An Atlantic hideaway shaped by nature, legend, and the royal Orleans-Borbón family
For some lucky travellers, Costa Ballena is a well-kept secret. A peaceful, beautifully designed resort on the Atlantic coast of Cádiz province, it offers far more than just sun and sand. With over 400 hectares of landscaped grounds, this exclusive destination — shared between the municipalities of Rota and Chipiona — is one of the most thoughtfully developed coastal resorts in all of Andalusia.
A Resort in Harmony with Nature
From its inception, Costa Ballena was designed with environmental sensitivity in mind. Urban planning here was no accident: the height of the buildings was carefully controlled, large green spaces were integrated throughout the development, and sustainable features like a water recycling system for irrigation and an extensive network of cycle paths were built into the layout. There’s even a public-access lake in the northern part of the resort, home to a variety of bird species, making it a favourite spot for nature lovers and quiet afternoon walks.
The resort’s beachfront stretches along 2.3 kilometres of semi-wild coastline, from the Arroyo de la Ballena stream to the northern boundary of Rota’s municipal district. The beaches here are known for their soft golden sand and calm Atlantic waters, ideal for those looking to unwind in a more natural, uncrowded setting.
A Vision Born in the 1980s
Costa Ballena’s development took root in 1985, when the Andalusian government launched an ambitious tourism programme to revitalise the coastline between the Bay of Cádiz and the Guadalquivir River. The plan called for a high-quality tourism project on a stretch of land known locally as La Ballena, nestled between the towns of Rota and Chipiona.
Until then, the area had been primarily agricultural, owned largely by the Orleans-Borbón family and known among local farmers as El Cortijo de la Ballena — a patchwork of fields growing beets, wheat, and sunflowers. Over time, these lands were transformed into a model of sustainable tourism in harmony with nature.
Where the Name Comes From
The name “Costa Ballena,” or “Whale Coast,” comes with a story passed down through generations. Legend has it that one April morning, fishermen off the coast of Rota saw the powerful spout of a whale breaking the ocean’s surface. According to local lore, the whale had crossed the seven seas in search of its final sanctuary — and found it here, along this golden stretch of sand. Exhausted, the great creature passed away on the beach that would later bear its name.
Years later, when the resort project was launched, the developers chose to honour the legend by naming the complex Costa Ballena — a dreamy destination with a name rooted in local storytelling.
Today’s Costa Ballena
Modern-day Costa Ballena is a haven for families, golfers, and holidaymakers looking for a blend of comfort, calm, and connection with the sea. Visitors stroll along the wooden boardwalks that line the dunes, cycle through quiet residential streets, and enjoy a slower pace of life where the rhythm of the waves sets the tone. It’s also one of the most cosmopolitan areas in Cádiz, welcoming visitors from across Europe who return year after year for its unique atmosphere.
Whether you come for a weekend getaway or a long-stay holiday, Costa Ballena offers more than a place to stay — it invites you into a lifestyle shaped by nature, tradition, and a touch of legend.