Cádiz | Chipiona

SEAFARING TOWN

This seafaring town is situated very near the Guadalquivir and Doñana’s mouth. The monuments that constitute the town's heritage are a faithful reflection of its true historical significance, as its origins go back as far as the Roman Empire. The castle (Property of Cultural Interest) was built at the orders of Guzman el Bueno and finished by the Ponce de León in the 14th century. It is totally battlemented, has ogival windows and a square tower.

The most emblematic building is, undoubtedly, the Regla Sanctuary, which breathes a Neo-Gothic air. The place of worship, which stands on an old fortress and in current times belongs to the Franciscans, houses the patron of Chipiona. Worthy of mention is the imperial staircase which leads to the Mudejar cloisters dating from the 15th century, the vaulted cellars, the walls decorated with tiles from Triana (1640), the museum and the library.

Other buildings of interest are the Church of Nuestra Señora de la O (16th-17th century), the Chapel of Cristo de la Misericordia and the Santa Clara Sanatorium (the first maritime clinic in Spain). Chipiona, birthplace of the famous artist Rocío Jurado has been an important summer resort since the early 20th century. It still retains numerous beautiful villas which give it a very particular, special character. La Regla and Las Canteras beaches’ promenades, which are busy and buzzing, are lined with pavement cafés where one can sit and enjoy the views of the sea.

FANTASTIC BEACHES

A leader in the cut-flower industry, Chipiona also offers a fantastic range of beaches; Regla, del Camarón, Tres Piedras, Cruz del Mar, Las Canteras, Montijo and La Ballena, all of which are perfect for water sports. Another option is the modern sports marina.

If you want to spend a quiet day in the countryside, Chipiona offers leisure facilities such as El Pinar, where you can usually spot chameleons that are very common in the area.