El Chato Beach(Playa El Chato, Urrutia Beach)

Located in the port city of Cadiz, Chato Beach is a two-and-a-half-mile long, wide, and beige-colored beach that is situated in front of the Bay of Cadiz.  Also known as Playa del Chato, Chato Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness.  Chato Beach is on the southside of Puerta Tierra’s Old Town which is a well-known historic gateway in Cadiz that was built in 1732.  Puerta Tierra’s Old Town features light-and-sound shows at night and motion videos showcasing the city’s Mayan heritage that are projected on its walls.  Despite being close to such a popular tourist spot, Chato Beach is a quiet beach if you are looking to get away from the hustle of the city.  Chato Beach is backed by sand dunes and runs along a promenade that features palm trees, souvenir shops, bars, and other small shops.  

Chato Beach offers many amenities including lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, barbecues, wooden walkways, and a surf school.

There are many fun activities at Chato Beach including swimming, surfing, boating, kayaking, hiking, beach exploration, sunbathing, and beach walking.

Chato Beach does not have any accessible features for the disabled.

Getting to Chato Beach is very easy – the beach’s free large parking lot that has more than 100 parking spaces is located at Casa de Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 11011 Cádiz and is in front of the beach.

Chato Beach features a rock that looks like a snub-nose and is a very popular destination for both locals and tourists to click Instagram-worthy pictures.

If you are looking for attractions near Chato Beach, you can drive 10 minutes to Arco Del Populo, a historical landmark that is a popular archway in Cadiz – its interior walls are styled to match with the building techniques of Islamic walls of the 10th and 11th Century.  Santa Catalina Castle is a 17th Century Italian-styled castle with a star-shaped floor that was built on a large rock and served as a military prison from 1769 to shortly before 1991.  Gran Teatro Falla is a performing arts theater that is located at Pl. Fragela, s/n, 11003 Cádiz and hosts many plays and concerts throughout the year – it also hosts the Carnival of Cadiz, one of the best carnivals in Spain that occurs every February.  If you are looking for another great attraction near Chato Beach, Cadiz Museum is located in an old Franciscan convent and modern building and houses a very popular 17th Century Spanish collection including paintings, traditional puppets, and archeological artifacts. 

There are many restaurants within a four-minute drive of Chato Beach.  Ventorrillo El Chato is located on Chato Beach Beach and features meat items, lamb burgers, sandwiches, French fries, and drinks.  The restaurant is popular for its salads, panna cotta, tiramisu cakes, sangria, and wine.  Mariscos Ortiz has a nice menu including pizza, steaks, shrimp potato, desserts, coffee, and cocktails – it is well-known for its gelato, coffee, friendly staff, and affordable prices.  Moana Beach Bar – Restaurant is another good restaurant – it is a Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant with a homely decor, indoor as well as outdoor seating, amazing water views, and an extensive wine list. Nahu Beach Cadiz that serves Fritos, plancha, meat items, lamb chops, fish, and pouting in a shaded patio setting on a terrace with city views.  If you are looking for restaurants near Chato Beach, Moana Beach Bar – Restaurant serves monkfish, Laing, octopus, cortado, fruitcakes, and ice cream.

If you are looking for a hotel near Chato Beach, you can drive 12 minutes to the 4-Star Hotel Playa Victoria Cadiz that is located in front of the Bay of Cadiz and has a variety of on-site facilities including a pool, bar, buffet restaurant, gym, and nightclub.  Hotel Spa Cadiz Plaza is a 4-Star hotel with 60 rooms and suites with modern facilities and is surrounded by restaurants and cafes – it also has a nice bar.  The 4-Star Hotel Monte Puertatierra welcomes pets, has a pool, bar, spa, restaurant, and fitness center, and provides its guests with a terrace with city views.  If you are looking for an affordable hotel near Chato Beach, Plaza Minas Suites is a 3-Star hotel with spacious rooms featuring light-colored walls, offers a pool and hiking, diving, and fishing tours.