Few of the world’s landscapes pierce the soul, connect with our deepest selves, and nourish our bodies in the way that Cádiz does. It’s the feeling of home. At La Barrosa, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Spain, your senses will be delighted by turquoise blue waters, fine golden sands, and Mediterranean vegetation. This beach, located in Chiclana de la Frontera, has won awards distinguishing it as the best beach in Spain numerous times. It has also earned plenty of acclaim, obtaining the sustainability title of Ecoplaya, the Q quality distinction awarded by the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality, and the Blue Flag award.

La Barrosa also forms an important part of Spanish history. In 1811, it was witness and home to the Spanish troops’ victory over Napoleon’s invading army at the Battle of Chiclana. It’s also located next to the most exclusive gated community in all of Cádiz, Novo Sancti Petri. And, year after year, golf enthusiasts flock to this part of the Costa de la Luz to play their favorite sport at some of the most prestigious clubs and with the best weather in the world. Chiclana de la Frontera’s charming port, beaches, white houses, gastronomy, and atmosphere make it ideal for all ages. Its active nightlife make it perfect for couples and groups of friends, while its numerous daytime activities make it great for families. In other words, Cádiz has it all.

Iberostar Real Novo Sancti Petri, the best golf destination in Cádiz

Do you like to golf? Just around the corner from La Barrosa is the Iberostar Real Novo Sancti Petri golf club, home to a 36-hole course designed by Severiano Ballesteros, with two 18-hole, par-72 courses, and a practice area with over 150 training stalls. There’s a free, continuous shuttle service between the club and the Iberostar Selection Andalucía Playa hotel, which is less than a quarter mile away. What’s more, this five-star hotel gives you direct beach access. Here, you can spoil yourself at the spa, enjoy a cocktail by the pool, savor the famous Andalusian gastronomy, or relax with a stroll through its gardens.

Cataria: from the ocean to the grill

When you think of prestigious Andalusian gastronomy, the first place that comes to mind is Cataria, a restaurant with a breathtaking landscape of its own. Everything at Cataria stems from four essential elements: coal, heat, color, and fire. Located on La Barrosa beachfront, its local, Cádiz-inspired dishes highlight fishing traditions that stem from the transoceanic expeditions of the 16th century: grilling fish caught fresh that same day. You’ll taste history in every bite you take!

Juan Sebastián Elcano, known for being the first person to circumnavigate the world aboard his nao Victoria, said, “Nao Victoria, en el mar del sur, (…) tres sartenes de fierro, e tres asadores e tres parrillas fierro. (...) Aveinte e seis dias del mes de julio, año del señor de mil e quinientos e veinte sei.” With these words, he alludes to the tools used to cook on the high seas. These ancient techniques now form part of Cataria’s way of working, which they consider essential to preparing delicious, seasonal seafood.

At Cataria, you can choose between the tasting menu or seasonal menu. The first is inspired by the marine ecosystem on the Cádiz coast. The second features traditional appetizers and dishes to share, including ortiguilla (fried sea anemone), grilled vegetables from Conil de la Frontera, shrimp from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, or tomato from Conil de la Frontera with spring onion and flower of salt from San Fernando. There’s also fish and seafood by the pound (the most popular choice, without a doubt), served with side dishes. Delicacies served include sea bream, lobster, San Pedro fish, rubberlip, red mullet, and premium beef, among other options. To finish your meal, enjoy restructured traditional desserts such as pan-fried French toast with cream ice cream, caramelized almonds from Málaga, or puff pastry slices with vanilla and cream ice cream from Chiclana.

You can also visit the restaurant’s newly opened beach bar, Sea Soul by Cataria, located on La Barrosa beach. While the Cataria restaurant is located inside the Iberostar Selection Andalucía Playa’s facilities, you can still dine there even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. The restaurant has received a Sol Repsol award, is recommended by the 2023 Michelin Guide, and is run by chefs Aitor Arregi and Pablo Vicari. What could be better than dinner at Cataria with sunset views after a great round of golf? At La Barrosa, seeing the Sancti Petri island popping on the horizon will light up your evening. It all starts and ends here: coal, heat, color and fire.