Costa Ballena in Costa de la Luz, Cadiz, is one of the most advanced tourist centres throughout the whole of Europe. The unspoilt beaches are one of the main tourist attractions in Costa Ballena, which has three quarters of its territory undeveloped, with parks, golf courses and other recreational green areas.
The construction of the complex in Costa Ballena in Rota was environmentally oriented. You’ll find hotels, swimming pools, areas for horse riding or practising water sports, internet connection, trekking and tennis courts amongst other entertainments.
Amongst the main attractions in Costa Ballena are its beaches, the golf courses, its gastronomy and of course its climate, mild all year round and a tad cooler than the climate on the Costa del Sol.
Considered by many the best beaches in Spain, in Costa Ballena, as we previously mentioned, its beaches are one of the main tourist attractions. The natural beaches you’ll find don’t have services such as toilets or showers, but have a special charm as they are surrounded by dunes or pine trees and are very quiet, with white sand and transparent waters.
The practice of surfing and scuba-diving is common in Costa Ballena.
Costa Ballena is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, offering a variety of courses that cater to both beginners and seasoned players. Whether you are looking to practice your swing, learn the basics, or simply enjoy a round of golf with stunning views, Costa Ballena has something for everyone. The golf courses in this area are known for their beautiful landscapes, well-maintained greens, and challenging layouts that provide an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
The courses are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, featuring lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that add to the challenge and beauty of the game. Golfers can enjoy the mild climate and gentle sea breezes while playing, making it an ideal destination for golf all year round.
The gastronomy in Cádiz is renowned for its seafood and fish, and Costa Ballena offers a wide variety of restaurants where you can try the typical dishes of Cádiz. Some of the recommended restaurants are:
The gastronomy in Cádiz is renowned for its seafood and fish, and Costa Ballena is no exception. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of traditional Andalusian dishes that highlight the region's rich culinary heritage. The local cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, often sourced directly from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
One of the most popular dishes in Costa Ballena is "pescaíto frito," a selection of small fried fish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Another favourite is "tortillitas de camarones," which are small shrimp fritters made with chickpea flour and parsley. For those who enjoy seafood, "gambas al ajillo" (garlic prawns) and "atún encebollado" (tuna with onions) are must-tries.
In addition to seafood, Costa Ballena offers a variety of other traditional dishes. "Salmorejo," a thick, creamy tomato soup garnished with hard-boiled eggs and ham, is a refreshing option, especially during the warmer months. "Rabo de toro" (oxtail stew) and "chicharrones" (fried pork belly) are also popular choices that showcase the region's diverse culinary influences.
For dessert, visitors can indulge in "tocino de cielo," a rich, caramel-flavoured custard, or "pestiños," sweet fritters coated in honey or sugar. These traditional sweets are the perfect way to end a meal in Costa Ballena.
Rota has a well-developed network of roads that makes it easy to reach from Málaga. To get to Costa Ballena, you can follow these directions:
If you are driving, head towards Algeciras on the A-7 motorway. From Algeciras, take the A-381 towards Jerez de la Frontera, passing through the Natural Park of Los Alcornocales. Continue on the A-4 towards Cádiz and then take the exit towards the Puerto de Santa María. Follow the signs to Rota and then to Costa Ballena.
Alternatively, you can take a train from Malaga María Zambrano station to Puerto de Santa María, with transfers in Cordoba and Sevilla. From Puerto de Santa María, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Costa Ballena. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes.
For those who prefer to travel by bus, there are direct buses from Malaga to Cadiz. From Cadiz, you can take another bus to Rota and then to Costa Ballena. The total journey by bus takes around 6 hours and 41 minutes.
The most comfortable option is driving your own vehicle, so you can consider a car hire in Malaga.