The city of Cadiz is an island joined by a tombolo or sedimentary geographical feature that forms a narrow strip of land, to the island of Leon, separated by the narrow channel of Caño de Sancti Petri that crosses the marshes, facing the estuary of the Guadalete river, and immersed in the natural park of the Bay of Cadiz.
Sheltered between the castles of San Sebastian and Santa Catalina, seeing the boats rocking on the sea, enjoying a family environment, resting in the shade of the old spa of Nuestra Señora de la Palma, or walking along a rocky path are some of the pleasures of this wonderful place, such as La Caleta beach. This beach is located opposite the old Hospital de Mora, the Faculty of Economics and Business Studies and next to the Faculty of Labour Sciences of the Cadiz Campus, in the heart of the La Viña neighbourhood, with its old spa now converted into the headquarters of the Andalusian Centre for Underwater Archaeology.
The access path to the San Sebastián castle divides the beach into two sections, leaving a small strip of sand to the south which is also used for sunbathing and swimming in natural stone pools, the beach being smaller and isolated from the others.
Its location has inspired musicians and poets such as Isaac Albéniz, José María Pemán, Paco Alba and Carlos Cano. It has been the setting for several films, such as Muere otro día, Alatriste, Manolete and El amor brujo. The citizens of Cadiz consider it one of the most emblematic places in their city, being a recurring theme in Carnival songs.
At the tip of Erytheia is the Castle of Santa Catalina, the first of the fortifications built to defend the city just after the Anglo-Dutch invasion, then a military prison until the end of the 80s and today a centre for cultural activities.
The beach has been used since the Phoenicians to the present day as a natural port, fishing and shellfish gathering. It was at the beginning of the 20th century when the Balneario de Nuestra Señora de La Palma y del Real was built and opened in 1926, until 1990 when it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest by the Junta de Andalucía and was restored, being currently a Centre for Underwater Archaeology. In 1959 the Caleta Club was founded, dedicated to different maritime leisure activities, above all, fishing.The wall that still flanks the beach (about 8 metres high above sea level) means that it is below the level of the city. In 1991, dredging was carried out in the areas of access to the dock to increase its depth, and the large amount of sand that was extracted was deposited on the beaches. In La Caleta, the sand was raised more than 1.50 metres above the previous height, which allows for a larger dry area even at high tide, but the foundations of the spa pillars and, above all, the three arches at the beginning of the jetty were buried.
As a farewell party to summer, at the end of August, the Burial of the Mackerel is celebrated on the beach, where a figure of a mackerel is taken out in a procession and set on fire with its corresponding piriñaca, with performances by carnival groups. It is the ideal place for many to spend their days, afternoons and nights waiting for the tide to rise or fall to walk, play any activity or simply sunbathe with their loved ones.
Its sunsets and sunsets are emblematic, so getting lost on this small beach is something that a visitor should not miss. That is why THE SUN PLACES is investing to have a presence in the capital of Cadiz and recommends that you enjoy it. We will see you there, we are waiting for you.