Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | After our visit to Seville, we drove the camper to El Puerto de Santa Maria, just north of Cádiz on the Spanish coast. Here we checked into Camping Playa Las Dunas – a well-maintained campsite by the sea.
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The Port of Santa Maria
El Puerto de Santa María is a beautiful Spanish town in the province of Cádiz in Andalusia, located at the mouth of the Guadalete River. The town is known for its long, fine sandy beaches and its rich history with old castles and palaces. The area is also known for the production of both sherry and wine.
Camping Playa Las Dunas
The Playa Las Dunas campsite is a well-maintained and nice campsite with perfectly straight rows and nice green lawns. Nevertheless, we didn't really feel comfortable here. Maybe because it felt a bit impersonal. The staff wanted to look very carefully at our passports, but didn't give us any unnecessary smiles.
Remember that small things can sometimes affect the experience. Otherwise, there are nice service buildings here, and you have everything you need. The beach is close, but it felt mostly like a view of the bridge and industries. Maybe it feels different during high season when the heat is on.
Show passports three times in one day
First time was when we went shopping at the Carrefour supermarket and paid by card. Using a code was not enough, they wanted to see passports as well.
Second time was when we bought new internet SIM cards for our phones in a small phone shop. We also had to write our signatures on a small plate so that they could be digitally compared with the signatures on the passports, which had been photographed and scanned into a computer.
The third time gilt was here at the campsite in El Puerto de Santa Maria. I tried with the regular camping card, but the only thing that worked was ”both passports”. These were of course copied and then we were given small entry cards with our passport photos on them. The whole thing was very well organised, but it also felt a bit controlled.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
There is of course more to see and do near Puerto de Santa Maria. Here you will find more tips.
- Maria Luisa Park in Seville
- Tarifa – Europe's southernmost point
- Alhambra in Granada
- Things to do in Spain – 25 tips
FAQ – frequently asked questions about El Puerto de Santa María
Where is El Puerto de Santa María?
El Puerto de Santa María is located on the Gulf of Cádiz in Andalusia, on the southwest coast of Spain. The resort is located approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Cádiz and is easily accessible by car, train or ferry.
What is El Puerto de Santa María known for?
The city is known for its long sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, sherry bodegas and historic city centre, and many people also use it as a base to visit Cádiz.
Is El Puerto de Santa Maria worth a visit?
Yes. Here you will find a calmer atmosphere than in many other coastal resorts in Andalusia, while being close to both beautiful beaches and attractions.
What is there to see and do?
Stroll through the historic city center, visit the Castillo de San Marcos, enjoy the beaches, try local seafood dishes or take the ferry across to Cádiz.
How to get to Cadiz?
There are regular ferries between El Puerto de Santa María and Cádiz. The journey takes around 30 minutes and is a pleasant way to experience the Bay of Cádiz.
How many days do you need?
One to two days is enough to experience the town's highlights, but many stay longer for the beach life or use the town as a base for excursions.
Are there good beaches?
Yes. Playa de Valdelagrana and Playa de La Puntilla are two of the most popular beaches. They have plenty of space and shallow swimming.
Is El Puerto de Santa María suitable for campervan travellers?
Yes. There are campsites in the area, including Camping Playa Las Dunas, and the resort is a good stop during a road trip through Andalusia.
When is the best time to visit El Puerto de Santa María?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and are perfect for sightseeing. Summer attracts the most swimmers and beachgoers.
READ MORE: Islands and beaches - Spain's most beautiful coasts
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English (UK) 
Svenska
Ika says:
We experienced the same thing in Germany the year before last! Had to show the passport both in the shop and at the campsite, which did not feel like we were in the EU :).
We had an international camping card and, according to their own rules, it should be enough to hand in the card instead of the passport to the campsite, but we didn't get it.
Goodbye!
//Ika
10 February 2015 - 19:35
admin says:
Ika, interesting! You think that the international camping card will be enough, but that's not always the case... You used to have to show your passport at the borders. Now it's in other places instead...
10 February 2015 - 19:46
Åsa says:
Everything is easier in Portugal! 😉
10 February 2015 - 19:48
BP says:
Yes, you can travel between EU countries without showing a passport, but you still have to show proof of identity on site...
Spain has introduced stricter rules since the Je suis Charlie incident in Paris (google it if you missed this terrible act of terrorism).
After our experience with paying by card in Spain and getting rid of the rubbish, I can once again recommend paying in cash. It is much less common in Spain to pay for your groceries by card, and the shops also keep themselves in check.
10 February 2015 - 21:04
admin says:
Åsa, can only agree...
BP, ok, it has become stricter! I have (unfortunately) not managed to miss the terrorist attack. Interesting that it is unusual to pay by card when buying food. In Sweden it feels like the opposite, almost a bit weird to be able to pull out 1000 SEK in cash...
😉
10 February 2015 - 21:36
Ditte says:
I find that in the EU I often have to show my passport when departing from most airports. Of course, an international EU card is fine, but a Swedish driving licence is not. Even if I am travelling between Sweden and Åland, I must also be able to show who I am, but then a driving licence or other ID is sufficient. When checking into a hotel, a passport or international ID card is required in the places we have visited.
The same in the US and Asia where we mostly travelled.
(However, a copy has also worked.)
But maybe this is for security reasons and then I buy it all...
As for the Russians, I'd better have a visa too... (Joke!!!)
At least you seem to have a nice pitch and a beautiful stream within reach. So we are waiting for better weather. A little warmer at least.
10 February 2015 - 23:00
Lennart says:
So it can be!
10 February 2015 - 23:15
admin says:
Ditte, I can agree that you show passports at airports in Europe, but at the borders of the motorways it is long gone. In Portugal we didn't show our passports for five weeks. So it was very different to show them three times in four hours... In Asia, passports are shown at airports and maybe hotels, but not in supermarkets and when buying phone cards?
10 February 2015 - 23:20
Nils-Åke Hansson says:
I have a copy of my passport so I have left a copy at the request of the campsite. I don't think it's worth remarking that we have to show the passport, it's an identification document.
Have a good journey
Nisse
10 February 2015 - 23:24
Steve says:
Control measures are becoming increasingly intrusive. Security reasons are likely to be invoked, which is understandable in view of all the acts of terrorism and other murderous activities.
11 February 2015 - 0:06
Casa Annika says:
Helena, isn't it just about showing identification?
Here in Spain, the standard ID is the national ID card that everyone has, and anyone who doesn't have one has to show their passport instead. I usually cheat and show my Swedish driving licence, there is usually no problem even though it is not a valid ID document here. In some cases, I have had to show my passport and provide copies of it, and this has involved registering the baby, registering a home address, applying for parental benefit and so on.
It is also common, as you have noticed, to have a digital signature when paying by card. In Spain, it is not nearly as common to pay by card as in Sweden, for example, and it is better to assume that it is not possible (unless you are shopping in large stores, of course, or eating in better restaurants) and be prepared with cash.
11 February 2015 - 1:01
Znogge says:
Given that you are travelling within the EU, this should not be necessary for a card payment. I could very well have refused in that situation. Stupid but...
11 February 2015 - 8:19
Anneli says:
Hello!
Oh how nice that you visited and you write about El Puerto de Sta Maria. We lived there for 4 years, in Vista Hermosa, and my oldest daughter was born there. A lot of nostalgia and emotion attached to that place. A real little gem that is not often written about.
Thanks for the post!
Stuff,
Anneli in San Diego
11 February 2015 - 8:59
admin says:
Nils-Åke, clever with the copy! I really think that the international camping card should be enough. But even stranger to show ID when you pay with a card in a machine and enter a code. We have never experienced that before, in any country.
Steve, I think it's as you say. It seems reasonable when it comes to the internet. But illogical when it comes to card payments. If you have to double-check everyone who pays by card (code + ID), it must also apply to ATMs...? Otherwise it would be completely illogical...?
Casa Annika, but that's exactly what I mean! Having to identify yourself three times in a few hours feels very controlling and unusual...! In Sweden you do not identify yourself in shops or campsites. I can see a point with ID when buying a sim card, from a terrorist perspective. It makes it easier to trace communication. In Sweden, people buy SIM cards without a licence, but maybe it will come in the future there too? Showing ID when you buy a card in a box and enter a code is super strange, I think. We have never encountered this before, in any country in the world. It would mean double checking, and if you want to do that... then the same should apply to ATMs, otherwise it would be illogical? When it comes to camping, there is an "international camping card" which is personal, with all the details and which should actually be able to be used at check-in. But even here they have tightened the reins apparently and want real identification. Maybe it's necessary, I don't know, but it's a change towards greater control.
Znogge, I think it's a bit strange that you need an ID when you pay in a machine and enter the code. I mean, in the ATM you just enter the code and get money out without showing ID...?
Anneli, how nice that you have lived in this neighbourhood!
11 February 2015 - 9:46
Nils-Åke Hansson says:
I remember that Ida (daughter) when she was in Norway had a debit card Bank and on the back there was identification. It was really good I think.
Mv
Nisse
11 February 2015 - 10:24
Lena i Wales says:
Cadiz is a lovely city! Have a good time there!
Nice that you met Annica, whom I also met in Seville. and perhaps the lovely little Disa.
Saw your pictures of my favourite place, Plaza d'Espana!
11 February 2015 - 10:58
Ama de casa says:
Ooh! Now I was jealous. We liked the town and the campsite and there were many excursion destinations nearby. It is a little harder to pull up the tent pegs than to just drive away with a motorhome ...
🙂
11 February 2015 - 11:33
admin says:
Nils-Åke, that seems smart! Norway is far ahead I guess.
Lena in Wales, Cádiz looks like a beautiful city on pictures, but we feel a bit more for nature and tranquillity right now... so it might not be a city visit in Cádiz....
Ama de casa, really? We think the campsite is nice and well maintained, but a bit impersonal and boring with all the rules that they kind of throw at you. That is, rules are of course ok, but we got two A4 pages of rules with what NOT to do, but not a single line about what you CAN do... Like wifi? Washing machines? Excursions? It didn't feel very welcoming, even though the campsite is otherwise nice.
11 February 2015 - 15:55
Lars Permelin says:
Strange that you had to show your passports. Something must have happened to raise the level of security and check all tourists. We have never had to show our passports in over thirty years of living in an apartment in Spain for a few weeks each year.
11 February 2015 - 18:57
Ama de casa says:
Oops... We didn't get such rules, we felt the campsite was nice and welcoming. But maybe we made a mistake and they had to make such a list?
😉
12 February 2015 - 11:14
admin says:
Lars, some people mention the terrorist attacks in Paris as a reason for increased security, and that may well be the case. Sad, but perhaps necessary in that case. But I still think it's strange for a few people in the supermarket...
Ama de casa, haha maybe it was...?
😉
12 February 2015 - 11:55