Things to Do at Playa de la Caleta

Playa de la Caleta is one of those beaches that feels like it belongs in a postcard, though thankfully it's actually more charming in person than most postcard beaches manage to be. Tucked between two historic fortresses in Cádiz's old town, this small crescent of golden sand has been the city's most beloved beach for centuries. You'll recognize it if you've seen any James Bond films - it doubled for Havana in Die Another Day, though honestly, it's got enough character of its own without the Hollywood connection. What makes La Caleta special isn't really its size (it's quite small, actually) but its setting and atmosphere. The beach sits in a natural cove protected by the Castillo de San Sebastián on one side and the Castillo de Santa Catalina on the other, which gives it this almost amphitheater-like feel. At sunset, the whole place takes on this golden glow that locals have been gathering to watch for generations. It's the kind of spot where you'll find families who've been coming here for decades mixed with curious travelers, all doing pretty much the same thing - soaking up one of the most photogenic stretches of coastline in Andalusia.

La Caleta is right in Cádiz's historic center, so if you're staying in the old town, you can easily walk there. From the main train station, it's about a 15-minute walk through the charming old streets - just head toward the cathedral and then follow signs toward the beach. If you're driving, parking in the old town can be tricky, so your best bet is to use one of the public parking garages like Parking Canalejas or Parking Plaza de España and walk the rest of the way. The beach is well-signposted once you're in the historic quarter, and honestly, getting a bit lost in these narrow streets isn't the worst thing that could happen.