Cádiz caught my eye on the way from the south of Spain to Portugal just by looking at the map. It looks like an island connected to the mainland by only two roads (bridges). Technically it’s actually a peninsula, connected to the mainland by a narrow neck, but that didn’t deter me anymore. The sea is all around.
Where to stay in Cadiz
If you want to wander the streets, be close to the sights and tapas bars, Casco Antiguo (the historic centre) is a good choice. If you’re here mainly for relaxation and beaches, then along the city’s main beach , Playa de la Victoria.
For example, if you don’t want to live in Cadiz, but want to come here for a day trip and have a good base in the area for other trips, the town of El Puerto de Santa María is a short ferry or car ride away.
Tips for accommodation in Cadiz
- Boutique Hotel OLOM – boutique hotel with a great location, a rooftop terrace with stunning views and a swimming pool.
- Soho Boutique Cadiz – lovely hotel with great breakfast, a short walk from a large car park.
Tickets, day trips and experiences in Cadiz
Cadiz is a compact city, but some experiences are better booked in advance. Especially in high season, when capacity fills up fast.
- Hop-on hop-off bus around Cadiz – handy if you want to see the parts of the city beyond walking distance from the Old Town. The ticket is valid for 24 hours.
- Day trip to Jerez with a winery and horse show – a private trip from Cadiz to nearby Jerez. Capacity is limited, so without a booking you don’t stand a chance.
- Catamaran cruise around the bay – Cadiz looks completely different from the water. The catamaran has limited capacity and in summer it sells out even several days ahead.
- Food tour with tapas and wine – a guide takes you to places you probably wouldn’t get into on your own. Groups are small, so it fills up fast.
Things to see in Cadiz
Cadiz is a city with a rich history, inhabited by the Phoenicians 3000 years ago, and it shows in the architecture, squares and Roman ruins. Its location by the ocean makes it a popular spot for surfing, windsurfing or sailing. The beaches of Cadiz, such as Playa de la Victoria or Playa de la Caleta (which, incidentally, was featured in the James Bond film Die Another Day when Jinx comes out of the water “in Cuba”) are often considered some of the most beautiful in Spain.
Cathedral de Cadiz
The dominant landmark of the city, the Cathedral of the Assumption, also known as the “New Cathedral”, combines baroque and neoclassicism with a magnificent golden dome that shines into the distance. It has nice interiors and a view of Cadiz and the Atlantic from the tower.
Torre Tavira
The highest point of the historic centre, Torre Tavira, was originally a watchtower used to monitor the harbour. Today there is a camera obscura, an optical installation that allows a vivid panoramic view of the city. The view from the tower is the ideal place to orient yourself in the Cadiz Peninsula.
Barrio de la Viña
La Viña is an old fishing district full of narrow streets, traditional houses and great tapas bars with a typical Andalusian atmosphere. It is also the epicentre of Cádiz’s annual February Carnival.
Plaza de San Juan de Dios
A square in the centre of Cadiz, full of restaurants, cafes and shops. The dominant feature of the square is the town hall, the Ayuntamiento de Cádiz, and the many historic buildings around.
Mercado Central de Abastos
The Mercado Central market is a great place to see, buy or taste fresh seafood, cheese, Iberian cured meats and pastries. Most of the stalls offer fast food and tastings.
Parque Genovés
A park with beautiful gardens, a pond and many exotic trees and plants. Ideal for a stroll, it is right on the coast and there are beautiful views of the ocean. It’s also a popular picnic spot.
Castillo de San Sebastián
A historic fortress on a promontory facing the sea, connected to the town by a long pier. You can walk along it normally and there are nice views of the ocean and the city.
Castillo de Santa Catalina
The original 16th-century fortress that used to protect the town from pirates. Today it is open to the public and hosts exhibitions and various cultural events.
What to taste in Cadiz
Cadiz is renowned for its tapas bars and authentic Spanish and Andalusian cuisine. For an authentic experience, pop into Mercado Central for fresh fish and seafood or traditional dishes like tortilla de camarones (shrimp cakes) and pescaíto frito (fried small fish).
Where is Cadiz
Cadiz is located in southwestern Spain in Andalusia, on a narrow peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 120 km southwest of Seville. It is one of the westernmost major cities in Spain and virtually its entire historic centre is surrounded by the sea.
How to get to Cadiz
The nearest airport is in Jerez de la Frontera, about 45 km away. But there are no direct flights here. More likely you’ll fly into Seville, 120 km away, Málaga, 230 km away, or Faro in Portugal, 314 km away. Cadiz isn’t really a place you’d specifically head to. You’re more likely to pass through on a roadtrip around Andalusia. It’s practically on the road between Seville and Gibraltar or Tarifa. You can also get here by express train from Seville. The journey takes about an hour and a half, the same as by car.
The main links to the mainland are two bridges: the newer Puente de la Constitución de 1812, also known as La Pepa, one of the highest bridges in Europe with spectacular views of the city and the sea, and the older Puente José León de Carranza, which has a lifting mechanism to let ships pass. The third link is the coastal road, connecting Cadiz to the surrounding mainland across a narrow sandy isthmus.
Heading to Andalusia? Here are more ideas to inspire you!
Explore Andalusian destinations full of history and great food: Seville (the region’s capital and the heart of flamenco), Málaga (a perfect starting point for a road trip), Granada (home to the iconic Alhambra), Córdoba (famous for its mosque-cathedral and the Alcázar gardens), Jaén (a major producer of olive oil), Cádiz (the oldest city in Europe), Ronda (the cliff-top town), Tarifa (the southernmost point of mainland Europe), Gibraltar (which is British), and the beaches along the Costa del Sol.
Check out the complete Andalusia guide or a 10-day(ish) Andalusia road trip itinerary. And don’t skip tasting the local Andalusian cuisine.
Compare prices from dozens of car rental companies in one place, pick up your car right at Jerez Airport, and most bookings can be cancelled for free.
