For a getaway to Chipiona, on the Cádiz coast, there is one thing we ask for: a sunrise overlooking the Atlantic. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of the waves without even having to leave your bed to watch them roll in and out. And yes, that is exactly what happens when you stay at our Sercotel Cruz del Mar.

The name of our hotel is no coincidence either. We want to be your gateway to the town, just as La Cruz del Mar, one of Chipiona’s most popular landmarks, once was. You will find this cross just a few steps from Sercotel Cruz del Mar. It stands on a viewing terrace along the Cruz del Mar promenade, overlooking the beach, and has been there for centuries, although it has naturally undergone changes over the years to ensure its preservation. It was once known as Puerta del Mar, or Gate of the Sea, because this was where the goods traded in Chipiona were brought in and sent out. The cross is there because, in the past, it was customary to place this symbol at the entrances and exits of towns.

Next to it, you will see Chipiona Castle. It is believed to have been built in the 15th century, although it underwent several later alterations. Having served as the parish priest’s home, a prison, a hotel and even a Civil Guard barracks, it is now listed as a Site of Cultural Interest and houses the Cádiz and the New World Interpretation Centre.

Once you have finished exploring, head down to the sand at Cruz del Mar Beach and prepare to enjoy a few hours of ‘dolce far niente’ — the pleasure of doing absolutely nothing. Spend some time soaking up the sunshine, punctuated only by the occasional dip in the sea. Looking out towards the water, you will notice rows of rocks. These are the Chipiona fish weirs, enormous traditional fishing traps that work with the tides. Thought to date back to either Roman or Moorish times, they are still used today.

By now, you will probably be feeling hungry. In Chipiona, the sea takes centre stage. Meagre, sea bream, bluefish, cuttlefish and prawns are served grilled, in traditional seafood stews, fried or marinated. Dishes not to be missed include papas con choco, a potato and cuttlefish stew; skate in paprika sauce; prawn fritters; and fried sea anemones.

Afterwards, wander through the town with a particular destination in mind: the monument to Rocío Jurado. Born in Chipiona and awarded the title of Favourite Daughter of the town, the singer is once again in the spotlight as the 20th anniversary of her death coincides with the release of a documentary and television series about her life. As well as visiting the monument, you can remember her at several other locations around Chipiona, including her mausoleum.

You will be craving more time by the sea. We know. This time, spread out your towel on Regla Beach, at the foot of the Chipiona Lighthouse. At 69 metres tall, it is the highest lighthouse in Spain, an impressive stone structure that you could happily spend hours admiring.

And when you feel — if such a thing is possible — that you have had enough salt on your skin, return to the hotel and head up to our rooftop terrace. The swimming pool at Sercotel Cruz del Mar will be waiting for you. If you began the day watching the sunrise, just wait until you experience the spectacular sunset from up here.

Chipiona is full of attractions, and you will need plenty of energy to experience them all. As much energy as you can gather from our breakfast buffet. At Sercotel Cruz del Mar, we believe in starting the day properly. Expect sweet and savoury options, local produce, freshly ground coffee and juice squeezed to order.

We would begin your second day in town by visiting the building that combines the appearance of a fortress with that of a church, which you may have spotted from Regla Beach the day before. This is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Regla, where you will discover spaces steeped in history. One example is its Mudéjar Courtyard, a 15th-century Gothic-Mudéjar treasure featuring stone slabs from Tarifa and tiles from Triana, which were added in the 17th century when the cloister’s austere appearance was replaced by a more Baroque style.

Returning to the present day, raise a glass of Moscatel, the area’s traditional sweet wine. You can visit one of the local wineries or head to the food market instead. As well as sampling the wine, you can pick up a bottle — or as many as you like — to take home before browsing the market stalls. You will find yourself face to face with fresh fish and seafood, as well as the wide variety of fruit and vegetables grown around Chipiona. When hunger strikes, look out for the stalls where you can sit down and enjoy something to eat.

Let lunch linger until you feel the urge to sink your feet into the sand again. That is when you should make your way to Camarón Beach, a long stretch of sand with a dune system that provides a habitat for birds and reptiles, including chameleons. From the beach, you can also access the coastal greenway, a wooden walkway just over a kilometre long that takes you through a variety of natural landscapes and ecosystems.

The chances are that sunset will catch up with you as you walk. And what a sunset it is: a magnificent spectacle on the edge of the ocean, with shades of orange dancing across the Atlantic before the perfectly round sun disappears beneath the water. We cannot think of a better finale before returning to Sercotel Cruz del Mar and enjoying the peace, relaxation and chance to switch off that you expect from a getaway to Chipiona.