La Redonda

Chipiona :
CHIPIONA.- Sitting on the coast in the far west of the province of Cádiz, the pretty town of Chipiona lies at the mouth of the Guadalquivir river, only 52km from the city of Cádiz itself, Chipiona dates back to Roman times and currently has around 18,000 inhabitants. In the 19th century, the town was a remote seafaring spa and today it has become a popular resort for Spanish tourists.
THE LIGHTHOUSE.- The name of the town is derived from the old “Chipiona” Lighthouse, which is the oldest and most notable monument in Chipiona. The lighthouse is situated at Punta del Perro at the mouth of the river Gadalquivir. It was built to warn ships away from the large rock, Piedra de Salmedina. Despite the lighthouse´s presence, this rock has been responsible for many wrecks over the years. Visitors can tour the 69 metre high lighthouse and climb the 344 steps leading to the very top of the lighthouse. It is the tallest in Spain and remarkably, the third tallest in the world. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of up to 25 miles of the entire area, which are truly magnificent. They include sea views and other sights such as the cloister of the Sanctuary, the Cuzmán el Bueno Castle and the parish church, as well as the typical fish traps, for which the area is so famous.
BEACHES.- Chipiona boasts some beautiful beaches, frequented by many people living in and around Seville. However, due government funding, the area is gradually opening up to international tourism. The most famous beaches are Playa de la Regla and Playa del Camaron to the east of Chipiona. Here you can escape the crowds and experience a typical Spanish seaside town. The coast stretches over some seven miles and has many other superb beaches, eg. Playa de la Cruz, Playa de la Canteras, Playa De Regla, Playa Tres Piedras and Playa Ballena. They have beautiful fine white sand, which have been awarded the European blue flag of approval since 1989. The port at Chipiona is located in the west of the town and has moorings for hire as well as a sailing school.
MONUMENTS.- Being a seafaring town, the monuments are mostly found close to the beaches. In addition to the lighthouse, already mentioned above, they include:
THE MONASTERY OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE REGLA.- Once a fortress belonging to the Ponce de León family and over the centuries, it was turned into a monastery for different orders over the years. In 1251
CHIPIONA CASTLE.- Chipiona was re-conquested by King Fernando III who built the castle in 1295. Today the castle is a monastery which is open to visitors.
NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA O PARISH.- A 16th century building but rebuilt in the 18th century. It is mainly Renaissance with Gothic sculptures and inside are many important pieces of art. Older locals come here to for the spa waters in the church fountain
LA CRUZ DEL MAR.- This is an iron sculpture of a cross on a stone base, located on the sea promenade at the end of Calle Isaac Peral. It commemorates a terrifying earthquake that centred on Portugal in 1755, and touched Chipiona by sea, however it caused little damage. The monument was rebuilt in 1878 and renovated in 1910.
FISHING.- Is the oldest trade in Chipiona from which the population has been making a living over the centuries. Fishing in Chipiona is famous for its high quality and its traditional techniques, as is that of neighbouring town, Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Chipiona is characterized by the Chipiona fish traps, expertly built stone walls that begin at the coast and become higher as they stretch out to sea. The fish are trapped here by the tide. Locals use this traditional fishing technique, making use of low these low lying stretches of irregular red sandstone.
GOLF.- One of the most popular pass times today in Andalucia is golf and the 18 hole, par 72, course at the Costa Ballena Club, designed by Maria Olazabel, attracts many enthusiasts.
WATER SPORTS.- Such as surfing, sailing, kite surfing and windsurfing are also popular activities in the area and the waves and large stretches of beach are ideal.
FESTIVALS – CHIPIONA CARNIVAL.- plays a large part of Chipiona life and dates back to the 1930s. Festivals are always exciting, colourful events where people celebrate night and day. The main carnival takes place mainly during January and February and particularly in the last week of February. Chipiona fills with locals and people from the neighbouring towns of Cádiz and Seville. The carnival is considered to be the best in the area and boasts a magnificent cavalcade with colourful costumes that takes place in the old town. It is a traditional affair taking place in late February, with many gastonomic attractions, which in themselves are a good reason to attend the carnival.
Chipiona was hardly touched by the famous Lisbon earthquake of 1755 and the town celebrated this fact with parades through the town. This tradition is continued to this day on the 1st November, every year.
On the first Sunday of June, the Romería del Pinar is celebrated in the Pinar de la Villa.
In July the procession of the Virgen del Carmen is a majestic marine procession through town.
In August the town´s fiesta announces the grape harvest and in September the Vigil of Nuestra Señora de Regla takes place on the beach where music and local wine are the main attractions.
FOOD.- Chipiona is distinguishable from other cities due to its exquisite gastronomy. During the summer, Chipiona boasts numerous bars, cafes, sea food restaurants and leisure attractions around and on the beaches which provide colourful entertainment until the early hours of the morning.