All posts by Clive Muir

I've been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don't pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!

The Cities, Towns and Villages of Cádiz

The Province of Cádiz is divided into 6 comarcas (regions) that include a total of 44 municipalities, with the famous city of Cádiz as its capital. Other important cities in the province include Jerez de la Frontera and Algeciras.

Population of Cádiz

The population of Cádiz Province is approximately 1,255,164 inhabitants. Of these, around 600,000 live in the metropolitan area of the Bay of Cádiz, which includes Cádiz city and nearby towns like Chiclana, El Puerto de Santa María, Puerto Real, and San Fernando. This makes Cádiz one of the most densely populated areas within Andalusia.

The province spans an area of 7,435.85 km², with a population density of 158.80 inhabitants per km². Cádiz shares borders to the north with the provinces of Seville and Huelva, to the east with Málaga, to the southwest with the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast with the Mediterranean Sea, and to the south with the Strait of Gibraltar and the British territory of Gibraltar.

Coasts and mountains

The municipalities of Cádiz can be broadly divided based on their location within the province, highlighting a variety of coastal towns known for their pristine beaches—many of which remain untouched—and inland municipalities renowned for their cultural richness and vast green landscapes.

Among the coastal towns, notable ones include Conil de la Frontera, Vejer de la Frontera with its well-known hamlet of El Palmar, Barbate with Zahara de los Atunes, and Tarifa with the beach area of Bolonia.

Discover the Best (and Worst) of Cádiz: Tips for an Unforgettable Trip. People on Caleta beach in Cádiz
Caleta beach in the city of Cádiz.

For the inland towns, those bordering the Los Alcornocales Natural Park stand out. Alcalá de los Gazules, known as the western gateway to the park, and Jimena de la Frontera, known as the eastern gateway, are especially notable.

Further north in the province are the famous white towns (pueblos blancos), named for their whitewashed houses. Here, within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, we find remarkable villages like El Bosque, Zahara de la Sierra, Villaluenga del Rosario and Grazalema itself.

Exploring Cádiz’s White Villages by Car. Grazalema
Grazalema, one of the most famous and beautiful villages in the province of Cádiz.
From A to Z: The cities, towns and villages of Cádiz

Here are all the cities, towns and villages in the province of Cádiz (in alphabetical order.) Just click the links to find out more in depth information about each place.

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El Puerto de Santa María: A Guide to History, Culture, and Gastronomy

Nestled along the banks of the Río Guadalete in the bay of Cádiz, El Puerto de Santa María (known as “the City of a Hundred Palaces”) boasts a rich history, cultural heritage, and beautiful natural surroundings.

This charming coastal town is famous for its wineries, historic monuments, and golden beaches, drawing visitors eager to explore both its ancient past and modern-day delights. With a Mediterranean climate and an average temperature of 20°C, it’s a year-round destination for history buffs, foodies, and sun-seekers alike.

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El Gastor: Exploring the “Balcony” of Cádiz’s White Villages

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra de Cádiz, El Gastor is a picturesque village located 131 kilometres from Cádiz, the provincial capital. Known as El Balcon de los Pueblos Blancos (The Balcony of the White Villages), it offers breathtaking views from El Algarín Mountain and Las Grajas Peak, the two highest summits in its municipal area. The village combines stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant traditions, making it a popular place for travellers exploring the province of Cádiz and western Andalucia.

Getting to El Gastor

El Gastor is easily accessible via the A-384 road that connects Arcos de la Frontera with Villamartín and Algodonales. From there, take the A-374 and then the N-342 to reach the village. Its convenient location also makes it an ideal base for exploring Andalusia.

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El Bosque: A Historical and Natural Jewel in the Sierra de Cádiz

El Bosque, located in the northwest of Cádiz province, sits gracefully on the banks of the Majaceite River within the Sierra de Albarracín. A key stop along the Route of the White Villages (Pueblos Blancos), it borders picturesque towns such as Prado del Rey, Ubrique, Grazalema, Benaocaz, and Arcos de la Frontera.

El Bosque in the Sierra de Cádiz
The town has long been associated with tourism, with its popularity increasing in 1984 when the central offices of the newly declared Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park were established here. El Bosque: A Historical and Natural Jewel in the Sierra de Cádiz
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Exploring Conil: Beaches, Gastronomy, and Culture on the Costa de la Luz

Conil de la Frontera, commonly known just as “Conil”, is a seaside town located 43 kilometres from the city of Cádiz. At an altitude of 41 metres, this coastal town lies on a plain in the southwestern corner of the province. Conil enjoys an enviable location along the Atlantic Ocean and forms part of the “Comarca de La Janda”.

Conil de la Frontera sunset
Exploring Conil: Beaches, Gastronomy, and Culture on the Costa de la Luz. Sunset in Conil de la Frontera.
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