The Andalusian village where chef José Andrés has bought a house and where celebrities spend their summers
Imagine arriving at a village where time seems to slow down, the sea gifts you the freshest air, and the houses have history and charm. Zahara de los Atunes, on the Costa de la Luz, is not just any place to buy a house.
Chef José Andrés knows this well. This Andalusian village in the province of Cádiz has caught the attention of personalities looking for a place to disconnect and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Zahara de los Atunes: a charming coastal corner
How to get there and what to visit
Zahara de los Atunes is located just over 130 km from the city of Cádiz, accessible by car via the N-340 road. From Tarragona, the trip is long but perfect for a long weekend or a more relaxed getaway. It is also possible to get there by train to Algeciras and then take a local bus to the village.
In addition to its fine sandy beaches – like the well-known Playa de los Alemanes and Playa de Atlanterra – the area offers nearby natural sites such as the Estrecho natural park and a hiking route along the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. For the more curious, the city of Algeciras, with its vibrant cultural offerings and local markets, is only 20 minutes away by car.
Local gastronomy and unique experiences
The star of the local gastronomy is the Almadrava bluefin tuna, a culinary jewel prepared in traditional but also innovative ways. The Tuna Route is an essential event to taste everything from tataki to more creative dishes using this fish. This year 2026, it is held from May 12 to 17, so there’s still time to enjoy the village, a good dish made with bluefin tuna and... to see if you can run into the great chef José Andrés and have him share one of his spectacular recipes. Oh! And if you don’t have time to go this year, we recommend the Route Games, to keep you entertained while whetting your appetite for some of these Cádiz tapas.
For dining, we recommend family-run establishments and restaurants with sea views, where you can savor not only tuna but also fresh seafood and typical Andalusian dishes. Additionally, the village offers accommodations ranging from charming small hotels to rural houses for rent, ideal for a peaceful stay.
Famous people who have chosen Zahara de los Atunes
José Andrés and his personal connection with the area
Chef José Andrés has not only bought a house in Zahara de los Atunes but also maintains a deep connection with the place. With memories of his youth in San Fernando and family ties to Algeciras, he himself highlights that waking up every morning and smelling the fresh sea air is a luxury that money cannot buy.
His decision confirms the village's appeal for people seeking a slower, nature-connected life but without giving up the quality and culinary culture that only a place like this can offer.
Other celebrities and the village atmosphere
Zahara attracts more than just the chef; figures like Rosario Flores, Dani Martín, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, and El Gran Wyoming have chosen this place to enjoy vacations. What stands out is the village’s peaceful and authentic character, far removed from the mass tourism found in other coastal destinations.
This mix of serenity and the presence of some well-known faces creates a special atmosphere that makes both visitors and residents feel at ease.
From the YouTube channel "Un sentit Spain," we get a guided tour of the town and a bit of its history. A must-watch if you travel through Cádiz or want to spend a few days there.
How to make the most of your visit to Zahara de los Atunes
Outdoor activities and beyond the beach
Besides enjoying the extensive and uncrowded beaches, the village offers hiking routes and birdwatching, thanks to its biodiversity. The mild climate most of the year allows you to explore at your own pace.
Nearby towns like Barbate and Tarifa can also be visited, offering a variety of culture, water sports, and gastronomy. Tarifa, for example, is known for its strong winds and is a paradise for lovers of kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Where to eat and stay
For food lovers, there is no better plan than to indulge in the tapas offered by local restaurants during the Tuna Route, or to try local dishes at restaurants recommended by locals, which tend to offer the best quality and more reasonable prices than the catchier tourist spots.
As for accommodation, Zahara offers options for every taste: from small boutique hotels to rural houses for vacation rental, perfect for enjoying an intimate and authentic stay with views of the sea or the surrounding fields. Pick and choose the best places to stay in Zahara on this website and hurry if you want to experience the Tuna Route event.
The truth is that Zahara de los Atunes is a well-kept secret on the Costa de la Luz, where nature, culture, and gastronomy come together to offer an unforgettable experience. If José Andrés and other celebrities have decided to make their home here, there must be a reason, right?
