Playa de El Chato

About Playa de El Chato

Playa de El Chato is part of the long Atlantic beach that runs down the outer side of the isthmus between the city of Cádiz and San Fernando. Its southern end lies about 1 km short of Torregorda, beside the Carretera General de Cortadura and the CA-33 dual carriageway; some maps label the spot Playa de Santibáñez.

This part of the isthmus is far less built-up than the city beaches of La Victoria and Cortadura to the north. A protected belt of small dunes, held together by marram grass and home to sea lilies, separates the fine golden sand from the road. There is no promenade: you cross loose sand from roadside parking.

Services are thin compared with the urban beaches, so bring water and shade. The well-known Ventorrillo del Chato restaurant stands by the road nearby. Waves are usually moderate, and the outer isthmus is used for surfing and bodyboarding, mainly in autumn and winter.

June and September bring warm water and space even at weekends. In July and August the roadside parking fills early, so arrive before about 9.30 am, or come late afternoon, when the sun drops over the Atlantic in front of you.

What you’ll find

• Beach umbrellasUmbrella hireRent
• Sandy beachRest on beachFree
• Sea shoreSwimmingFree

Nearby places to visit

Heading south along the isthmus, Playa de Torregorda (1 km) continues the same open shoreline towards San Fernando. To the north, Playa de la Cortadura (2 km) has wooden boardwalks across the dunes and is one of Cádiz's regular Blue Flag beaches, and Playa de la Victoria (3 km) is the city's main urban beach, with a long promenade, bars and restaurants. Playa de la Gamba (3 km) is another nearby option on the isthmus. Playa de Urrutia (4 km) lies in neighbouring San Fernando. All are a short drive along the isthmus road, so it is easy to switch beach if the wind changes.