√ Chipiona (Spain): information on the city, what to visit and what to do in Chipiona?

Chipiona

Coat of arms of Chipiona (Spain)

Population: ~ 18.000

Time difference to London - Time zone GMT/UTC: 1 hour (+/- changes due summertime/daylight saving)

Climate, weather: 14ºC - 20ºC (61ºF - 69ºF) from October to March spring-like, with occasional showers in the winter, 24ºC - 26ºC (75ºF - 85ºF) from April to September comfortable and dry in the summer noted by occasional sea breezes.

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Chipiona is a hidden coastal village tucked away in an unspoilt corner of Southern Spain near to the old city of Cádiz.

Although Chipiona is not a city it has an unusually vibrant and artistic atmosphere and the area has many bars and discos.

These places have a lot of character and a unique Andalusian style. It is also very close to the neighbouring cities of Cádiz, Jerez and Sevilla.

Chipiona - the place of time

The locals say here that “Chipiona es el pueblo de tiempo” (Chipiona is the place of time) because here you find the time to do everything: rest, do sports, have a cerveza with friends, everything.

This includes learning Spanish because tourists have yet to discover the traditional Spanish delights of Chipiona. So here lies one of the few places where only Spanish is spoken.

Beaches

After leaving behind the city of Cádiz in the South West of Spain you’ll find a long coast consisting of white sandy beaches stretching to Chipiona.

Although known for its spa waters which are channelled into the centre of Chipiona to an ancient church called the Sanctuary of Regla , it is the white sandy beaches that stretch 12 kilometres long and a sea rich in iodine that are the lure for most.

The tallest lighthouse in Spain

Here you’ll find the tallest lighthouse in Spain constructed first by the Romans but which is still in working condition today. You can climb the 365 steps to the top and experience spectacular views along the coast to Portugal.

What to do if you’re tired of sunbathing?

If you’re tired of sunbathing you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a beautiful 'pueblo maritimo’, visit the old Sanctuary or take a stroll along the pedestrianised Isaac Peral lined with shops, bars, elegant buildings and hotels.

Chipiona is also in easy reach of the cities of Cádiz, Seville, Tarifa and Jerez which all have regular bus runs from and to Chipiona.

Fiestas ...

The carnival is without a doubt the most popular festival in Chipiona but there are also many other local festivals to be enjoyed such as the Romería in June.

This festival brings all the village into the Pine forests in a Flamenco and Moscatel frenzy. All animals, oxes, donkeys and horses are brought out decorated with ribbons and flowers while the villagers dress and dance flamenco style around them.

The people ...

Not yet discovered by tourists Chipiona combines this tranquillity with an unusually vibrant and artistic atmosphere and the area has many bars and night spots.

Chipiona has a lot of character and a unique Andalusian style.

The people are open and friendly with a lively sense of humour and an element of vivaciousness.

More activities ...

With all this going on there is plenty to occupy your time but if you're out for something more adventurous why not try kite-surfing, wind-surfing, horse-riding, golf and flamenco lessons all offered here.

Gastronomy

Chipiona has a range of gratifying restaurants which offer excellent seafood and meat dishes often accompanied by impromptu flamenco.

All to be washed down with a glass of the local manzanilla wine brewed near the sea giving a distinctive flavour of the sea air and for which it is famous.

Bar El Chusco

There are bars and cafés dedicated to different themes such as the carnival or expositions of local artists. One such bar is 'El Chusco' which is always very popular with the Spanish students.

Here you can relax over a cerveza or tinto de verano while sampling the traditional tapas of the area. Local tapas include: Chorizo a la llama, ortiguillas and caracoles, not forgetting the famous fresh seafood and shellfish in plentiful supply.

Afterwards you may like to browse the gallery located inside the bar which has weekly expositions of local Cádiz artists (some more shocking than others).

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