Santa Maria was owned by its navigator and resident of El Puerto, Juan de la Cosa, who also made the first ever map to show the newly discovered America. It is very easy to walk around and see lots of interesting buildings and architecture and not really have much idea about what you are looking at, unless you are an expert of course but it is definitely worth finding out a little bit about the history of the place. Take a trip to the tourist office or have a look at the El Puerto web site. The town centre itself has the distinctly, typical Spanish feel to it and although always busy, you can easily navigate the streets in as relaxed manner as you like!
It is located in the heart of the bay of Cadiz on the outlet of the river Guadalete and covers a large expanse of different areas, including marshlands, natural parkland, countryside and 22 kilometres of coastline. El Puerto boasts 8 golden sandy beaches in all with several constantly awarded blue flags
El Puerto is highly regarded for the quality of its fish and seafood restaurants, El Romerijo, not only has the reputation of having the largest and tastiest selection of seafood and crustaceans around but you can also look and buy over the counter by weight.
A couple of kilometres outside of the main town are a water park, commercial shopping centre and a casino.
Properties of all kinds are available to buy and rent here but prices are higher than its neighbour Jerez purely for its location.
Novo Sancti Petri is basically a new resort built in very good taste. There are lots of hotels but they don't stick out like sore thumbs because of the undulating terrain and the amount of greenery that is all around. There is a 36-hole golf course designed by Seve Ballesteros, a large equestrian centre, a nautical centre and many other sporting facilities. The gorgeous beach of Sancti Petri is a continuation of La Barrosa, (Chiclana) and terminates at the old fishing port of Sancti Petri, which has plans to be extended into a very large Marina. In this part all the old buildings are in ruins and you can take a fascinating walk around the old fishing village, apparently there is one family who still live there. The old castle that is on the island of Sancti Petri was built on top of the temple of Hercules. If you are looking at an investment or a second holiday home, this could be the place for you. There are chalets, duplexes, new developments with communal gardens, tennis courts and swimming pool and villas all set in beautiful surroundings.
What a beautiful sleepy village this is yet the people of Prado del Rey are full of life, which makes for a unique combination. Again, one of the pueblos blancos and perchered high up on the hill about 430m above sea level, the roads are very steep and mostly run in a grid section around the centre of town. The main square is beautiful, with the church of parroquial ntra. Sna.del Carmen and official buildings and is also surrounded by many bars, cafes and restaurants. In 1768 Prado del Rey was founded by Royal order with many people coming from the sierra de Grazalema. Going back to Roman times, about 4km away lies the ruins of Iptuci, a large fortification that is a must see. With a population of just under 6000, the main economy is agricultural, wine and furniture and handicrafts. The town has 3 swimming pools and sports facilities but the main attributes of living here are the extraordinary views, fresh air, the sense of really being away from it all and the friendly people of Prado del Rey.
Puerto Real is traditionally known for its naval shipyards and industrial plants, which still contributes a large part towards the economy of the town. Airbus is also situated here and new contracts have also been welcomed with regards to employment. The University of Cadiz has faculties situated in Puerto Real, which also gives the town a cultural side, with different events taking place throughout the year. The new quayside area has been developed into a nice recreational zone for sports enthusiasts with tennis courts, football, basketball and padel courts, walkways, cycleway and play areas for children and well kept gardens. This runs parallel to the bay and its salt marshes. The old town itself runs on a grid system and has partly pedestrianised shopping area and cobbled streets. Some new building is taking place on the outskirts but not on a huge scale and prices remain much lower than its nearest neighbours.
Rota is a nice little town that is expanding fast. The town has had a shared Spanish and American naval and military base since 1955 and this has had an influence on what the town is today. Almost nearly every American I have met who has been stationed in Rota has fallen in love with the place and are really sad when they have to go back home. Many have come back to make it their permanent home.
With an approximate population of 27,000 at the end of 2005 there were 1,266 foreigners living here and that does not include military staff stationed here.
In summer there is a big influx of Spanish holidaymakers but in winter it is much quieter and is much more like a real Spanish town. It has 16 kilometres of glorious golden urban and wild beaches, with most gaining blue flag awards. These clear blue waters attract all water-sports enthusiasts and swimmers alike; they are suitable for adults, children and families as well.
The old historic part of town follows a parallel history with the other local towns and cities. The castle ?La Luna?is in perfect condition, the 15th century church, Nuestra Se?ora de la O has a mixture of different styles as it has passed through the ages. The main square is a lovely place to sit with a glass of wine and watch both the locals and the tourists go about their business. In the last two years a boom seems to have erupted around Rota, where once run down farms and scrubland stood, apartments, flats and houses are being built. On average, as with most towns in and around the Costa de la Luz, prices for newer properties are generally higher than older ones.
Still known as La Isla, formerly Isla de la Leon (Lions Island) due to its position between the Atlantic Ocean and the salt marshes. San Fernando is a fairly large town nearing on 100,000 inhabitants. It is steeped in naval and military tradition and its military arsenal dates back to the 1700?s. Today, San Fernando still relies on its tradition of salt works and the rather fragile and unstable naval shipbuilding. The town itself is a mix of old and modern, the main square (plaza de Rey) sits below the historical House of Constitution, that today houses the local government and is a pleasant place to sit and relax or watch children play. You can have a drink and tapas in one of the many bars that surround the square. Apart from the Royal Institute Observatory, a castle and a couple of churches there isn't that much to see. Flamenco also has a huge tradition here, Cameron de la Isla was born here and is much more famous now than when he was alive. Pe?as de Flamenco are spread throughout the town and this is a good authentic place to see how it is done. This is an unassuming Andalucian town that just gets on with its daily business. Sportsmen and women are very well catered for with over 65,000sq metres of sports facilities and complexes. The beaches are just fantastic, at any time of the year. They are a few kilometres away from the main town but are just situated in natural surroundings and stretch right down to Novo Sancti Petri. There are also fantastic nature walks for everyone.
House prices are rising and are mainly townhouses rather than villas.
Sanlucar the home of Manzanilla and Langostinos. Manzanilla is a fortified, pale white wine and Langostinos are king prawns and this combination can be seen in every restaurant, bar and hotel and you simply must let your palette sample these delights. Being situated at the mouth of the river Guadalquivir, Sanlucar is separated by the National park of Do?ana. You can take boat trips up the river and visit parts of the park, the months of November and March/April are personally recommended and take mosquito repellent, it's a must. The population in 2005 was just over 63,000 with 50% being 25 or under. Unemployment is a problem and tourism makes up a large part of the economy. The town itself is nice to walk around both by day and night and by doing this you get a chance to see how this town was once a very prosperous one. Its Palaces and large mansion style houses along with the many churches, convents and wine cellars show that being part of the sherry triangle and the first exporters of wine brought the town its prosperity. There are also horse races along the beach at the beginning and the end of August, which usually brings in large crowds. In comparison with other towns along the Costa de la luz, property prices are low.
The equivalent to Chicago but only in the sense that this is Spain's windy City. Famous for its Levante winds from the African deserts, this is the Mecca of surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing and just about any other sport that needs strong winds. All year round Tarifa attracts these enthusiasts but in summer the place literally explodes into life with thousands descending in and around the town with their brightly coloured sports gear and equipment to practice and enjoy their particular sport in the day and party on the beaches all night. The town itself has many reminders of its Moorish past, in its buildings and architecture and especially the 10th century castle. The port sees ferries crossing the short distance across to Tangiers and back. There are many little back streets that take you along their white painted walls and past open patios that are filled with green potted foliage plants on the floors and bright red Geraniums in pots adorn the walls. With only about 16000 inhabitants normally, there are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants in the town as well as the big supermarkets but many shops are aimed at the surfers. A lot of new apartment blocks have been built along the sea front but no higher than 3 storeys high. So if you like your surf and the wind Tarifa is the place for you.
You will find Ubrique in a valley of the Grazemela mountains with it?s river running in between it. This wonderful white-washed town is widely known for its leather goods and has nearly a whole street of leather factories, most of them open their doors to the public. If you approach Ubrique on the road from Alcala de las Gazules you really should try and share the driving. Not only are the roads steep, have very sharpe bends and do not have marked centre lines but the mountain scenery is simply stunning and not to be missed. With approximately 18,000 inhabitants, it is a fairly small town and although it does have some hilly parts, it is not as exhuasting for the walker as some of the other towns in the province. Ubrique?s main pedestrianised street is full of fashion shops and many bars that have there tables and chairs spread across the street. As you walk around the streets every now and again you can see the rocky mountainside staring down at you through the gaps in the narrow side streets. The symbol of the town is the church de San Antonio, it stands out with its unique shape and clockface and has the best views of the town. The charmig square is a good place to see San Antonio as well as the church Nstra. Sra.de los Remedios, the Fuentes (fresh running water) the building housing the Ayuntamiento and a wonderfully house that is decoratively tiled all over.
Ubrique hosts many types of schools and has billingual schools from infants upwards. The town is clean and has a wonderful park for both children and parents. The only downside is the lack of employment, unless you are in the leather trade or agriculture or arts and crafts. For someone who can work from home or someone retiring, Ubrique is an enchanting town, prices are very cheap and a new development is nearing it?s completion on the outskirts of town, offering 337 new houses.
Vejer is only a few kilometres from the coastline but comes under the banner of slightly inland for it's position. Another white village on a hill, strategically placed, as in old times to warn other towns along the coast of prominent attacks. The old town centre is a beautiful place, it retains much of the Arab-Andalus architecture and as you wander around the winding narrow streets, you want to look into each and every beautifully decorated patio. The locals ordain the white washed walls with pots and urns of plants and flowers of contrasting colours. There is a foreign presence here, mainly English, and this shows with an English bookshop in the centre. House prices have been pushed up due to this presence but you can still find a typical Spanish home in a lovely town at a very reasonable price.
Another fantastic white village with the most incredible 360? views from the very peak, there sits the remains of the chuches & mosques of its past guardians!
With a population of approximately 1,500, there are a few foreigners who have settled in this quaint and tranquil village.
It is definetly on the tourist route and rightly so. The magnificent surrounding countryside and resevoir are just one reason for a visit. The climb to the top the crest to the castle tower allows you to visit a tiny museum with excavated ground that shows the former churches and the defensive walls of the former villge that would have been there many centuries ago.
The views from this point are simply stunning!
Down below there are plenty of bars, caf?s & restaurants here you can try some of the gourmet cusine of the sierra.
As the name suggests this town, like Barbate is famed for the catching of the tuna fish. A small population live in this spot of paradise; with its breath taking sands that stretch for kilometres both north to Barbate and south to the old town of Bolonia, where the Roman ruins of the town built by Baelo Claudio remain. To get to Bolonia, however, you have to take a 30km detour inland because a large amount of the land around Zahara is owned by the military. This is a very relaxed resort town with a wonderful ambience and mixture of friendly people. The most urbanised part of Zahara is called Atlanterra and the bottom part is where the majority of the hotels, bars and restaurants are situated, along with the old part of town. New properties are being built and others do come on to the market at a trickle but once again if a property comes onto the market, there will be a rush and the price will be fairly high but well worth fighting for if you are looking for a small piece of paradise.
Zahora can only be described as in the middle of nowhere, in paradise. This place is like an English Country village planted next to the Atlantic, under the Andalucian sun. Nearly, all of the houses are hidden behind beautiful green trees, shrubs and bushes and
tall swaying trees in the gardens cast the much-needed shadows in summer. The windy narrow lanes take you past the odd bar; restaurant and shop until you come to one of the most beautiful dead ends you are ever likely to come across. With roughly only about 600 inhabitants the chances of finding something to buy here are limited but short-term rentals may be available out of season.
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