Nestled between the magnificent Santa Catalina and San Sebastian castles, Playa de la Caleta is a tiny metropolitan beach in the city of Cadiz. The beach is historic, as it was the harbor that provided the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Roman elite a place to dock to enter Spain. With its fine golden sand, scenic urban setting, and accessibility, Playa de la Caleta is a bustling destination for travelers. And its unique and picturesque beauty makes it one of the most photographed Cadizian beaches.
At Playa de la Caleta, there’s fun to be had for all types of beachgoers. Many beachgoers flock to the beach with umbrellas and chairs in their arsenal to soak up the sun. However, the beach also provides plenty of sunbeds and shades, all at reasonable prices - so get there early to avoid missing out! Restrooms are also available nearby and are constantly serviced. La Caleta has showers, feet cleaning areas to rinse off, and kiosks eagerly welcoming beachgoers with ice-cold drinks, lollipops, and sweets for sale. Fishing is also popular in the area, especially when the sun goes down, as the beach is the re-entry point of many fishermen hauling in their catch of the day. With its excellent facilities and cleanliness, la Caleta is a regular recipient of the Blue Flag Award.
After a fun-filled day at the beach, take a short 5-minute stroll of La Caleta’s many excellent nearby restaurants to satisfy your every craving. For top-notch Mediterranean-inspired seafood with a view, head to locally renowned hotspot Starfish. Or if you’d prefer some traditional Italian fine dining, head to Il Bocconcino, which offers house-made pizzas and pastas and excellent drinks. As the beach is where many Cadiz locals reside, at La Caleta you will be immersed in the Gaditanos culture and activities. During the famed Carnival festival, you can listen to the many songs they sing. For visitors looking to spend the night at La Caleta, stay at the 5-star Parador de Cadiz, which is a top-notch hotel with plentiful amenities.
Fun fact: In the 2002 James Bond film “Die Another Day”, Halle Berry stepped out of Playa de La Caleta’s crystal clear waters in her orange bikini.
