Santa Maria Del Mar
Andalusia, Spain — Excellent water quality
Santa María del Mar is an urban beach with three pedestrian access points along Avenida Fernández Ladreda. Public transport connects directly to the beach.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Santa Maria Del Mar
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Santa Maria Del Mar?
Santa María del Mar is an urban beach with three pedestrian access points along Avenida Fernández Ladreda. Public transport connects directly to the beach.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Andalusia, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Spain certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Santa Maria Del Mar faces W toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Feb | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 12°C | Med |
| Apr | 16°C | 13°C | High |
| May | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Jun | 23°C | 20°C | High |
| Jul | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Aug | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Santa Maria Del Mar is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 25.2°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 22.2°C in July.
How crowded does Santa Maria Del Mar get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Spain, Santa Maria Del Mar sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Santa Maria Del Mar open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (29-03 – 30-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Santa Maria Del Mar
Is Santa Maria Del Mar safe to swim?Santa Maria Del Mar is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Santa Maria Del Mar?Peak water temperature at Santa Maria Del Mar reaches around <span class="inline-stat">22.2°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.8°C.
What is the beach like at Santa Maria Del Mar?Santa Maria Del Mar is a sandy beach on the Andalusia coast of Spain. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Santa Maria Del Mar have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Santa Maria Del Mar meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Parking is available nearby.
Santa Maria Del Mar sits on the Atlantic Ocean — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Planning a trip to Spain? Blue Flag Beaches Spain 2026 — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Santa Maria Del Mar
How do I get to Santa Maria Del Mar by car?Santa Maria Del Mar is approximately 0.84 km from Cádiz. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Santa Maria Del Mar?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 159.7 km away.
Can I get to Santa Maria Del Mar by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Cádiz.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 29-03 – 30-09 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.5231°N, 6.2886°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Spain |
Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Maria Del Mar FAQ
Is Santa Maria Del Mar suitable for children?
Santa Maria Del Mar is a Blue Flag certified beach in Andalusia, Spain. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season, providing an important safety layer for families. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Santa Maria Del Mar free to access?
Yes, access to Santa Maria Del Mar is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Parking is available nearby; check local signs for any parking charges. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Santa Maria Del Mar?
The best time to visit Santa Maria Del Mar is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 22.2°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 25.2°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Santa Maria Del Mar?
Santa Maria Del Mar is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Santa Maria Del Mar?
Santa Maria Del Mar is located in Andalusia, Spain. It is approximately 0.84 km from Cádiz. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 159.7 km away. Parking is available at or near the beach. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
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