Cadiz

Cadiz Locals are Well Known for their Fun-Loving Attitude

Cadiz, one of the smallest cities in Andalucian Region, is also Europe’s oldest city and has a rich maritime history. This lesser known travel destination in Andalucia is one of the most surprising provincial capitals in Spain and well worth a visit. Surrounded on almost all four sides by the Atlantic, getting to Cadiz involves crossing a narrow isthmus before you reach this unusual but vibrant Andalucian city.

A city of towers – at the height of its prosperity Cadiz reportedly had 160 watch towers – Cadiz is also a city of light, reflected in the cathedral’s magnificent golden dome or on the golden sands (Cadiz has some of the best city beaches in Spain). The whole of old quarter is fortified – watch turrets and bastions accompany you all the way round this Andalucian tourist destination – and there are several interesting castles.

But the thing you notice most about this city is its joie de vivre. Cadiz locals (gaditanos) are known for their fun-loving attitude and for cracking a joke about anything and everything. The maximum expression of this are the carnivals, a must-see on your list of things to do in Cadiz.

As a compact city, Cadiz is one Andalucia tourist destination you can get round in a day. If you decide to go further afield, Cadiz province offers many treasures: the most beautiful Andalucia white villages (Vejer de la Frontera, Medina Sidonia...) are just a short distance away; the great sherry and horseriding capital of Jerez is even nearer; and El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda are also worth a visit.

But Cadiz is best known as home to the best beaches in Andalucia. Even the Cadiz city beach is excellent and for those in search of a beach nearly to themselves for their holiday in Spain won’t be disappointed. Try La Barrosa at Chiclana, Caños de Meca and Cape Trafalgar, Bolonia with its Roman ruins and of course, Andalucia’s top windsurfing destination, Tarifa.

Things You Must Do and See in Cadiz

Bird’s-eye Cadiz: Go up the cathedral tower and take in 360º views of Cadiz from above.
Carnival Time: Cadiz’s carnival celebrations are one of the best fiestas in Andalucia when the whole city dresses up for a week in February.
Torre Tavira: Cadiz’s tallest tower offers commanding vistas of Cadiz city, the Atlantic and surrounding coastline to Chipiona and the Puerto de Santa María.
Gourmet Dining: Cadiz and its province are justly famous for its fine fish and seafood. Try the tortillitas de camarón washed down with a glass of chilled fino – Spanish cuisine doesn’t come much better. 
Catch the Wind: Try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing in Tarifa, Andalucia’s number one surf destination.
Bask in the Sun: Cadiz has some of the best beaches in Andalucia. Soak up the sun on the sands at Tarifa, Chiclana, Caños de Meca...
Cheers!: Home to Spain’s sherry territory, Cadiz offers the chance to try Spain’s best wines when it comes to fino, dulce and semi-seco. Visit the bodegas in Jerez, Puerto de Santa María or Sanlúcar de Barrameda.