Costa Ballena holidays

Holidays to Costa Ballena treat you to a cocktail of tucked-away beaches, sprawling golf courses and seafood dishes.

Blue Flag beaches

That familiar feeling of the sand between your toes is never too far away in Costa Ballena. In fact, many people consider this spot in the southwest of Spain to have some of the country’s best sandy swathes. The bays here are often backed by dunes and pine trees, with water as clear as gin and soft sands to relax on. One of the favourites is the Blue Flag-approved Playa de la Ballena. It’s a wide belt of sand, meaning there’s plenty of space to sprawl out. Another nearby beach with Blue Flag status is La Costilla – it’s about 15 minutes’ drive down the coastline, and is close to lively bars and restaurants.

A taste of Cadiz

Costa Ballena’s in the province of Cadiz – a place known for cathedrals, beaches and natural parks buzzing with wildlife. Another thing this area’s famous for is its top-tier seafood. If you’re a fan of fish dishes, you'll have plenty to sink your teeth into, from grilled squid and tuna steaks to tasty shrimp tortillas. When you wander along the seafront, you’ll find clusters of stylish beach clubs, bars and restaurants, so you can have a taste of the local catch with front-row views out to sea.

Days out and about

When you holiday in Costa Ballena, you’re in the heart of Cadiz, with lots of countryside villages and seaside towns at your fingertips. Jerez de la Frontera’s a picturesque city with plenty of history to dive into – as you’re wandering the streets, you’ll lose count of the monuments and cathedrals that line them. This place is also famous for its wines and sherries, as well as being known as the home of flamenco dancing, so catching a show on your visit is a must. It’s around 35 minutes’ drive inland from Costa Ballena, so daytrips are a doddle.

A walk in the park

This part of Spain’s got plenty of green space, and one of our favourite nearby grassy spots is Parque de los Lagos. Birdwatchers will be in their element here – you can spot shedloads of species, from grey herons and kingfishers to white-headed ducks and parakeets. The park’s got two large lakes that’re connected by a channel, and there are walking trails to guide you around the water. There are plenty of open areas great for picnicking, and at some points, you get views out to sea, too.