Playa Zahara De Los Atunes(Playa de Zahara, Zahara Beach)

Located a couple miles south of Barbate, Playa Zahara de los Atunes is one of the most famous beaches in Spain, known for its long 4-mile long shoreline of beige-colored sand touching the pristine turquoise blue waters with sand dunes and coastal vegetation. The beach is also known as Playa de Zahara or Playa el Carmen by the locals. Stretching from the little fishing village Zahara de Los Atunes all the way to Cabo de Plata, the extensive beach is not crowded, even during the summertime, except near the main parking facilities. 

Playa Zahara de los Atunes has many amenities including lifeguards, a first-aid hut, public toilets and showers, campsites, and nearby parking. Moreover, the beach and nearby hotels are dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along with you on this trip. 

Playa Zahara de los Atunes offers several fun activities including swimming, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, and sailing. The beach atmosphere is very relaxing and family-friendly, so you'll always be able to find a place to unwind, whether it be swimming in the beautiful waters or sunbathing along the coast. You can rent bikes and ride horses nearby, take kitesurfing lessons, or take a 45-minute ferry from Tavira to Tangier. There are also two big festivals celebrating the regional cuisine in May and September, so the beach will be very festive with lots of food, music, and events.

Getting to Playa Zahara de Los Atunes is easy. A local bus service from Cadiz and Seville to Atlanterra stops at Zahara, or you can rent a car and drive along the coast as there is affording parking along the beach. There is a lot of parking available near the village, but it fills up quickly during the summertime due to its popularity. After arriving, there are many wooden walkways to get to the beach.

There are many attractions near Playa Zahara de Los Atunes. El Vapor, the sunken remains of an old steamship, is a symbol of the village, giving visitors a glimpse into Zahara’s rich history. The ship is very exposed during low tides, allowing visitors to get up close and explore. Palacio de Pilas is a 15th-century palace, one of the few remaining in the area. There is only one of the three towers remaining, but it is worth visiting the palace that once protected the lucrative tuna industry of Zahara. Orcas Cave is one of the more accessible caves near the beach that is perfect for exploration and history-lovers. The cave is not too deep, and there are numerous cave paintings and even anthropomorphic tombs. If you are looking for another attraction near Playa Zahara de los Atunes, the village of Zahara de los Atunes is one of the most authentic and charming towns in Cadiz. You’ll see fishermen catching fish and seafood — make sure to try the local tuna, which the town is named after.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Playa Zahara de los Atunes. Ramon Pipi serves fresh fish and delicious tacos. Their famous Morillo de atun, a disc-shaped morsel from the top of the fish’s head, is a must-try. El Castillete offers traditional fish tapas, salmorejo, and raciones. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Playa Zahara de los Atunes, the casual Chiringuito Pez Limon offers fresh seafood and refreshing drinks with amazing views of the ocean; at night, the restaurant also has live stage music.

If you are looking for a hotel near Playa Zahara de los Atunes, there are many great nearby options. If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Hotel Zahara Beach & Spa is a quick five-minute walk from the beach and offers many amenities including a hotel restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a bar, private parking, and a buffet breakfast. The 4-Star Hotel El Cortijo de Zahara is also a five-minute walk from the beach and offers many amenities including a Spanish cuisine restaurant, spa facilities, massage services, and two outdoor pools. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Hotel Porfirio which offers a "home away from home" stay with a pool, breakfast, free wifi, and air conditioning. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Playa Zahara de los Atunes, the modestly priced 2-star Hotel Avenida Playa is located 50 meters away from the beach. It’s a small hotel with 8 rooms, each furnished with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and complimentary wifi.