The Cities, Towns and Villages of Cádiz

Exploring Cádiz’s White Villages by Car. Zahara de la Sierra.

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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Discovering Benaocaz: A Hidden Gem in the Sierra de Cádiz

Discovering Benaocaz: A Hidden Gem in the Sierra de Cádiz

Benaocaz is a picturesque village located in the north-west of Cádiz province, south of the Tavizna River. It is part of the famous Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos (Route of the White Villages).

Benaocaz borders Grazalema to the north, Ubrique to the south, Villaluenga del Rosario to the east, and El Bosque to the west. The village is entirely within the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema (Grazalema Natural Park), with the westernmost section also inside Los Alcornocales Natural Park.

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Discovering Arcos de la Frontera: History, Culture, and Natural Beauty

Arcos de la Frontera

Perched atop a dramatic limestone ridge overlooking the Guadalete River, Arcos de la Frontera is one of Andalusia’s most picturesque and historically rich towns. Known as the gateway to the Route of the White Villages, this town offers stunning views, a wealth of historical sites, and a vibrant cultural heritage that has captivated visitors for centuries. In this article, we’ll explore the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and traditional charm that make Arcos de la Frontera a must-visit destination.

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Exploring Cádiz’s White Villages by Car

Exploring Cádiz’s White Villages by Car. Grazalema

For those staying in Cádiz city with a hire car, a scenic adventure awaits in the Pueblos Blancos. Discover the captivating network of picturesque towns straddling the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. These “White Villages” seem to climb into the mountains, their clusters of whitewashed houses creating a striking contrast against the landscape. This timeless region enchants visitors with vibrant flowers, sunlit facades, and dramatic mountain views. Join us as we explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of these unique Andalusian gems.

If you are looking for a hire car to discover the white villages of the Sierra de Cádiz have a look at the Discover Cars website.

The Origins of the Pueblos Blancos: A Tradition of Whitewashed Beauty

The Pueblos Blancos get their name from the ancient custom of whitewashing the façades of their homes. Locals add splashes of colour with bright flower pots, creating a lively contrast against the gold of the sun, the brown mountain slopes, the green hills, and the endless blue skies. This timeless practice not only preserves a unique Andalusian aesthetic but offers visitors a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

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