Cádiz: A City You Should Absolutely Visit in Spain’s Andalusia Region
Andalusia is a region located in the southernmost part of Spain, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities, each with its own distinct culture, history, and identity. Some of the key cities to explore here are Granada, Seville, and Córdoba which may already be on your radar. Cádiz is not to be forgotten though – here is why this is also a must-see city and what to do. Stretching just a little over a mile-wide, this small city is full of cute neighborhoods, beaches, and vibrant character.
History of Cádiz
Cádiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, dating back over 3,000 years. It was founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC as Gadir, and later became an important Roman port city and naval base. In the 18th century, it became a bustling hub of trade with the Americas, contributing to Spain’s Golden Age. Cádiz is also known for Spain’s first liberal constitution, “La Pepa” which was declared in 1812. Today, this coastal town has beautiful architecture, open-air markets, and more.
Getting to Cádiz
Cádiz has a central train station which is connected to many cities within the Andalusia region. We personally came from Seville so took the train ride from Seville Santa Justa Train Station to Cádiz train station which took 1 hour and 40 minutes.
planning a stay in Cádiz
I would suggest 1-2 nights here – most of the sights to see here can be seen within one day but plan to add an extra if you want to have a more relaxed beach-day included. I highly recommend staying at the Parador Hotel, which is a modern 4-star hotel and spa in the city. It’s fairly affordable compared to pricing in many other big cities at around $300 per night with a buffet breakfast included. The views from the hotel are stunning, boasting direct views of the Atlantic Ocean and their infinity pools.
Of note, it gets very windy here so be sure to pack a jacket with you even in the Summer! The nights here are rather chilly.
What to Do in Cádiz, Spain
The Cathedral
The Cádiz Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Cruz de Cádiz, began construction in 1722 and took over a century to complete, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles. Different from a lot of the other cathedrals in Europe, this being in a beach town had a very different casual atmosphere around it with palm trees planted around it. It also doesn’t boast as large of crowds as other large Spanish cities, allowing you to easily get access inside.
Central Market
The market is hard to miss being at the center of the city with nearly 150 stands, selling everything from fresh fish & poultry to tapas to fruits and veggies. The market has lots of seating within if you want to actually grab a bite or drink at one of the stands and eat lunch while there; we did this on our first day and it was a top highlight of our time here. Be sure to taste tortillitas de camarones, crispy shrimp fritters made with tiny local shrimp, which are a popular local snack. You can also pick up a glass of wine to pair with your meal!
Explore the neighborhoods
I found the greatest charm of Cádiz to be walking through the neighborhoods. It’s an extremely pedestrian-friendly city which only takes around 30 minutes to get from end-to-end within the Old Town. I recommend just walking throughout Old Town to naturally move through these neighborhoods and stop at local spots along the way. A few notable neighborhoods to be sure to visit:
- El Pópulo – this is the oldest neighborhood, home to the more famous landmarks like the Cathedral and Roman theatre.
- La Viña – this is a really vibrant atmosphere and is one of the best spots to go for a tapas bar. Be sure to try the traditional fried fish dishes!
- Santa María – the birthpace of flamenco in the city, offering a lot of flamenco clubs to play homage to the city’s musical heritage.
- Mentidero – a more upscale neighborhood featuring beautiful plazas and gardens.
enjoy The Beaches
Cádiz has some of the best beaches in Andalusia. See below for a few key beaches to add to your itinerary –
- La Caleta beach, nestled between two castles, is the city’s most famous beach and a favorite among locals for its golden sands and calm waters.
- Playa de la Victoria is a long, expansive beach that stretches for almost three kilometers, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beachside bars/restaurants.
- For those looking for a quieter retreat, Playa de Cortadura provides a more natural setting with its rolling dunes and fewer crowds. Cádiz’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Genovés Park
Genovés Park, or Parque Genovés, is the largest park in the city which sits right on the water. It has incredible landscape throughout, making it perfect for a walk or a bit of family fun. There’s a cascading waterfall, a small lake with paddle boats, various sculptures, a children’s playground, and more. If you are staying at Parador de Cádiz Hotel, this park is right next door!
Best Food and Bars in Cádiz (from a local’s recommendations)
- Confusione – Local pizza restaurant and bar, with a very small-town feel
- Osteria Milano – One of the best Italian restaurants in the city
- La Vaca – Cute Coffee Shop
- Circo Duende – Bar
- Evohe – Bar with a dance floor
- Baja Cero – Top ice-cream shop
Cádiz offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Andalusia. From exploring its cute neighborhoods and relaxing on the beach to trying local food at the Central Market, the city has something for everyone. This may not be high on your radar to visit but it is definitely worth a 2-3 day visit!
