San Fernando in the Bay of Cadiz: a local view

PURE AIR, WETLANDS AND ENCHANTING CULTURE 

Amid centuries-old salt flats, dunes and tidal channels, San Fernando’s landscape welcomes you and invites you to take a deep breath and unwind. The city enjoys some of the cleanest, purest air in Spain, due to its open wetlands set alongside the Atlantic Ocean, offering a superb connection to the environment. It is the perfect place for those seeking nature, history and authentic experiences, far away from the overcrowded, well beaten tourist tracks.

NATURE THAT CAPTIVATES THE HEART

The Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park surrounds San Fernando with more than 10,500 hectares of coastal wetlands—marshes, tidal creeks, fish ponds, dunes and beaches—forming one of the most distinctive ecosystems in southern Europe. Its trails traverse landscapes of salt and light, ideal for walking, cycling and birdwatching: here you will find flamingos, herons, spoonbills, black-winged stilts and waders that feed along the shoreline, especially at dawn and at low tide.

The city has more than 20 km of shared pedestrian and cycle paths linking sections of the park with the coast; and, as a highlight, EuroVelo 8 cycling route passes through here, the major Mediterranean route connecting San Fernando with Cádiz and Chiclana along comfortable, well-signposted paths. These routes can be explored on foot or by bike, enjoying boardwalks over tidal channels and the surrounding salt-flat scenery.

Suggested routes include: Río Arillo–Salina Tres Amigos, Punta del Boquerón and the Carrascón Trail, each with its own character—viewpoints, boardwalks, panoramic views of the Bay and the ever-changing colours of the water and mudflats that captivate photography and birdwatching enthusiasts alike.

BEACHES WHERE TIME SLIPS AWAY

Camposoto Beach is typical of the Cádiz coastline: long, unspoilt and fully integrated into the Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park. It flies the Blue Flag and holds the Q for Tourism Quality, guaranteeing clean waters and excellent services. It is also a highly accessible beach (platforms, mobile hoist, adapted showers, amphibious chairs and crutches, specialised assistance in season) and has a specific area to enjoy with pets all year round; even the dogs have their own shower. If you enjoy contrasts, the old bunkers and the walk towards Punta del Boquerón add a historical and wild touch to the day.

HISTORY AND CULTURE ON EVERY CORNER

In the urban heart of the city, San Fernando Town Hall stands out as the largest municipal building in Andalusia and the third largest in Spain. It is a neoclassical gem with a spectacular imperial marble staircase, historic woodwork and 18th-century ironwork; it is also a key place for understanding the city’s constitutional tradition. Weekly guided tours organised by the Tourist Office allow visitors to appreciate its interior in detail.

Another must-see is the Royal Institute and Observatory of the Navy (1753), one of the oldest observatories in Europe and a leading scientific centre. Spain’s official time has historically been set here, a function now maintained by a bank of atomic clocks that mark UTC-ROA. Guided visits showcase astronomy, geophysics, seismology and a library with more than 30,000 volumes, all housed in a neoclassical building on Torre Alta hill.

Round off the day with the Royal Theatre of the Cortes, the Pantheon of Illustrious Sailors and the Naval Museum, spaces that recount San Fernando’s close ties with the Navy and with Spain’s contemporary history.

FLAVOURS THAT WIN YOU OVER

Gastronomy is enjoyed mainly in the city centre, with restaurants serving fish and seafood from the Bay and traditional recipes. In summer, the experience expands with beach bars right on Camposoto and seasonal offerings by the sea.

The salt flats are an essential part of the landscape and local identity. They can be visited—freely or with a guide—to learn about their history and how they work, and you can taste and buy artisanal salt at source, a delicious way to take home or gift a little piece of the Bay.

SHOPPING AND LEISURE

For shopping enthusiasts, San Fernando offers several options: Bahía Sur Shopping Centre, with shops, dining and unique views over the marshes and the Bay of Cádiz; San Fernando Plaza Leisure Centre, ideal for combining shopping and entertainment; and the Open Shopping Area, which runs through the main streets of the historic centre with traditional shops. A perfect way to round off your experience after days of culture and/or beach time.

SAN FERNANDO, BIRTHPLACE OF CAMARÓN: FLAMENCO WITH SOUL

San Fernando is the city where Camarón de la Isla was born, and flamenco holds a special place here. This year the “Year of Camarón” is being celebrated with activities, routes and events; and in summer, 42 days of flamenco fill the city with concerts, exhibitions and masterclasses. It is the perfect opportunity to feel the spirit and discover the key places on the route dedicated to this legend of song.

Article provided by the San Fernando Tourist Information Office