There is much to see in Conil, but besides beautiful beaches, it is a town that preserves its roots. They say some people prefer the beach while others prefer the mountains. I’m not sure if this is entirely true, but if I had to guess, I would say the beach lovers win by far.

Every summer, the coast of Spain fills with colorful umbrellas and towels. Conil de la Frontera, just a few kilometers from Vejer de la Frontera in the province of Cádiz, is the dream of any beach lover. With 6 different beaches to enjoy under the sun, Conil is not just about the beach; it is one of the most picturesque towns on the Costa de la Luz, with places of high ecological and historical value.

What to see in Conil de la Frontera?

Walking through the narrow streets of Conil to enjoy its historic fishing town center is something you cannot miss. White houses, narrow whitewashed streets adorned with bougainvillea, geraniums, and carnations, its patios, and a journey through its history where you can feel its Muslim past.

Conil preserves the typical Andalusian architecture of Arab origin where the Temple of Santa Catalina, the Church of Mercy, and the Gothic Guzmán Tower stand out, which was part of the city's defensive complex. Additionally, the town has valuable natural spaces, highlighting the Pinares de Roche and Colorado. It is a typical fishing town, and its gentle hills and golden beaches are an important part of its history.

Church of Santa Catalina

This church is one of Conil’s main Catholic temples, with a mix of Baroque and Renaissance styles.

Guzmán Tower

The Guzmán Tower is an old defensive fortress and one of the most important historical symbols of the town.

Puerta de la Villa

The Puerta de la Villa is the main entrance to the historic center, a symbol of the city’s old walls.

Other places of interest

• Historic center of Conil
• Roche Coves
• Sancha Pérez Winery and Oil Mill

Where to eat in Conil de la Frontera?

Complementing the beaches and natural spaces, Conil’s gastronomy has grown a lot, both in quantity and quality, and eating in Conil is now another of its attractions, not only in summer. Its fields and coasts produce the most prized products of the province. From the garden, artichokes during Lent, large red tomatoes in summer; and from the sea, fish like bocinegros, urtas, octopuses... a wide catalog that pairs perfectly with fresh garden products.

To start the day… a good breakfast

To enjoy Conil in all its splendor, you must start the day with energy. At Chiringuito El Roqueo you can have a good breakfast by the sea, where the morning breeze makes you start the day with a good taste.

If you prefer a more traditional breakfast with country bread and spread lard, a visit to Venta El Colorado is a must, where you will start the day full of energy.

For lunch

To continue the day with a full stomach, Conil offers visitors and locals many places to rest and recharge. The Conil market is small but stocked, with fish stalls and a wide presence of local species. Bocinegro, urta, snapper, and croaker are must-try fish you should not miss.

In June, Conil celebrates the Tuna Week, organized by the Town Hall, with about thirty establishments offering a special menu dedicated to this fish caught in the local almadrabas. Besides tuna, bocinegro, a lesser-known fish but considered the connoisseur’s favorite of the sea, is one of the star products. From Conil, its pieces travel to half of Europe, and those that stay can be enjoyed by the beach.

Restaurants like La Fontanilla or the dreamy terrace at Venta Cabo Roche are ideal places to try these fish.

In town

In the town itself is the restaurant Blanco y Verde, known for its retinta beef grilled and hearty stews. If available, don’t miss trying the tuna in tomato sauce.

On the outskirts, El Roqueo offers an impressive balcony overlooking the sea where tuna shines expertly, whether in lard or accompanied by a delicious squid ink sauce.

And to finish… the star dessert

In Conil, it’s called trasplante, a name that according to legend comes from the three layers of sponge cake the sweet originally had. Now it has two, covered with coconut and separated by a smooth cream. Trasplantes are also known as Media Luna.