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Latest update: 27 July 2023
A cute white town on the coast, that’s Conil de la Frontera. Chilling on the beach, walking around town, and eating local specialties. The town is certainly not big, making it perfect for a day trip. Find out what to expect from and do in Conil de la Frontera.
This is Conil de la Frontera
Conil de la Frontera is located in the south of Spain, in the province of Cádiz, on the Costa de la Luz. The word frontera means “border”. That addition dates from when Conil was on the border of the Moorish and Christian empires.
Conil de la Frontera is a nice place to visit all year round, although it is much quieter in the winter than in the summer. There are no less than 14 kilometers of coastline with beautiful beaches. A long promenade runs along the Playa de los Bateles beach.
Conil de la Frontera: free from mass tourism
You will find more than enough beach bars and restaurants, but it is not overcrowded yet. Conil de la Frontera didn’t even make it to Andalusia’s Lonely Planet! Especially Spanish tourists know how to find their way to Conil de la Frontera. Although you will always meet a Dutch person – we are everywhere!
What to do in Conil de la Frontera
If you visit Conil de la Frontera, there are some fun things to do and see. It is only a tiny village, so you can tick off a lot of sights in a few hours.
Fishermen’s quarter: Barrio de los Pescadores
Follow the promenade along the beach to the end, where the cannon and a boat are (here), and start exploring the neighborhood. You will find yourself in the fishing district of Barrio de los Pescadores. It is a cute neighborhood of white houses, narrow alleys, and lovely details such as colorful flowers and cheerful street signs.
Wander through the streets and make a short stop at the mill. This was the only mill in Conil de la Frontera at the beginning of the 18th century. Only the Duke of Medina Sidonia was allowed to grind wheat at the time, and Conil de la Frontera inhabitants were forced to go to Vejer de la Frontera to grind their grain.
Old Santa Catalina church
The Santa Catalina church is the large white church on the square of Conil de la Frontera. But it’s not really a church anymore. It now hosts events, such as concerts and exhibitions. In front of it is a pretty square with palm trees. The cafés only come to life in the spring, making it a perfect spot for long evenings.
The new Santa Catalina Church
If there is an old Santa Catalina church in Conil de la Frontera, there must be a new one too. This is the Santa Catalina church that is still in use. If the door is open and there is no mass, you are welcome to look inside. The church is on a small square with a few restaurants and bars. You can look out over the city on the plateau in front of the church.
Small art gallery Mercado de Arte
Around the corner from the Arco de la Villa city gate is a small market with some artists’ stalls. It’s more of a market than a gallery. It’s nice to check out and maybe have a chat with the artists. And who knows, you might find a nice local souvenir.
La Chanca: tuna museum in Conil de la Frontera
In the past, the La Chanca building was used as a tuna factory, storage, and fish market. So there is no better place for a tuna museum in Conil de la Frontera. But the La Chanca complex is much bigger than the tuna museum. There are also a library and offices, for example. But the little tuna museum is probably the most interesting part for a quick visit. Quick, because there is not much to see, you only get a rough idea of the local fishing techniques (called Almadrabera). So pop in if you’re there anyway.
Tip! Are you in the region around May/June? Then check if you can go to the Ruta del Atún. Many restaurants cook up the tastiest dishes with tuna. More info and upcoming dates.
Climb the Torre de Guzmán watchtower
Well, climbing sounds like quite an undertaking, but it’s okay. The Guzmán Tower is not that high. The tower is the last piece left of the castle that once stood here and is the very first building ever in Conil de la Frontera. Right next to the tower is a small ethnographic museum where you can see how people lived in Conil de la Frontera throughout history.
Parking in Conil de la Frontera
It is easiest to park your car here in Conil de la Frontera. Everything is within walking distance. Please double-check which part is paid parking and which is free parking. In winter, the back part (at the skate park) is free. Whether that is still the case in the summer, I cannot say for sure.
If you still need to arrange a rental car, compare Sunny Cars and EasyTerra prices. They rent all-inclusive. I like both companies, so take your pick.
Hotels in Conil de la Frontera
Is a day in Conil de la Frontera not enough? Then find a hotel in Conil de la Frontera. For example:
- Alzocaire Hostal Boutique: a very stylish small-scale hotel with freshly decorated rooms.
- Barceló Conil Playa: luxury resort of Barceló with good facilities.
- Apartamento Carpe Diem: lovely apartment with two bedrooms.
More Spain inspiration?
Helpful links for your Spain trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always a popular choice. But you could also check Homecamper | campspace or Hostelworld for more options. HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. You can also check out WithLocals. Book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour.com or GuruWalk and try Baja Bikes for bike tours.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Bus and train. If you want to travel by bus or train to or in Spain, Busbud and Omio are excellent companies for planning your transportation.
- Boat. You can take a boat from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, or take a ferry between the islands. Check out the options at Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could try Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Spain.
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