San Fernando

San Fernando sits on a peninsula in the Bay of Cádiz and connects to the mainland through the Zuazo bridge. The town spreads between salt marshes and shallow coastal areas that appear at low tide.

The town received its name in 1813 to honor King Ferdinand VII after remaining a stronghold of resistance during the Napoleonic occupation. Its strategic waterfront location made it an important naval base since the 18th century.

The naval observatory keeps historic telescopes and navigation tools that visitors can see during guided tours. The collection shows practical instruments sailors used over centuries to find their position at sea.

Regional trains run regularly toward Cádiz and other towns around the bay, making it easy for travelers to explore the coastal area. Many sights are within walking distance once you start from the station.

The naval cemetery has held tombs and memorials for officers of the Spanish fleet in a classical building since 1850. Visitors today can walk through the halls and read the inscriptions on the monuments, which name ships and dates of sea battles.

Location: Cádiz Province

Capital city: San Fernando City

Elevation above the sea: 8 m

Part of: Mancomunidad de Municipios Bahía de Cádiz, Bay of Cádiz

Shares border with: Cádiz, Chiclana de la Frontera, Puerto Real

Website: http://sanfernando.es

GPS coordinates: 36.46661,-6.20097

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:02