Sancti Petri Castle is the perfect place to enjoy the history of Cádiz, the Bay of Cádiz Natural Park, the sea, water sports, and Cádiz’s gastronomy. This intriguing fortification was built on an island, overlooked by the coasts of San Fernando and Chiclana de la Frontera, in order to protect access to the Bay of Cádiz from the Caño Sancti Petri.
Not least among the rewards Sancti Petri Castle offers visitors are its idyllic sunsets, tinged with blue and orange hues. They are a visual spectacle sought after by locals and visitors alike. The light, the colours and the scenery combine to make sunset here a magical and compelling experience. An intensely exhilarating spectacle for any visitor to Sancti Petri Castle as the sun goes down. You can enjoy the sunset from the Terraza de Poniente.
- The history of Sancti Petri Castle
- Visiting Sancti Petri Castle
- Events and activities
- Information for visitors
The history of Sancti Petri Castle
The present Sancti Petri Castle, in the province of Cádiz, was built in 1610, and from the outset it formed part of the coastal defensive system designed by King Philip II. It is linked with many myths and stories of the great and powerful.
This fortification was historically linked to one of the Ancient World’s most famous temples: the Temple of Hercules-Melqart. According to legend, Hercules, the mythical founder of Cádiz, was buried there. He had arrived there to carry out one of his 12 labours: the theft of the bulls belonging to King Geryon of Tartessos, whom he killed in the process of performing this task. It became so famous that several classical writers, including Strabo, Filostrato and Posidonius, told of visits by renowned figures such as Hamilcar Barca, Hannibal and Julius Caesar.
Visiting Sancti Petri Castle
Sancti Petri Castle is very well preserved, and attracts visits from both locals and tourists. It stands in a 170-hectare wetland within the Bay of Cádiz Natural Park. The Sancti Petri marshes are a vital habitat for water fowl, as they lie between the Strait of Gibraltar and the Doñana National Park.
The oldest part of Sancti Petri Castle is the watchtower, dating from 1610, which was adapted in 1918 so that an electric beam could be installed in the top. The rest of the fortress, the walls and the interior all date from the eighteenth century. The Castle covers most of the area of the islet of Sancti Petri; it has an irregular floor plan and was built in ostionera stone, commonly used throughout the province of Cádiz.
In 2010, following major restoration work, Sancti Petri Castle was opened to the public.
Events and activities
Sancti Petri Castle is certainly a unique and impressive place to hold an event. It is worth remembering that the Castle enjoys an enviable location, with a fascinating history and with wonderful views of the sea and the beaches of Camposanto and La Borrosa. Concerts, photographic and audiovisual presentations, corporate events, private functions and all manner of events can be held here.
Sancti Petri Castle regularly puts on an interesting cultural programme. Events include the San Juan Festival, the 80s Festival (Saturday, 5 June 2025), the 90s Festival (Saturday, 12 June 2025) and flamenco dance sessions. There are also guided kayaking expeditions from Sancti Petri Marina to the Castle. And you can travel there on a glass-bottomed boat. On some evenings, especially during the summer, the sunset is accompanied by live music from Friday to Sunday.
Information for visitors
You can make the short crossing to the Castle on one of the small boats that depart from the Poblado de Sancti Petri. During the summer season, you can obtain a pass that includes a boat trip and a visit to the Cádiz Natural Park to see the views of the salt flats and marshes that form part of Chiclana and San Fernando. You can also get a different pass that includes a visit to the Castle on a glass-bottomed boat, to see the sky after sunset from the Poniente Terrace. Prices vary depending on the option chosen.
