Chipiona: The Complete Guide

Lying on the coast in the west part of the province of Cádiz, is the pretty town of Chipiona. It sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir river, only 52km from Cádiz, Chipiona dates back to Roman times. In the 19th century, the town was a remote seafaring spa and today it is a popular resort for Spanish tourists. Chipiona is also home to the tallest lighthouse in Spain, which was built in 1867 and stands at about 69 meters.

History of Chipiona

Early History of Chipiona

Chipiona, located on the Atlantic coast of Spain in the province of Cádiz, has a history that dates back to ancient times. The area was originally inhabited by the Tartessians and later by the Phoenicians, who established a settlement due to its strategic coastal position.

Roman Era in Chipiona

During the Roman period, Chipiona was known as Caepionis Turris, named after the Roman Consul Quintus Servilius Caepio. The Romans built a lighthouse, the predecessor to the current Chipiona Lighthouse, to guide ships navigating the Guadalquivir River to the ancient city of Gades (modern-day Cádiz).

Chipiona in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, Chipiona fell under Moorish control following the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The town was later reconquered by Christian forces in the 13th century as part of the Reconquista. During this period, Chipiona became part of the Kingdom of Castile.

The Development of Chipiona’s Lighthouse

The lighthouse of Chipiona, which stands as one of the tallest in Spain, was built in the 19th century on the site of the ancient Roman lighthouse. Completed in 1867, the new lighthouse has been a crucial navigational aid for ships entering the Guadalquivir River and remains a significant landmark in the town.

Chipiona in the Modern Era

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Chipiona developed as a popular seaside resort. The town’s beautiful beaches, such as Playa de Regla, attracted visitors from across Spain. The construction of hotels and the establishment of tourism-related infrastructure helped boost the local economy.

Chipiona During the Spanish Civil War

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Chipiona, like many other parts of Spain, experienced turmoil and hardship. The town saw military action and social upheaval, but it gradually recovered in the post-war years, continuing its development as a tourist destination.

Contemporary Chipiona

Today, Chipiona is known for its picturesque beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene. The town hosts several annual festivals, including the renowned Virgen de Regla Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Chipiona’s combination of historical charm and modern amenities makes it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Visiting Chipiona for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Chipiona on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Chipiona not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Chipiona and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Museo Del Moscatel

Located near the historic center of the city, the Muscatel Museum in Chipiona takes the visitor on a journey through the history and culture of wine. The museum comprisies of  seven themed areas, where visitors will find real and virtual scenarios where you can see and interact with lifestyles and artisan wine-production practices at different […]

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Location: Avenida de Regla, 8-10, 11550, Chipiona | Hours: 1 June–30 September: 10.30 am to 2.30 pm and 7 pm to 10 pm. 1 October–31 May: 10.30 am to 2.30 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm (only Saturday and Sunday). | Price: €4 | Website | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Museo Del Moscatel

Church of Our Lady of O

A 16th century building but rebuilt in the 18th century. It is mainly Renaissance with Gothic sculptures and inside are many important pieces of art. Older locals come here to for the spa waters in the church fountain. The church has been thoroughly altered since it was first built, although it has kept the Isabelline […]

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Location: Calle Fray Baldomero González, 9, 11550 Chipiona, Cádiz, Spain | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Church of Our Lady of O

Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Regla

Originally owned by Ponce de León, the lord of Chipiona,  the site was a castle fortress as can be seen with the  square-shaped tower with battlements.Don Pedro III Ponce de León, fourth lord of Marchena and first Count of Arcos donated it to the hermit monks of San Agustín (or Augustinians) in 1399, who converted […]

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Location: Paseo Costa de La Luz 91, Chipiona, Andalusia | Website | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Regla

Cruz del Mar

This place that was originally called Puerta de la Mar,  to the sea in ancient times, and was the maritime gateway in and out of Chipiona for all our the regions products and cities of Spain (Cádiz, Seville , Vigo) and other countries like England, Netherlands, America. There was the custom of placing a Cross […]

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Location: Paseo Cruz del Mar, 18 11550 Chipiona Cádiz Spain | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.9km

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Visiting Cruz del Mar

Chipiona Castle

Chipiona castle is a small 13th century castle. Today the castle is a monastery which is open to visitors. It also holds an exhibition, ‘Cadiz and the new world’ dedicated to the relationship of the province of Cádiz with the discovery of America, its colonization and the exploitation of the New World. Three of Spain’s […]

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Location: Calle del Castillo 5, Chipiona, Spain | Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00-14:00 | Price: 2€ | Website | Distance: 0.9km

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Visiting Chipiona Castle

Chipiona Lighthouse

Chipiona Lighthouse was built in 1867 and is an located in Chipiona, in the province of Cádiz, Spain.  At a height of 205 feet the lighthouse is the largest “traditional lighthouse” in Spain, the 3rd in Europe and the 5th in the world. it was built by by the civil engineer Jaime Font Escolá There […]

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Location: Av. del Faro, 42, 11550 Chipiona, Cádiz, Spain | Price: 5€ | Website | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Chipiona Lighthouse

Fishing corrals

The Chipiona fishing corrals or fishing pens form an original historical, cultural and landscape, that is inherited from an ancient Roman or Arab rural fishing culture. They act like giant traps that work with the tide – the fish swim over the wall at high tide and are then trapped at low tide and can […]

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Location: Camino de los Arriates 11550 Arriates Cádiz Spain | Hours: Prior reservation through the tourist office, located at the castle, is essential. | Website | Distance: 2.6km

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Visiting Fishing corrals