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Chipiona is a small municipality at the western end of the coast of Cadiz. During the summer months its population multiplies; perhaps one of the reasons why tourists decide to visit this place are its beaches, but there is much more to discover in Chipiona. We invite you to continue reading this article about things to do and how to get there, we can take you there if you don’t feel like driving. There is no excuse for not getting to know Chipiona in Cadiz.
Discovering Chipiona
Chipiona is full of legends, such as that of the lighthouse that existed before the arrival of the Romans. This lighthouse prevented ships from sinking offshore, but no remains have been found.
Another legend tells us about what happened during the Muslim conquest. Some monks, before the Muslims occupied the place, hid the religious figure of the Virgen de Regla in a well. It remained there until centuries later it was found again. The actual temple of the Humilladero is supposed to be built over this well.
Things to do
Apart from enjoying the good weather and the beaches, there are many other things to do in Chipiona. We are going to discover some of the places you can visit and also suggest activities you can do all year round.
Chipiona Lighthouse
As we have mentioned before, there is an old lighthouse known to have existed although no remains have survived to this day. In its place we find the Chipiona Lightouse, built between 1863 and 1867.
Why visit this lighthouse? Well, it is considered the highest in Spain and is among the highest in the world. So if you want not only to enjoy the views but also to boast of having been in one of the tallest lighthouses in the world, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit it.
Among its curiosities is that it was lit for the first time on 28 November 1867 and at that time it was powered by olive oil. Later the fuel was replaced by mineral oil and refined petroleum; in 1916 the lightouse was updated to use pressurised petroleum steam, which gave it double the rotation speed. Finally, in 1946, the it was converted to use electric power.
- Tickets: 5€ per person, children under 7 years free.
- Request visit: +34 956 929 065
- Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vSJzgR1wuc5PNDBk8
Fishing corrals
The art of fishing using nets and the tide is very old and the tradition is still preserved in Chipiona. You can see them while strolling along the Paseo Marítimo and you will also find the occasional informative sign.
You can enjoy fresh fish or seafood in any of the restaurants in the area, or simply admire the beauty of these beaches and these curious fishing corrals, where you must be authorised to fish or shellfish.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uHyKHpY6HVLDTgmR7
Chipiona beaches
Of course, the beaches of Chipiona are one of the main tourist attractions of the town. They are beaches of fine white sand along their almost 15 kilometres of length.
The beaches in Chipiona are accessible for the disabled and have all the necessary services.
- Playa Montijo
- Playa de Micaela
- Playa de Regla
- Cruz del Mar y Las Canteras
- Playa del Camarón y La Laguna
- Playa de las Tres Piedras y La Ballena
On the beach of Las Canteras and Cruz del Mar, you will be able to find the aforementioned fishing corrals.
Visit monuments in Chipiona
If you would like to get to know the monumental part of Chipiona, we are going to recommend some of the most popular ones and explain a little about their history.
Sanctuary of Regla
Ponce de Leon family, former Lords of Chipiona, are known to built a castle on this place. They donated it to the religious order of San Agustín in 1399, being later converted into a church where they worshipped the Virgin until 1835. After this date the Sanctuary was abandoned. It was not until 1851 when some illustrious visitors proposed restoring the old church and returning the image of the Virgin to its rightful place. In 1904 the demolition of the temple was approved for the construction of a new one in neo-Gothic style. This building remains today and is where the Franciscan community that lives in its monastery is located.
It is very curious to find this great temple at the foot of the beach and where the rosary is prayed every day of the year at 7.30 pm.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/r9d6xLc6ZskgTU5k7
El Humilladero
If you have read our article you will know that El Humilladero is the temple of Chipiona that was built over the well where the figure of the Virgen de Regla was supposed to be hidden during the Muslim reign. Although it has undergone restorations over the years, the last one in 1991, it still retains all its charm and you can see it on the Paseo Marítimo of Chipiona. It is well worth a visit, day or night, to take a photo of it.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/v6x6uveZkrWjmngSA
Chipiona Castle
The origin of the castle is unknown, although it is believed to date from around the 15th century. This beautiful fortress has had different uses throughout history, from the residence of the town’s parish priest during the 18th century, to a prison at the beginning of the 18th century, Civil Guard barracks at the end of the 19th century and even a hotel during the 20th century. This castle was also the residence of the mother of Juan Carlos I, former king of Spain.
It is currently an interpretation centre about Cádiz and the discovery of America. There is a permanent exhibition on the relationship between the towns of the province and the voyage of Christopher Columbus. If you like the theme, perhaps another day you’d like to visit Huelva, where you’ll find many other related places.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/F379PRMmH6KAjUfd7
Other places of interest
- Parish Church of Ntra. Sra. de la O from the 16th century (Map)
- Hermitage of Cristo de las Misericordias, with an anonymous 17th century religious figure inside. (Map)
Events
This town is mainly known for two big events that take place every year: the Carnivals and the Patron Saint Festivities in honour of the Virgen de Regla. However, there are all kinds of events throughout the year, so if you want to find out exactly what happens on the days you plan to go, just visit the official website here.
Chipiona Carnival
The tradition of Carnival in Chipiona dates back to 1896, although it is known that it was celebrated prior to that year.
It lasts only 10 days, but the town is transformed for a whole month with a multitude of activities and free tastings of local products. The closing of the Carnival is of tourist interest in Andalusia and is the most important event of these dates.
A colourful spectacle that we are sure will impress you.
Patron saint festivities
One of the most memorable moments in the history of Chipiona took place in 1588. There was a procession the 8 September of 1588 to mark the dispatch of the Invincible Armada in its fight against England.
Before this date it was not customary to take this figure out in procession and it would not be until 1608 when it would be done again. Since then, every year on 8 September, it has been carried in procession around its sanctuary.
It is undoubtedly a special time of the year that you will not want to miss if you are in the area.
Getting to Chipiona from Malaga
If you would like to get to know Chipiona and you are in Malaga we can take you there. We have all types of vehicles so we can adapt to your space requirements. Check our prices for Malaga airport transfers or ask us to pick you up at your place of residence. We bring you back and forth whenever you need.
If you go by car, the road to take is the AP-7 motorway towards Algeciras. Although you will encounter tolls, it is the most direct route with the best views. Before arriving in Algeciras you should take the A-381 road towards Parque de los Alcornocales. Continue on this road in the direction of Sanlucar de Barrameda, passing by Jerez de la Frontera. Chipiona is right there, about 3 hours away from Malaga.
The option without tolls skirts the northern part of the Alcornocales Park and the estimated journey time is similar, so in the end it’s up to you to decide.
