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If you’ve ever visited Chipiona, you probably won’t be too surprised by this news. This cheerful little town on the coast of Cádiz has just been named the happiest place to live in all of Spain.

 

The results come from a nationwide study carried out by YouGov for Azucarera, one of the country’s biggest sugar producers. As part of the research, people across Spain were asked to rate various towns based on things like lifestyle, community spirit and overall sense of wellbeing. Chipiona came out on top, with the study highlighting its “climate, its people, and its philosophy of life.”

 

It’s easy to see the appeal. This coastal town in the northwest of the province has a winning mix of long golden beaches, friendly locals and a laid-back way of life that visitors often fall in love with. Add in its excellent seafood and a beautiful setting, and it is no wonder it made such an impression.

 

Chipiona wasn’t the only town from Cádiz to make the list. Tarifa and Zahara de los Atunes also featured, taking fifth and sixth place. All three were praised for their welcoming vibe, scenic surroundings and that hard-to-define charm that makes them special.

 

But Chipiona really stood out. It’s part of the Network of Magical Towns of Spain, which celebrates places with a certain spark and strong cultural identity. One of its most famous landmarks is the Chipiona Lighthouse, officially the tallest in Spain. At 69 metres high, it offers stunning views over the Atlantic.

 

Another highlight is the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Regla, which sits between two popular beaches and houses the town’s patron saint. Built on the remains of an old fortress, it now belongs to the Franciscan order. Other interesting spots include the Church of Our Lady of O, the Chapel of Christ of Mercy and the old Santa Clara Sanatorium.

 

So if you’re after good vibes and sunshine, Chipiona might just be the place. With its relaxed rhythm of life and that special something in the air, it’s a town that really does seem to make people smile.

 

 

Images: Emilio Sánchez Hernández and francis oviedo/Pexels