Chiclana & La Barrosa

Chiclana & La Barrosa

Situated south of Cadiz and near the coastline, Chiclana and La Barrosa are impressive tourist destination of beaches, forest and marshes. Located close to Jerez de Frontera Airport, tourists find it a must-see destination when they visit the province of Cadiz.

Inhabited by less than 100,000 residents, Chicana is home to Spain’s best beaches. Spoiled by nature’s bounty, this town also thrives on its agricultural produce. Wine of the best quality is produced in its cellars and its water has curative effects - “Spring of Fuente Amarga” as it is often called.

Their beaches are an expansive blanket of golden sand and Chiclana town square is littered with food shops, wine cellars, and markets. Chiclana town square is always bursting with activity: Fresh fruits and vegetables are sold everywhere, as well as meat and seafood’s.

Chiclana town chiefly of Phoenician and Roman origins and traces back its economic development to the reign of monarchs Fernando and Isabel in the 14th century. Moorish tribes warring against the Christians were finally driven out of the land with Chiclana serving as frontier that divides the two opposing forces, thus the name “de la Frontera.” Remnants of the Palaeolithic period bore traces on fossil remains that were recently discovered. The myth of Hercules who was said to dwell in this town continues to intrigue the locals and its visitors.

Economic growth started to flourish in this town upon the discovery of America with Cadiz becoming a centre of trade. During the 18th century, Chiclana reached the pinnacle of its economic development. Today, tourism plays a vital role in its economic viability.

Lush natural parks of Grazalema and Alcornovales are located near Chiclana. Medina Sidonia, Jerez de Frontera are its neighbors.

Most of age-old traditions and customs of Andalucia are still observed by the locals today: bull fights and flamenco dances are top favourites. Festivals are as normal as the air in Spain. Every Spanish town celebrates at least 5-6 annual celebrations: from fairs to bullfights and dances. During these celebrations, you will see a glimpse of the town’s and its people’s heritage as it evolves through the years. When you visit in June, be prepared to see buntings, confetti, makeshift stalls everywhere including feria rides and fun games.

As the noise and laughter reverberate in the air, you will be absorbed by the fun and excitement. Very soon, you will have the feel of being in a truly Andalucian holiday. Other summer treats like the Fisherman’s procession is worth the wait. Fishing villages of Sancti Petri and Playa de la Barrosa. You can surf, sail, scuba dive, promenade along beach or simply enjoy the views of the sea from the marina.

The beach of La Barrosa was a recipient of Clean Beaches Award. It stretches about 8 km. of white sand. Restaurants offer an array of good food with seafood at the top on its list. Want to play tennis? There is a tennis school at Pinar de Atlantico. You can enroll on a crash course, become a member of elite group Tennis Club la Barrosa and come home a pro! Novo Sancti Petri is a two-in-one tourist attraction by the sea. It has a beach and a 36-hole golf-course!

If you only have 3 days in Chiclana, these are just the places you must see first and it’s as if you have the whole town in a nutshell.

Known as the Seven Places of Magic, it is actually a route with seven stops to the most historical and beautiful places of the town.

To take it all in, you need at least seven days but a shorter stay will not make a big difference if you promise to come back and enjoy it more leisurely next time: Santa Ana Hill Climb - this tower and you see the whole area of Cadiz Bay. The watchtower was used as a frontier between the early inhabitants of Chiclana and the invading Vikings and Moors. La Loma de Puerco - A historical site where the Chiclana waged war against the troops of Napoleon in 1811. The Temple of Hercules - From here you can see the magic of nature as the sun slowly fades away just as close to where you stand! The Wetlands - This is where you get your best view of the Cadiz Nature Park Miralmar - Standing on top of this hill, you can see the Bay of Cadiz, the town of Conil, and all the surrounding towns close to Chiclana including the vastness of the sea. Due to its strategic location, it became an important site for Chiclana where to have a good look at her invaders. El Carrascal - You can see the neighbouring town of Medina Sidonia from here. La Espartosa - Where you can see the countryside the way it was in the past. Wide species of woods like the oak, the dark evergreen as well as olives can be found here.

Important diary dates: Feb - Mar : Carnival, Mar - Apr : Holy Week, June ; Feria and the Feast of San Antonio, June : San Juan Bonfire Night, July : Feast of the Virgin del Carmen Atunera, July : Feast,of Santa Ana, Sep : Feast of Virgin de los Remedios, patron Saint of Chiclana.

For further information on Chiclana please visit: TOURISM OFFICES (OFICINA DE TURISMO) Alameda del Rio, - Tel. 0034 956 53 59 69 Playa de la Barrosa - Tel. 0034 956 49 72 34