CHICLANA DE LA FRONTERA

Just south of the Bay of Cadiz, about 6km inland from the coast at Sancti Petri, is the small but bustling town of Chiclana, It is perfectly placed to enjoy the best of this region, 20 minutes from Cadiz, 30 minutes from Jerez, 90 minutes from Seville, and just north of the popular resort of Conil de la Frontera.

But property prices still remain relatively low (although they have seen an increase of up to 30% in the past year), so for foreigners who want to feel as though they are part of a Spanish community, Chiclana is becoming a popular option.

This old town of 50,000 inhabitants is a traditional picture of narrow shopping and residential streets, cafes and church squares, surrounded by the newer parts of town leading to the river. Although a pretty centre, expats tend to buy larger properties on the outskirts, 10 minutes from the town in one direction and beach in the other, in neighbourhoods such as Marquesado, Pago del Humo or Pinos de los Franceses. Villas here cost from 150,000 euros.

Also on the outskirts is the Balneario Fuenteamarga, a popular spa offering treatments which use the therapeutic properties of the local water. Near the spa is Nova Sancti Petri golf course and the beautiful Playa de la Barrosa is just 6km from Chiclana.

Thinking of visiting Chiclana? Then see here for a Chiclana hotel in which to stay.