Located on the southern tip of Spain between the towns of Zahora and Los Canos de Meca, Playa del Faro de Trafalgar is one of the most famous beaches in the province of Cádiz. It is famous not only for its beauty but also for its history, as the Battle of Trafalgar took place just off the shores of the beach in 1805.
This well-preserved beach offers soft, golden sand and crystal-blue water with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Almost always quiet and uncrowded, the two-kilometer long, 50-meter wide stretch of sand provides plenty of room to walk along the shore and take in the fresh ocean breeze.
The beach has very strong coastal winds, powerful currents, and no lifeguards, so swimming and water activities are not recommended. For calmer waters more suitable for swimming, walk north along the beach towards Playa Zahora. Along the way, you’ll find rocky coves that you can explore. These incredible coves are easy to access – making it safe for families – and are a great way to experience the beauty of the beach. Don’t be worried about the lack of activities at Playa del Faro de Trafalgar, as the views and scenery alone are worth coming for!
The area surrounding the beach has not been urbanized, and the lone building you’ll see is the amazing Lighthouse at Cape Trafalgar. The 34-meter tall lighthouse is located on the southern edge of the beach and has been lighting the ocean since 1862. Walk to the lighthouse at dusk and enjoy one of the most mesmerizing sunsets you’ll ever see. On the other side of the lighthouse, there’s another small beach, Playa del Faro, with its own spectacular views.
After you see the sunset over the horizon, you can walk 10 minutes east towards Los Canos de Meca to Bar Las Dunas, a laidback beach bar and grill with simple Spanish food, cold drinks, and a lively atmosphere. For something fancier, take a 25-minute drive east into the coastal town of Barbate. There, you can try La Brena, a great dinner date spot with gorgeous views of the ocean, wonderful ambiance, and upscale Mediterranean cuisine and wine.
As your night winds down, you can choose to stay in Barbate – a medium-sized town that is farther away but will feature a larger selection of places to stay – or in one of the smaller hotels in Zahora and Los Canos de Meca. V Boutique Hotel in Barbate is a fantastic choice for luxury living. The chic boutique hotel offers elegant rooms with a rooftop terrace and bar overlooking the fine hills and ocean of Cádiz. If you’re looking to be closer to the water, try the Arohaz Hotel in Zahora, with its 13-minute walk to the beach. Arohaz provides clean, comfy rooms in a peaceful setting with a refined restaurant right in the hotel.
