Playa de la Muralla

About Playa de la Muralla

Playa de la Muralla is a small sandy cove on the coast of El Puerto de Santa María, on the north shore of the Bay of Cádiz. Only about 245 metres long but some 70 metres deep, it is set between low cliffs next to the Castillo de Santa Catalina, which separates it from the rockier beach of La Calita.

Its enclosed shape is what makes it distinctive. The cliffs shelter the water, which is usually calm, and the rocky ground nearby draws snorkellers and divers, and there is a marked diving area. Behind the cove lies the Vistahermosa residential area, with its golf course, and the Puerto Sherry marina is close by.

Facilities include showers, public toilets, food and drink in season, lifeguard equipment and signposted hazards. There is a large free car park, access is signposted from the Avenida de la Muralla and the Paseo de Santa Catalina, and city buses serve the area.

June and September are the best months, with warm water and fewer people in this compact space than in August. Come in the morning while the cove is quiet and the sea calmest, or in the late afternoon, when the cliffs and castle catch the low sun.

Playa de la Muralla in pictures

What you’ll find

• Beach lifeguardSupervised swimmingFree
• Public showersWash bodyFree
• Public toiletsPersonal SanitattionFree
• Sandy beachRest on beachFree
• Sea shoreSwimmingFree

Nearby places to visit

Inland, Real Club de Golf Vista Hermosa (800 m) has its course among the villas of the Vistahermosa estate. Westwards, Playa de las Redes (2 km) is the best-known section of the long sandy beach of Santa Catalina and Vistahermosa, which continues past El Buzo and El Ancla, where low tide widens the golden sand considerably. East towards the town, Playa de la Puntilla (2 km) lies at the mouth of the Guadalete, sheltered by a breakwater, with a promenade and plenty of services. All are a short drive or bus ride apart.