Cadiz — detailed city guide with photos. Main attractions of Cadiz with descriptions, guides, and maps.
The City of Cadiz (Spain)
Cadiz (Lat. Gades, Span. Cádiz) is a city in southern Spain in the Andalusia region. It is considered the oldest city in Western Europe and the starting point for Christopher Columbus’s voyages. Cadiz is a pearl of the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), offering a wonderful Mediterranean atmosphere, a plethora of historical and cultural attractions, endless beaches, and beautiful sea views. The city was founded by the Phoenicians more than three thousand years ago and remains one of Spain’s largest ports. Cadiz is an excellent starting point for exploring the resorts of Costa de la Luz and the entire southwestern Andalusia.
Geography and Climate
Cadiz is located in the southwestern part of Spain. Most of the territory is occupied by marshes, salt flats, and sandy beaches. The climate is mild subtropical. The average annual temperature is 18.6 °C. Summers are hot. Winters are very mild, with an average temperature of about +10 degrees in the coldest month.
Beaches
Beautiful beaches and a mild Mediterranean climate make Cadiz one of Spain’s most popular resorts. Unlike most Spanish resorts, the city’s beaches are not oversaturated with infrastructure and hotels (especially high-rise ones). In the historic center, the most popular beach in La Caleta bay is Playa de la Caleta. This beach has been awarded the Blue Flag. Also in this bay, there is a small section of the coast called Playa de la Palma. Slightly away from the center is Playa de Santa María del Mar, which is a long stretch of sandy coast. Further along is Playa de la Victoria with an elegant promenade. Cadiz’s largest beach is Playa de la Cortadura.
La Caleta Bay is a bay on the western side of the historic center. This place holds immense historical significance, as Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans moored their ships in this natural harbor. Today, boats and yachts are moored on the northern side of the bay.
Playa de la Victoria is considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe and Spain. It is more than 2 kilometers of sandy coastline with a beautiful promenade, Paseo Marítimo.
Cadiz, like the entire Costa de la Luz coast, is part of the Atlantic Ocean. The water, even in summer, is cooler than the Mediterranean Sea.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cadiz is April-June and September-October. It gets quite hot in the summer.
Practical Information
- Population – 118 thousand people.
- Area – 13.3 square kilometers.
- Language — Spanish.
- Currency — Euro.
- Visa — Schengen.
- Time — Central European UTC + 1, + 2 in summer.
- Tourist information center is located at Plaza San Juan de Dios 11
History
Cadiz was founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC. It is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe. The Phoenicians called the city Gadir. After some time, the city was conquered by the Romans, under whom it prospered and was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. The Romans called the city Gades. They built an amphitheater and aqueducts here.
Interestingly, the Greeks and Byzantines considered Cadiz the westernmost point of the Oikumene.
In the 3rd century AD, during the decline of the Roman Empire, Cadiz was captured by the Visigoths. In 522, the city was captured by the Byzantines. A century later, the Visigoths regained control of it. In 711, Cadiz was captured by the Arabs. Five and a half centuries later, it became part of the Kingdom of Castile.
After the end of the Reconquista, Cadiz became the gateway to the “New World”. Most expeditions to America started from here. And Christopher Columbus set sail on his voyages from the neighboring port. After a strong earthquake in 1755, which destroyed 1/3 of the city, Cadiz’s prosperity came to an end.
Interestingly, during the Napoleonic Wars, the French never took the city.
In 1868, the uprising of Admiral Topete’s squadron began here, leading to the abdication of Isabella II. However, just two years later, Spain returned to monarchy.
How to Get There
The nearest airport is Jerez de la Frontera. It is located 35 minutes away from Cadiz. You can get from the airport to the city by bus or train. There are several daily flights to Madrid, Barcelona, London, Frankfurt. A larger airport is located in Seville.
Cadiz is a major transport hub in Andalusia. Therefore, it is easy to get here by train or bus from Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and other major cities.
Hotels and Hostels in Cadiz
Shopping
Souvenirs and traditional goods can be bought on Calle Pelota, Calle Compañía, Calle San Francisco, and Plaza de Candelaria.
Food and Drinks
Cadiz’s cuisine is famous throughout Andalusia. Seafood and local produce combined with excellent wines will turn your trip into a wonderful gastronomic experience. In Cadiz, you should definitely try fish and seafood, game hunted in the mountainous areas, pastries, and sweets.
Best restaurants:
- Vaivai Gastrobar
- Restaurante Rayuela
- Chiringuito Francisco Fontanilla
- Meson Cumbres Mayores
- Abuela Alfrides.
- Restaurante El Faro
- Taberna El Tio de la Tiza
- El Telescopio – La Tabla Restaurante
- Balandro
Attractions
In the old city of Cadiz, you can find attractions from the Antiquity and Middle Ages, enjoy beautiful Mediterranean landscapes by strolling along the promenades located north of Plaza de España.
The picturesque Alameda de Apodaca is a charming promenade with palm trees and old street lamps. It is one of the most popular places for evening strolls. In the northwestern part of the city is Cadiz’s largest and most beautiful park, Genovés.
Cadiz Cathedral (New Cathedral) – a Baroque-style cathedral. It was built in the 18th century. The magnificent gilded dome is one of Cadiz’s symbols. It has a diameter of 52 meters and resembles the architecture of the Pantheon dome in Rome. The interior and size of the church are very impressive.
El Pópulo — the oldest district of Cadiz. It was founded in the Roman era. Here are the ruins of an ancient Roman theater from the 1st century BC.
El Pópulo is a district of narrow cobblestone streets and amazing palaces. The medieval Arco de Los Banos gate, an ancient entrance to Cadiz, has been preserved here. The gate was built by King Alfonso X in the 13th century. On Rosario Street is the Church of Santa Cueva, which features masterpieces by Goya.
Casa del Almirante — one of the most interesting palaces in El Pópulo. A 17th-century house with captivating gates and a beautiful facade made of Italian marble. The main square of the historic center is Plaza de San Juan de Dios. The atmospheric city squares of Topete and San Martín are also worth visiting.
The Tavira Tower was built at the end of the 18th century and is the highest point in the historic center (45 m). At the top is a terrace with a beautiful view of Cadiz. To climb to the top, you need to overcome 170 steps.
Interestingly, Cadiz once had 129 watchtowers.
San Felipe Neri Chapel — a small religious building north of Torre del Vigía. The chapel was built in the 17th century.
Puerta de Tierra — a 16th-century fortress for the defense of the city’s southern border.
San Sebastián Castle — an 18th-century fortress located on the northwestern outskirts of the city. For most of its history, it was used as a prison.
Every year in Cadiz, in February-March, a carnival takes place, which is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Europe. More than 100 groups participate in the carnival, and the festival is attended by more than 100,000 people.
Cadiz Video
