9 Best Things to Do in Chiclana de la Frontera

Also referred to as the plaza of San Juan Bautista after the 16th-century cathedral here, Plaza Mayor is one of Chiclana’s oldest public spaces. On the southwest corner of the square you’ll find the neoclassical-style 18th-century Casa Briones, which houses the Museo de Chiclana (Chiclana Museum). To the cathedral’s right, there’s the Arquillo del Reloj, towering higher than the church itself. You’ll find many cafés, bars, and boutiques along narrow streets, such as Calle Padre Aneto and Carga Larga, which branch out from the plaza.

There are 3 historical towers in Chiclana. The clocktower of Arquillo del Reloj is the easiest to find, right next to the cathedral in Plaza Mayor. The tower’s arched base straddles a cobblestoned pathway that leads from the plaza. The domed top housing the bell tower is easily visible from the plaza and most of the narrow streets around it. On Chiclana’s seaside, you’ll find the 16th-century Torre del Puerco as well as the Torre Bermeja overlooking the North Atlantic.

Around 15 minutes’ drive south from Plaza Mayor is Chiclana’s wide and sandy main beach, Playa de la Barrosa. You can take in the vast seascapes with the calm waves of the North Atlantic from its well-maintained and lovely seaside promenade, which borders along much of the 6 km stretch of the beach. Down on the sand, it’s easy to find an uncrowded spot, even in the peak summertime (June – September). Some sections of the beach are clothing-optional. 

For an elevated view over Chiclana, head up to this hill that’s around 5 minutes’ drive south of the town hub. It’s home to Ermita de Santa Ana (hermitage of Santa Ana). The spacious observation deck of Punto Magico Santa Ana, in front of the chapel, features a compass rose and a statue of Saint Anne. Well worth the short climb up, the viewpoint provides you with an overview of the old town, as well as the Bay of Cadiz and the North Atlantic horizon afar.

You can reach this tiny lone island by taking a 15-minute boat ride from the old port on the marshy coast of Poblado Sancti Petri, just north of the Playa de la Barrosa beach. The silhouette of the 13th-century Moorish castle is visible from the coast. The castle’s tower has undergone a series of restorations through time, and currently functions as a lighthouse. There are a few tiny bars on the islet, offering tapas and refreshments. Organised sunset tours to the islet are available from around €15 per person.

This is the main farmers’ market in the heart of Chiclana, where you can find great fresh produce from across the Cadiz region. It’s clean and has a modern layout. There are different stalls selling a wide variety of items, from fresh catches from the waters of the Atlantic to fine Spanish wines, chorizos and cold cuts, as well as a colourful variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Easy picks you can grab include fresh bread, honey in jars, and nuts and spices.

These vast and scenic wetlands northwest of Chiclana’s town centre are a great go-to for nature walks. The Parque Natural Bahía de Cádiz (Bay of Cádiz Natural Park) is naturally protected by the long and beachy headland of Isla de Leon, providing a coastal sanctuary for many animals, and particularly birdlife. Besides hiking and birdwatching, a section of the park has calm and shallow waters that let you enjoy a variety of water sports such as kayaking and sailing. Boat trips are also available for excursions to explore more of the natural park.

Sections along Chiclana’s sandy coast are dotted with plenty of chiringuitos (Spanish beach bars). Playa de la Barossa has different bars in varying styles, each offering a typical range of cocktails and tapas. They can be perfect spots for enjoying sunsets over the North Atlantic. On the northern end, there’s Chiringuito La Barrosa, with its tented setups on the sand. Halfway down the beach, there’s the Chiringuito Albatros, with its whole dining room on a raised platform and under the shelter of a single giant tent.

Across the Rio Iro from the old town of Chiclana, Peña Flamenca Chiclanera is a great spot to hang out after sunset, with great food and live Spanish entertainment. Flamenco singing and dancing are the main highlights of this bar, which can provide you with a spectacular and memorable evening out. Peña Flamenca Chiclanera is housed in a traditional 19th-century winery. With a lively Andalusian atmosphere, you can enjoy the energetic performances over fine wines of high vino de la tierra quality, as well as tapas and tasty chorizos.