10 Free Things to Do in Chiclana de la Frontera

The freshwater Jeli Lagoon, along with Montellano lagoon, forms a part of the Chiclana Nature Reserve, a protected natural space that is of vital importance to the conservation of various species of native birds. Wear comfortable footwear, grab your backpack and a pair of binoculars and spend the day enjoying nature. As if that weren't enough, near Jeli Lagoon are a number of easy-to-hike footpath routes. As you can see, there is no excuse not to enjoy a perfect day without spending a cent.

Chiclana's weekly markets are the best way to mix with the locals, get to know their customs and witness their daily lives firsthand than by visiting one of the town's weekly markets. The biggest and most popular is 'Los Martes', named after the Spanish word for Tuesday, the day on which it is held. Here you can find anything from second-hand bric-a-brac and antiques to craft produce. The best thing, however, is its lively yet relaxed festive atmosphere. Don't miss a visit to one of Chiclana de la Frontera's markets, and take home a memento at a very reasonable price.

A stroll along the banks of the River Iro is an activity that is not only free but also wholly captivating. Whether on foot or by bicycle, this walk will allow you to get to know Chiclana de la Frontera from another perspective as you stroll along its footpaths, through its groves and by some of the town's most picturesque bars and restaurants. The modest houses on either bank of the river have a particular charm that you're bound to want to photograph along the way. The experience is well worth it.

La Barrosa Beach is considered one of the country's best beaches, and no visit to Chiclana is complete without spending at least one day here. It is the ideal seaside spot whether you are on your own, with your partner, in the company of friends or with the whole family. Along its 5 miles, you will find all manner of services, as well as a good number of beach bars and normal bars at which to quench your thirst and have a bite to eat. Enjoy the sun, sea and sand in the best way possible and make this a perfect vacation.

Surfing is decidedly popular in Chiclana, and the beaches here are deservedly famous on the international surfing scene. Board riders from around the world flock here all year round in search of the perfect wave. Don't think twice – slip on your wetsuit, grab your board and enjoy one of the best parts of Spain to catch a great wave. If you're trying the sport for the first time, there's no better place to learn than Chiclana de la Frontera's beaches.

A picnic on Lavaculos Beach is one of the best things to do for very little money when you're vacationing in Chiclana de la Frontera on a limited budget. This is the quietest, least-known beach on the Chiclana coast, making it the perfect spot for a romantic day by the sea. Grab a beach towel, put a bottle of wine and 2 glasses in your picnic hamper and enjoy the spectacular views with the sound of breaking waves in the background. Pretty hard to beat, right?

Attending a music event organized by Peña Flamenca Chiclanera is one of the most entertaining yet moving free activities you can do during your stay in Chiclana de la Frontera is that of attending a music event organized by Peña Flamenca Chiclanera. No visit to Cádiz is complete without a good hit of flamenco! This tablao, or 'flamenco venue', organizes all kinds of activities related to this style of music, so don't think twice – head over and find out its program during your stay. This a golden opportunity to mix with locals and enjoy the very essence of flamenco with them.

The Pinar de los Franceses footpath is an easy hike that's accessible to all, and the path will take you to a landscape of incomparable beauty. Its name recalls the early 19th-century Peninsular War, when the French situated their defenses here during the Battle of Chiclana. The route passes through pinewoods, salt marshes and reed beds, underlining the fact that Chiclana de la Frontera is much more than just sun, sea and sand.

The San Telmo church is the ideal place to discover Chiclana de la Frontera's architectural delights. Don't leave town without visiting this church, built in the 18th century and characterized by its somber white exterior, which contrasts with the rich ornamentation of its Baroque main altarpiece. As it almost stands on the bank of the River Iro, you can combine your visit with a stroll in this beautiful spot.

Visit the Wine and Salt Interpretation Center to find out all about these elements that have been so important in the history of Chiclana de la Frontera. This fascinating space with modern facilities opened to the public in 2016. It features a permanent exhibition and various temporary exhibitions in 4 rooms dedicated to the sun, the sea, wine and salt, respectively. The Wine and Salt Interpretation Center takes you on a fascinating journey that will help you to better understand the special relationship between the people of Chiclana and the sea, wine and salt.