Overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, Zahara de las Atunes is a fashionable village on Spain’s Costa de la Luz. It’s renowned for its beautiful beaches and live music traditions, which can be experienced at its “chiringuitos” beach bars.

Rent a sun lounger from one of the bars on Playa del Cabo de la Plata, a dune-backed beach that stretches along the entire length of Zahara de las Atunes. Just offshore lie the sunken remains of the El Vapor steamship, which is clearly visible at low tide. On the northern side of the Cachon River lies Playa del Retin, a more remote beach popular with naturists.

Don’t miss a visit to the charming Mercado de Abastos, where you can buy freshly caught fish, fruit and vegetables. Eclectic boutiques selling boho-style fashions cluster in the heart of Zahara de las Atunes and there are several ceramic studios showcasing locally-made pottery.

Getting there

Zahara de las Atunes is around 1.5 hour’s drive from Cadiz and 2.5 hours from Malaga. Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is just over two hours away. Buses travel to Zahara de las Atunes while having your own vehicle gives you greater freedom to explore.