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Close up of Black Sea stone crab on the beach (vitaliygaydukov (123RF))
From the delicious Iberian Ham, to the serene cherry wine, Spain has different ways of life all across the lands to explore.
With many villages residing in Spain, one in particular was expressed as “one of the most beautiful villages in Spain,” according to a YouTube video from the Familia Leon Travels channel I stumbled upon. This hidden gem is Chipiona.
Chipiona Castle is an ancient fortress located in the municipality of Chipiona, Cádiz, Spain. Over time, it has undergone modifications that have altered its original appearance. (Alfredo Garcia Saz (Adobe Stock))
20 minutes northwest of Rota, Chipiona is located on the far west coast of Cadiz, being more of a coastal area. The village is not only secluded and peaceful; it is also eventful in multiple aspects.
For one, along the beach, the sight of this lighthouse takes your breath away by the sheer sight of it. Chipiona Light is the lighthouse that stands 205 feet of stone, taking you 344 steps surrounded by shell limestone as you climb all the way to the very top. The ranking is tremendously impressive; it is the tallest one in Spain.
We must include the tourist attraction of the Giant Crabs who look as though they are the guardians of the Faro de Chipiona. Being forged from iron, the crabs lay ashore whilst the locals and tourists lay mesmerized by their foundations.
Those who live in the area were ecstatic on June 23, 2024, where “two massive crabs awaited their turn to be lifted by cranes.” Despite the two titans, the prime purpose of their creation is to be a symbol of the village’s fishing culture. As is the love for the traditional values that they uphold.
A combination of breathtaking moments is offered here, and one place for certain to check out is the Castillo de Chipiona. Or rather in English, The Castle of Chipiona. One of Spain’s most historical fortresses, the Castillo has lore that goes back to the late 1200s in the 13th century.
The castle was utilized as not just a castle, it also housed a priest, prisoners as a temporary prison and, ironically, guests when it acted as a hotel. Who would have thought, these occurrences would have taken place all the way up to the 1980s? Fast-forward to 2000, it was restored by the Council of Chipiona to be a staple of the city while conducting a plethora of community-based events.
For back-story, no pun intended, I am a booklover. “The Pilgrimage” by Paulo Coelho, who is best known for his work “The Alchemist,” takes on the powerful task of walking The Road To Santiago.
Although it is more of a religious story, it has this spiritually gritty endeavor that not only this man must go through, but those who walk this very Earth that are up for the challenge. Transitioning to the trip, I noticed that Chipiona is part of this legendary road.
The beginning of the book displays a map of the road, starting from Spain all the way to France, lacking the transportation that would have made the process much smoother. Seeing this sign glorifying the journey outside of a cathedral gave me bliss knowing that, if need be, I have the opportunity to walk the path of a pilgrim.
This village is small, but the history and Chipiona’s spirit is broader in a more humbling way, and it is one that whoever visits, will have the honor and privilege to travel there.
View of the Chipiona lighthouse just after sunset (Nando Lardi (Adobe Stock))
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
