Chiclana -Sancti Petri, memorable

Located in the Bay of Cádiz, bathed in the Atlantic waters and surrounded by marshlands, Chiclana de la Frontera has become a major tourist centre. With its fine-sand beaches, golf courses, walking treks, gastronomy, natural areas, heritage, complete schedule of leisure and culture, and modern infrastructure, it is able to ensure that any traveller’s visit is a memorable experience.

La Barrosa and Sancti Petri, with their eight kilometres of white and soft-textured sandy beaches, clear, blue sea and a complete range of services, have attracted numerous prestigious awards. The beaches are surrounded by salt lakes and lush green pine forests, of high environmental value, all of which are worth a relaxed visit in the late afternoon, a time of the day which is also ideal for enjoying a romantic sunset on the Chiclana coast. Sunsets that are a true marvel of nature, with a radiant western sun slowly disappearing over the Sancti Petri islet, home to the famous Sancti Petri Castle. This magical setting, an emblematic signature stamp of Chiclana, has a rich and legendary history, but above all else it has been witness to the passing of several civilisations. One of most important sanctuaries of antiquity, the famous temple dedicated to Hercules (Melkart) is located in this area.

Chiclana is also about sport. Its infrastructure, the strategic location of its sports amenities, very close to the main hotel area, and the high quality of the services it offers have transformed the municipality into the ideal destination for lovers of a wide variety of sports. And, if we add to that the exceptional climate, playing sport in the open air becomes a memorable experience. A whole world of options for playing sport, from golf to sailing, as well as surfing, windsurfing, swimming, athletics, football, tennis, horse-riding, cycling and a long etcetera – in which satisfaction is always guaranteed. All of this has led to Chiclana being named European City of Sport for 2015.
The beauty of its beaches and its innumerable range of activities by no means overshadow its historical appeal. For that reason, it is indispensable for any visitor to immerse themselves in the municipality’s urban area, and enjoy a pleasant walk through town to discover its rich and varied cultural heritage. The San Juan Bautista church, a stunning example of neoclassicism… the Arquillo del Reloj, church and monastery of Jesús Nazareno, whose baroque and Genoese doorway, made from Carrara marble, is one of the most beautiful in the province… the San Sebastián church, which has undergone numerous expansions, the most recent giving it a neo-gothic image.

This stroll through Chiclana’s rich and varied heritage will invariably end with one of the town’s most representative images: the Santa Ana chapel, dating to the second half of the 18th century, visible from the whole surrounding countryside, thanks to its height above the town, making it a magnificent vantage point to enjoy impressive views all around. And to complete this cultural visit, three museums: Chiclana Museum, the Municipal Bullfighting Museum, the Francisco Montes Paquiro; and the Muñecas Marín Manufacturing Museum.

It would also be unforgiveable for any visitor to miss out on the equally rich and varied Chiclana gastronomy, savoured at any of its excellent dining establishments, or purchased in the renowned Mercado de Abastos marketplace, always bustling and full of life and a must visit.
A brief trip down this culinary path – a true pleasure for the senses – could begin with the area’s horticultural products, its seafood and its estuary fish. Also worth highlighting are its cold cuts which, following artisanal traditions, include such highly appreciated specialities as butifarra (Catalan sausage), chicharrones (pork crackling), longaniza (spicy pork sausages) and morcilla (black pudding).
Its confectionery, with a wide range of pastry specialities, has achieved well-deserved fame throughout the area – with one of the stars an almond cake made by nuns from Agustinas Recoletas. Chiclana’s wine is, without a doubt, the town’s most notable gastronomic contribution. Fine white and muscatel wines, made using strict traditional methods, which can be savoured in the town’s various bodegas.