This post is in collaboration with Turismo de Cadiz. All opinions are my own
Cadiz, the ancient port city capital of the Costa de la Luz in Southwestern Spain, is the low-key, unpretentious Atlantic oasis of the Andalucia region.
With more than 100 watchtowers, (we visited the famous Torre Tavira) Cadiz is nearly fully surrounded by striking green waters, and you must cross a bridge to enter the city. The clear water and golden-white sands feel a little Caribbean! It’s buzzing with local tapas bars and taverns.
For any seafood lovers, the fresh fish markets are an absolute must. The markets are located within a square. Surrounding the markets are mini food stalls and tapas bars. We both had Paella with beer/sangria for only €3.50! It was delicious, and a lovely experience standing among the many locals (children and pets included) in the square, all enjoying their food and drink.
Immerse yourself in a truly Spanish experience of seafood, sand, cobbled streets and awe-inspiring views.
Sea walls surround the city, as do the beautiful white buildings that Cadiz is so famous for. Phoenicians named it Gadir until it was taken over by the Carthaginians, the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. Cádiz is generally considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe.
What to Do & See in Cadiz
Cadiz Town Hall
Plaza de la Catedral/Cadiz Cathedral
Built in both Baroque and neoclassical style it’s Tower of Poniente is a great spot to enjoy the views of the city below.
Torre Tavira
The best view of the city of Cadiz! Climb up to the observation tower (I recommend using los servicios prior to going up). We did the camera obscura experience which was well worth the time! This was one of the coolest things I’ve done. As we were only there for a day it was great to be able to see and learn about the city.
*Note – There is no elevator but the team have a current project to install one.
Mercado Central de Abastos
This is very nearby to the Torre Tavira tower. Once we were finished with our tour we dropped on by for a snack. Located in Plaza de la Libertad, it’s half fish/veg market in combination with a gastromarket with food stalls. It’s Spains oldest ‘covered market’ and is very popular. We loved the Andalucian style paella.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am-3pm (Mercado Central)/ (Gastronomico) 9-4pm
Playa de Caleta
It’s the smallest beach in Cadiz but is located near the historical district. It’s lined by fishing boats and is the most photographed as it’s size makes it easy to do so. From here you can view the San Sebastian and Santa Catalina castles. The beach was clean and had accessible facilities and lifeguards on staff. This is also the beach that Halle Berry famously exited the water in “Die Another Day”
Streets worth exploring:
Calle compañía
Plaza Topete
Calle novena
Calle ancha
Calle columelo
Places not pictured but worth visiting:
Gran Teatro Falla- Theatre of Cadiz
Genovés Park -beautiful exotic garden
Barrio del Populo- Old Town
Alameda Apodaca park -beautiful park with waterfalls
Caños de meca – nearby seaside village
Sanlucar de barraneda- nearby town worth visiting
Román theatre
Tower of poniente -bell tower with views of Cadiz
San Sebastián castle- fortress at the end of La Caleta
Puerta de Tierra – monument dedicated to the city walls
Iglesia Santa Cruz -seaside church
Museo de Cadiz
Playa La Victoria- biggest beach in Cadiz
Places to Eat in Cadiz:
Taberna Casa Manteca
Eating at the Taberna Casa Manteca felt like a true Cadiz experience. Locals were eating at the standing tables outside with their wine/beer. More locals were crammed inside, crowded around the bar either ordering food, lost in conversation, or intensely enjoying their bites to eat. Every option looked delicious, the meatballs, shrimp, chorizo, ham, cheese and more. The most pleasant surprise was the spicy cheese with Asparagus jam! It was incredible. We also tried the famous Manzanilla.
La Candela
Cafe Royalty
Mesón Cumbres Mayores
Freiduria Las Flores in Plaza Topete
Quilla Beach Bar
Thanks for coming with us on our adventure
-Evelyn & Sonny
I’m a California girl living in London
Fitness, Lifestyle,Traveling and Living Abroad.
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