The city of Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Europe, which distinguishes it from others and adds a rich character to it. Filled with history and beauty – it is truly a charming city.
I really fell in love with this city and very much regret that I devoted too little time to it. So, this somewhat hidden gem, even though it is a huge port where cruise liners arrive – I can’t even imagine how Cadiz manages to preserve its authentic atmosphere. Cadiz is a city I want to return to, and besides, it is not yet spoiled by overtourism, so the locals don’t need to strike against tourists.
Cadiz is located on an island, so it’s surrounded by water. I was surprised at how underrated this city is, filled with beautiful neighborhoods and historic parts with a unique shabby-chic vibe. And the huge sandy beaches here! So, get to know the wonderful city of Cadiz.
10. Walk the Old Town
The best way to explore the most beautiful part of Cadiz is to walk through the Old Town on foot. Cadiz is considered one of the oldest cities in the Western world, so a stroll through the winding streets of the Old Town definitely feels like a journey back in time.
The atmosphere here is wonderful – you can choose a popular bar and sit in the square, enjoying the fountain and the children playing football. Or pick a small local café, eat local dishes, and listen as music blends into the lively conversations of locals who meet in such places for dinner together.
Take a look at the Roman Theater, the monumental Cathedral, and the many hidden gems in Cadiz’s oldest district – El Pópulo. Immerse yourself in its winding streets that lead through secret stone arches and medieval city walls.
The Old Town of Cadiz is famous for its numerous stone arches – a legacy of the past. Arco de la Rosa is one of the most beautiful stone arches in the Old Town, and through it, you can see the entire Cathedral Square. The arch is located right next to the cathedral, so you can visit it while visiting the cathedral.
2. Walk the Alameda Apodaca Promenade
Alameda Apodaca is a famous promenade in Cadiz. It’s a wide avenue with gardens, restaurants, flowering bushes, trees, beautiful benches, and several old cannons and guard booths along the seaside walls. As you walk it, you’re actually walking on the city’s defensive walls.
This is a great place to stroll in the evening and wait for the sunset over the ocean. Or, on the contrary, if you’re the kind of person who likes to start your morning with a jog, this place is for you.
On the way to Alameda Apodaca, you will find a unique garden – Jardines de Alameda Apodaca. This is an incredibly beautiful seaside garden with massive fig trees, overgrown arches full of flowering bushes, and lovely ceramic benches. And a note about the ficuses – they are giant, with roots of insane size, stretching so far all around. And you can easily sit on them.
3. Take in the Ocean View from the Walls of Castillo de Santa Catalina
Castillo de Santa Catalina is a defensive fortress on the ocean coast in Cadiz. Entry to the 17th-century fortress is free during certain opening hours, which should be checked before visiting. It’s located right next to the famous La Caleta beach.
The fortress offers an amazing view of the ocean, and you feel as if you are transported to the times when Cadiz was an important port and trade center in Spain. Defending the city was extremely important because of its location. Attackers came from all sides, so this fortress is a unique testimony to the past that the city once endured.
4. Cadiz Beaches – the Best Sunsets
The main city beach of Cadiz, which borders the Old Town, attracts people not only for leisure but also to enjoy stunning sunsets.
Go through Puerta de la Caleta – this is a double arched gateway on Caleta beach, leading to a long section of paved promenade to Castillo de San Sebastián – a closed island fortress. This is a very popular place for walking and running among locals. The walk from these gates to the fortress is more than 600 meters.
Right in the middle of the beach, there is a unique white building with a curved shape – the headquarters of the Underwater Archeology Center. If you have the opportunity, be sure to come here at sunset, but during the day it will be just as beautiful. In any case, this is the best place to watch the sunset in Cadiz, where you can enjoy the beautiful sight of the sun setting right into the ocean.
5. Climb the Roof of Cadiz Cathedral
The Cathedral in Cadiz is an impressive huge structure that you definitely won’t miss while walking around the city. The construction of the cathedral began in the first half of the 18th century and lasted more than 100 years. It was built in Neoclassical and Baroque style and really impressed representatives of different countries and continents, whose ships docked at the port of Cadiz – a famous trading city of the Middle Ages.
Visit the cathedral inside – it’s an extraordinary experience, the interior decoration of the cathedral is impressive! Plus, you can climb the Clock Tower of the cathedral, not only to enjoy an amazing view of the city but also to stand under the church bells (by the way, they ring every fifteen minutes).
The climb to the tower is quite long (there is no elevator). The continuous ramp spirals up right to the very top of the tower. There are no stairs, only a flat surface leading up. Once you reach the top, a panoramic view of the city opens to you.
You can buy entrance tickets at the door or online. The ticket costs 10 Euros. The same ticket includes a visit to the cathedral, the underground crypt, and the Clock Tower. The climb to the tower is included in the cathedral admission. First, you visit the cathedral, and then at the cathedral’s exit, there is a door leading to the tower.
6. Climb the Highest Viewpoint of Cadiz – Torre Tavira
Torre Tavira is an 18th-century watchtower and the highest point of the Old Town in Cadiz. This tower was built to observe ships entering the port. Today Torre Tavira is the best place from which to see the city of Cadiz from above. Its roof has a 360-degree panoramic platform from which you can see the city from all sides.
The tower also contains the first camera obscura in Spain, tickets for which can be purchased and you can join a tour to learn how it works. To climb the roof, you don’t need to join the tour – you can reach the observation deck with a separate ticket and enjoy the best views of Cadiz. The ticket for the tower costs 8 Euros.
7. Visit Genovés Park
Genovés Park is a unique garden with trees trimmed into different and interesting shapes, tall palm trees, an artificial hill with caves, and even a waterfall that creates a pond where ducks can swim and enjoy the water.
This is a wonderful place to find shade on hot days, and a quieter spot to escape the city bustle. The garden is well maintained, so big thanks to the local municipality for creating such a cool and unique oasis.
Be sure to check the opening hours, as although the visit is free and open to the public, the garden is closed at night.
8. Relax on the Beaches of Cadiz
It is impossible to visit Cadiz and not spend time at the beach. And the most popular area for this is around Playa Victoria.
This is one of the liveliest and best beaches in Cadiz, where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. If you have the time and desire to relax here for a few days for a beach holiday, this is just the place you need. Or try windsurfing, as the conditions here are perfect for beach sports.
If you are trying to decide where to stay in Cadiz with your family, then head to the neighboring Santa María del Mar beach. This beach is within walking distance from the main beach, but it’s much quieter. It has two breakwaters that keep the water calm, so it’s perfect for small children.
9. Try Andalusian Cuisine in Cadiz Restaurants
There is no better way to enjoy the local culture than by tasting local food and drinks. Try unique Andalusian flavors and get to know the local culture and gastronomy in the numerous bars and restaurants of Cadiz.
If you go to a bar, order various tapas made from local products, including cheese, jamón – cured meat from nearby villages, and the famous pescaíto frito – the famous Cadiz fried fish in batter. And also a glass of local wine or a refreshing beer or a glass of the famous sherry, which is made at nearby wineries – bodegas, which are plentiful around Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera.
Restaurants offer incredibly delicious seafood, the king of which is Red Tuna (Atun Rojo) – caught in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar and is one of the main ingredients in the cuisine of this area. So be sure to try it both raw (ceviche, tartar, marinated on sandwiches, etc.) and as red tuna steaks.
10. Stay a Few Days in One of Cadiz’s Districts
If you want to be close to all the sights, then Cadiz Old Town is just the place for you. This is one of the best areas in Cadiz to stay if you want to be surrounded by history. We chose it because we wanted to explore the city.
If you don’t like spending all your time among tourists who usually crowd around the Old Town, then Santa María is the best district in Cadiz to stay, thanks to its proximity to the center and a bit of peace.
If you are trying to decide, San Carlos is a good choice for staying in Cadiz with children. This is a local, somewhat elite district, which is mainly residential, so it offers a quiet, refined entry into the city.
- Pensión Cádiz≫ – We stayed overnight in this clean and very centrally located guesthouse. It looks like a Moroccan riad, with balconies to the patio. Very clean and inexpensive.
- Plaza de la Luz Cádiz≫ – The hotel is almost in the center of the Old Town, which is very convenient. Beautiful, clean room, everything you need is there. Spacious double bed, very comfortable. Modest price.
- Hotel de Francia y París≫ – an excellent hotel in the center of the Old Town. Rooms with modern renovations, offering a view of the lovely San Francisco Square with orange trees and wonderful restaurants.
How to get to Cadiz:
- By Train: trains from Seville to Cadiz – 1.5 hours en route, tickets from 20 Euros.
- By Car: from Malaga 2.5 hours, 232 km. You can leave your car in the parking lot – we parked at the Parking muelle pesquero near the cruise port and railway station. Price is 10 Euros per day, payment by card in the machine is on the next day before leaving the parking lot.
We actually traveled in a rental car.
Useful articles and links:
- One-week itinerary in Andalusia – what to see in Southern Spain
- Tarifa, Spain – vacation in the City of Winds
- Malaga – guide to the capital of Costa del Sol
Car rental – DiscoverCars
Travel medical insurance – online at the portal HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment bookings – Booking.com
