The quaint coastal town in the province of Cadiz has copied the “happiest town” of Spain in 2025. Chipiona surpasses dozens of other delightful towns in Spain and has earned a top spot, with the report highlighting “the philosophy of people, climate and philosophy.”
This achievement has risen significantly since it ranked third since last year, and is firmly seen on the national map, making this modest town famous for its vast sandy beaches and Spain's tallest traditional lighthouse.
The study, conducted by Yougov on behalf of sugar producer Azucarera, titled Los Pueblos Mas Felices de España, surveyed over 2,000 Spanish adults in two stages to determine which towns are most associated with joy, quality of life and happiness. In the first stage, participants were asked to name towns that were considered “happy,” but in the second stage they asked to evaluate these towns.
Chipiona's victory went ahead of more famous destinations such as Ronda and Nerja in Malaga, taking second and third place respectively.
Both were praised for their natural beauty and friendly locals. In fact, Andalusia ruled the top 10, featuring seven towns, strengthening the region's reputation for sunlight and sociability. Other high-ranking towns include Zahara de los Atones and Tarifa, both in Cadiz, along with Benalmadena and Mojakar.
Peniscola, the town of Valencia, was the only non-adalucian destination to reach the five happiest places in Spain. The study revealed that natural environment, beauty and climate are the most relevant factors for well-being across the country.
Interestingly, there was a clear geographical disparity. Southern beach towns like Chipiona were praised for the sunlight, but the northern location received high marks for nature and food.
Chipiona is located near the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, surrounded by mud plains and sand dunes. Therefore, tourism and fishing are the main economic activities and boasts stunning beaches.
The village's history can be traced back to the construction of the old Roman tower, becoming a famous lighthouse in 1867, the tallest in Spain, the third in Europe and the fifth in the world. Aside from the beach, Chipiona also offers other attractions such as the Monastery of Regra and the Nuestra Senora de la o' Church.
Among its natural tourist resources is Los Collares. The semicircular walls made of stone, clusters of oysters and shellfish stand almost half a half high and just a few meters from the sea. This strange fishing technique is still used in Chipiona today.
The now-at-risk native species, Elcamaleon, is endemic to the town and its surrounding areas, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts. The town, known by Avieno in tribute to Turdulans' victorious leader, Jerion, the town dates back to 140 BC. The Romans built a lighthouse known as Corpionis Tulis to prevent ships from running along the way towards the river Guadalquivir.
This landmark became the foundation of a settlement that later evolved into Chipiona.
After a period of Muslim occupation, the town was reclaimed by Ferdinand III and eventually fell under the control of the houses of Alonso Perez do Guzman and Arcos in the 14th century. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake caused serious damage to the town.
In the 19th century, inspired by the Duke and Duchess of Montpensia, Andalusian nobles began to visit the town frequently during the summer. Today it serves as a popular tourist resort and boasts long sandy beaches.
