They say that the cross that stands on this beach (Cruz del Mar means Cross of the Sea) symbolised the gateway through which travellers and goods entered and left Cádiz when it was cheaper to travel by sea than by land. Now, the cross is an icon of one of Chipiona’s most popular beaches among tourists and locals alike, who see its golden sands and blue waters as a paradise for enjoying both the summer and the sunsets.
- Natural setting: next to the port
- Beach facilities: good access and Blue Flag
- Beach bars and where to eat the best tapas in Chipiona
- Sports activities plus a good swim
Natural setting: next to the port
This sandy area is around 700 metres long and 50 metres wide since it is bounded on one side by the port of Chipiona and on the other by a ravine that marks the end of the beach, next to the Plaza del Castillo. In fact, many people also call it Muelle beach (i.e. Port beach).
It is an area with fine golden sand and very calm waters which, in the summer months, is usually very crowded due to its facilities and its proximity to the centre of Chipiona.
There are two landmarks that make this beach very special: the cross, which has symbolised the entrance and exit of goods and travellers to and from Cádiz since ancient times, and the famous traditional fishing corrals or fish pens.
Although many believe that the cross was erected to save the area from the tidal wave after the Lisbon earthquake in 1755, a painting in the Chapel of the Christ of the Mercies tells us that it was placed earlier and that it has more to do with marking the way inland.
What has been maintained since the morning of that tidal wave is the carrying of the image of the Christ of the Mercies to that point, as was done in 1755, to ask for his clemency.
Other striking features along Cruz del Mar beach are the fishing corrals on the shore. They are structures that, at low tide, leave the fish trapped on the rocks so that they can easily be caught. This is the traditional way in which fish has been caught in Chipiona.
Beach facilities: good access and Blue Flag
Some of the main attractions of Cruz del Mar beach are precisely its facilities and its proximity to the port. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, which describes the quality of its waters and the cleanliness of the beach. It has good accessibility thanks to the ramps from the promenade to the shore since it is a very steep beach.
It has public toilets, shaded areas and many beach bars along the promenade.
In the off-peak season, i.e. from November to February, pets are allowed, although their presence is forbidden in the summer due to the crowds and to guarantee, among other things, the peace of mind of families with small children who often choose this beach.
Beach bars and where to eat the best tapas in Chipiona
Many believe that Cruz del Mar beach is the best place to enjoy good Chipiona tapas with sea views. Among the most popular is La Marota Bar, which has an idyllic location for a cocktail at sunset.
Nearby is the Restaurante Beach Bar A-Gusto, where they recommend their rice casseroles plus their seafood and tuna, the latter being the most typical product from Cádiz. They also have live music on some nights.
Another popular beach bar in Cruz del Mar is Pepa & Ulric, with its sardines and its baby squid coming directly from the sea sand.
Sports activities plus a good swim
The beach has a football pitch on the sand, with its goals, and is one of the busiest places in Cruz del Mar, especially at sunset, when the heat is less intense. It is easy to find groups of friends kicking a ball for pleasure before or after a good swim.
That is not the only activity: you can also stroll along the promenade, go to the marina where many of the fishermen’s boats dock or simply lie on the sand to sunbathe and enjoy the breeze.
It is easy to see paddle surfers taking advantage of the calm waters and you can also go kayaking.
You should also go snorkelling among the rocks where you can see many of the fish that, when the tide goes out, get trapped in the fishing pens.
