THROUGH IN CONIL...

The municipality of Conil de la Frontera is a delightful traditional white village “Pueblo Blanco” on la Costa de la Luz, situated in Cádiz province, in the southeast of Andalucía and also of Spain. It is a region which enjoys a warm climate and excellent beaches along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.

The sunsets on the beaches of La Fontanilla, Roche or Castilnovo are unforgettable. Currently the local economy is supported by fishing, farming and seasonal tourism.

Potted History

Conil was founded by the Phoenicians in approximately 1200 BC. They established the first Tuna Trapping Techniques and Fisheries which continue to this day. Following the Phoenicians the Carthaginians arrived and then 711 marked the arrival of the Moors. In 1265 the Christians reconquered the municipality, which is when the term “de la Frontera” was added to the town´s title, as it was too for the neighbouring communities of Vejer, Medina and Jerez.

Alfonso Perez Guzman, also known as Guzman the good, was the first to govern the locality at the start of its new epoque. To defend the town from invasions he built the Guzman Tower (“Torre de Guzmán”) that we can still see today next to La Chanca. This was in the 13th century, a golden era for the community.

What to see and do in Conil.

Conil is a small coastal town, with an enviably warm climate. Sun and sand recreational activities, opportunities to practice watersports along with the enjoyment of the surrounding area for other outdoor pursuits are notable attributes.

Sarquo would like to suggest the following routes and destinations not to be missed by holiday-makers visiting Conil. Remember that these activities are orientated towards leisure and making the most of the area: the natural surroundings and landscapes, which are conducive to rest, relaxation and reflection above all else.

Historic Centre

As previously mentioned Conil is a “Pueblo Blanco” characterised by small narrow lanes, traditional white houses, patios and alleyways…

You mustn´t miss the Santa Catalina Church, situated beside the Town Hall (“El Ayuntamiento”), nor Constitution Square (“Plaza de la Constitución), or the Main Square (“Plaza de España”), the Town Archway (“Arco de la Villa”), the Misericordia Chapel (“Capilla de Misericordía”) as well as areas of local interest.

The most typical districts are: The Friars´Garden (“La Huerta de los Frailes”) and “El Barrio de los pescadores”.

“La Chanca”, Santa Catalina Church (“La Iglesia de Santa Catalina”) and Guzman Tower (“Torre de Guzmán”)

In the sixteenth century La Chanca was built as a plant for the preparation of salted tuna and as storage for the boats and fishing equipment. It was surrounded by a wall which adjoined the town walls of Conil and so, along with the Santa Catalina Church and Guzman Tower, the urban plan of the town was defined. The interior housed the spaces and halls used by the tuna vessels: storage of nets and apparel, salt store, carpenter´s workshop and store-room, a large yard used to not only to accommodate the tuna brought from the beach, but also the boats. In April 2013 the site was re-opened for restoration and rehabiltation. It has assumed the function of a new public space which contains, amongst other services: an Almadraba Museum, Multi-purpose zones, a Public Library and Historical Archive.

Seafront Promenade (“Paseo Maritimo”)

Starting from Los Bateles beach, running parallel with the sea, it is flanked by numerous bars and restaurants. In the summer it accommodates a street market with art and craft stalls.

Fishing Port (“Puerto Pesquero”) and Roche Lighthouse (“Faro de Roche”).

Inside the fishing port is the fish market at the foot of the ancient Roche Tower (“Torre de Roche”), now used as a lighthouse. The fishing port consists of small family-owned boats. At the Conil Food Market, in the Bodega area, near the town centre, you can find fresh fish and seafood caught locally.

The beaches

All the beaches are renowned for their fine white sand.

Castilnovo Beach

Situated at the most southern point, we have the Castilnovo beach which leads out towards the beach at El Palmar (Vejer). There you can see the distinctive Castilnovo Tower which gives the beach it´s name, as well as enjoying a panoramic view of the town of Conil and its surrounding beaches.

Bateles and Chorrillo Beaches

Continuing along the coast we come to the Bateles and Chorrillo Beaches, the mouth of the Río Salado (Salado River) separates the Castilnovo Beach from these beaches; the town appears before you as you continue along the coast towards the Seafront Promenade.

Fontanilla and Roqueo Beaches

Without doubt the most famous stretch of beach in Conil, in former times the fishing boats would come ashore on these beaches and offload their catch. Sunset at the Fontanilla Restaurant in summer is unforgettable.

Fuente del Gallo and Puntalejos Beaches

Characterized by their cliffs and by the “Tres piedras” (“Three rocks”) that can be seen submerged in the sea at low tide.

Aceite Bay (“Cala de Aceite”)

A beautiful bay situated between Puntalejos and the Fishing Port.

Roche Bays (“Calas de Roche”) and the Cliffs (“Acantilados”) behind

Initiating from the Faro lighthouse (“Faro de Roche”) and leading as far as the Roche residential area you come across a series of spectacular cliffs and many small rocky coves, some of which are inaccesible. We recommend that you explore the area on foot or by bicycle using the designated pathways.

Fuguillas and La Barrosa Beaches

In front of the chalets in the Roche residential area is the Fuguillas Beach which continues on until merging with La Barrosa Beach. There you can see the Del Puerco Tower (“Torre del Puerco”).

Important “Fiestas”

St. Sebastian Pilgrimage (“Romería San Sebastián”)

Commemorated on the Sunday closest to the 20th January, it´s a popular “fiesta” where the patron saint, St. Sebastian, is carried from the town to the pine forest of El Colorado.

The Saint´s wagon is accompanied by a band of musicians and a train of carts decorated with flowers and lanterns, whilst the pilgrims sing flamenco-style folk songs (“sevillanas”), drink and eat traditional fare.

Carnival

Celebrated in February, it´s an occasion for dressing up, parading through the streets and singing in Carnival ensembles- all shyness is lost in the process!

Holy Week/Easter (“Semana Santa”)

Celebrated at the end of March or in April, the street processions take place on Palm Sunday, Easter Wednesday and Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

El Colorado Fair

The fair takes place in the borough of El Colorado in the first week of June, With the highlight of “Women´s Day” on the Friday.

“Fiesta” in honour of the Patron Saint of Sailors “Ntra. Sra. del Carmen”

Celebrated on the 16th July. In the morning the effigy of the “Virgen” sets sail from the fishing port accompanied out to sea by a convoy of boats prettily adorned with banners for the occasion. In the evening she is led through the streets in procession from her chapel Espiritu Santo.

Fair in honour of the Patron saint of Conil (“Ntra. Sra.De las virtudes”)

Celebrated on the 8th September, a pleasant evening celebration, involving the effigy of the” Ntra. Sra.De las virtudes” in procession preceded by those officially designated with the roles of ladies and queen for the occasion.