Cádiz sits on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean at the northern tip of the Costa de la Luz. With a population of around 110,000, Cádiz is the capital of the Andalucian province that shares its name.
Despite what many people believe, Cádiz isn’t an island but, being surrounded by water on almost all sides it’s easy to see where the misconceptions come from.
As one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Cádiz offers a lot of things to see and do and, conveniently, much of that is concentrated in the old town, which is just over one square mile (about three square kilometres), meaning it’s easy to explore on foot.
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A brief history of Cádiz
Cádiz was founded over 3,000 years ago by the Phoenicians and, thanks to its location, became an important port city and a key hub for trading with the Americas and, as a result, flourished as one of Spain’s wealthiest cities.
I’ve made no secret of the fact that, wherever I am, I like nothing better than exploring on foot. I mean, I’ve even based my blog around it!
However, while I would normally suggest just wandering aimlessly in some smaller towns, Cádiz has so much to see within its casco histórico (old town) that it would be too easy to miss something. So, what’s the best thing to do?
Follow the Cádiz Tourist Lines
Handily, there are four different coloured walking trails around the town. Just pick a route and follow the painted line on the ground (there’s some overlap in parts). I’ve noticed on visits over the years that these lines are getting very faded in some areas so, to be on the safe side, either download the map of the walking trails or pop into one of the Tourist Information Centres (the main one is on Paseo de Canalejas) and pick up a paper map.
Each coloured line offers you the chance to see a different part of the city, whether you want to explore its oldest neighbourhoods, learn about Cádiz’s history, or simply wander around the old city walls and check out the sea views.
Green Line – Medieval District and Puerta de Tierra
This line covers Cádiz’s medieval district and is around 1.1 miles (1.8 kms) in total. On this route you’ll explore the Barrio del Pópulo which is Cádiz’s oldest neighbourhood as well as see the Puerta de Tierra, an impressive gateway that separates the old and new parts of the city.
Along the way you’ll see the Catedral Vieja (Old Cathedral) in Plaza Fray Félix, also known as the Church of Santa Cruz, as well as pass through the Arco del Pópulo and Arco de la Rosa, two of the original gateways to the city.
Yellow Line – Castles and Bastions
This is a longer walk of around 4.3 miles (7 kms) and is a loop of Cádiz’s old town walking through beautiful gardens, along the old city walls, through the historic Viña neighbourhood which gets its name from its former life as a vine growing area, and past the impressive Cathedral.
Starting and finishing at Puerta de Tierra, on this walk you’ll see Plaza de España which is home to the Monumento a las Cortes which commemorates the Constitution of 1812, stroll through the Alameda past the Iglesia del Carmen to Parque Genovés and onwards past the Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastian which flank the Playa de la Caleta. More on all of those later.
You can also detour into the old town to see the beautiful Gran Teatro Falla and perhaps stop for tapas on Calle Virgen de la Palma in the Barrio de la Viña.
Purple Line – Shippers to the Indies
Following this line you’ll discover more about the history of Cádiz during the 17th and 18th centuries. You’ll see more of the Barrio del Pópulo as well the busy central market.
This route is around 1.7 miles (2.8 kms) long and, as with the previous two lines you’ll pass through Plaza de San Juan de Dios, where a statue of Segismundo Moret, a local politician and Prime Minister of Spain on three separate occasions in the early 20th century, stands in front of the Town Hall.
This route passes in front of the Cathedral, through Plaza de las Flores to the market where you should definitely stop for a look and perhaps a bite to eat. You’ll also see Torre Tavira, the tallest of all Cádiz’s remaining towers and now housing a Camera Obscura, as well as the city’s museum. Again, more on these later in the post.
Blue Line – Cádiz Constitution
This route is a distance of around 1.4 miles (2.2 kms) and takes in some of Cádiz’s most impressive plazas as you learn about the declaration of the Spanish Constitution of 1812.
The first part of this line is similar to the yellow line but, after passing through the gardens on the Alameda, you’ll head back into the old town to the Plaza de San Antonio, the square where the constitution was actually proclaimed, and finish at the Convento de San Francisco.
You don’t have to be a slave to the map though – I still went ‘off piste’ and discovered interesting statues, fancy shop fronts and even a fantastic free exhibition of Pop Art in the Centro Cultural Fundación Unicaja de Cádiz on Calle San Francisco. Seeing works by some of my favourite modern artists hadn’t been on my list when I planned my latest trip to Cádiz so it was a real unexpected treat.
Whether you follow these lines or book a guided walking tour you’ll discover some pretty amazing sights. I’ve visited the city on a number of occasions since moving to Andalucia and always find something new.
Cádiz, like many port cities, is a bit gritty and rough around the edges but, to me, that’s all part of its charm. It’s a city of surprises whether that’s walking past churches with the smell of incense hanging in the air, hearing the singing of nuns through the window of a convent, watching the locals congregate for their morning coffee at the legendary Bar Brim on Calle Compañia, or simply discovering a pop of colour from a beautiful bougainvillea in Parque Chalet de Varela.
Read on and discover (in no particular order) some of my favourite things to do in Cádiz whatever your interests. There’s a lot covered in this guide so, if you only have a short time in the city, just pick what appeals to you most. However, I do have one- and two-day itinerary posts coming soon.
All prices are correct as of July 2025.
Visit the Catedral de Cádiz
Cádiz Cathedral dates from the 18th century with construction starting in 1722 but not being completed for another 116 years, which explains why it’s a mix of different architectural styles.
I was fortunate that there were very few other visitors on the day I went to the Cathedral which really brought home the sheer size and scale of the interior – low season travel definitely has some advantages!
The entry fee of €10 includes an audio handset for a self-guided tour of the cathedral, the crypt, and admission to the belltower (Torre de Poniente).
The crypt, which is situated below sea level and has an almost flat roof, is the burial place of two of Cádiz’s famous sons – the composer Manuel de Falla and the poet José María Pemán.
It was a very cloudy December day when I went to the top of the belltower but, despite the weather, the views over the rooftops of Cádiz were worth the effort. Interestingly, there are no steps to climb to reach the top of the tower. Instead, it’s simply one long circular ramp which definitely makes things easier!
Check the official website for current opening times and prices.
Catedral de Cádiz, Plaza de la Catedral, Cádiz
Go shopping in the Mercado Central de Abastos
Built in 1838, the Mercado Central de Abastos is one of Spain’s oldest covered markets and is a great introduction to an authentic Spanish market with more than fifty stalls selling fish and seafood, over another fifty offering fruit and veg, more than forty selling meat, plus others that sell bread, pastries and deli items.
The central part of the market is primarily devoted to fish and seafood (not surprising given Cádiz’s location on the Atlantic Ocean) including swordfish, tuna, prawns, squid and everything in between.
Around the edge are the fruit and veg stalls and, in the outer part of the market, there are more fruit and veg stalls as well as delis selling the typical Spanish staples of meat, cheese and olives. Here you’ll also find the Rincón Gastronómico – a collection of bars where you can stop for a drink and some tapas.
At the gates to the market vendors have set up tables selling camarones (mini shrimp) served in a cone, and freshly shucked oysters. You can also take any fish that you buy to the restaurants outside the market and ask them to prepare it for you.
Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 3pm. However, the Rincón Gastronómico has different opening hours which, currently, are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 3.30pm and in the evening from 8pm to midnight from Tuesday to Thursday and 8pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Mercado Central de Abastos, Plaza de la Libertad, Cádiz
Stroll along the causeway to the Castillo de San Sebastián
San Sebastián Castle is a 17th century military fortress and getting there is a pleasant walk along Avenida Campo del Sur (where you can take the iconic photos of Cádiz Cathedral with its golden cupola) along the causeway to the castle at the end. After being closed to visitors for many years the castle is now open again (daily until sunset). Even if you visit outside of opening hours, the walk along the causeway is worth it (and gives another perspective on Cádiz). It’s a popular spot for watching the sunset and both the causeway and the beach are buzzing every evening with people waiting for the sizzle as the sun hits the ocean.
Castillo de San Sebastián, Paseo Fernando Quiñones, Cádiz
Check out the exhibitions at the Castillo de Santa Catalina
A walk along Avenida del Duque de Najera to the other side of La Caleta beach leads to the star shaped 17th century fortress of Santa Catalina. This was originally a military prison but is now used for cultural events and exhibitions. Inside there’s a small chapel, some interesting sculptures in the courtyard, and various exhibition spaces.
On my last visit the temporary exhibition was ‘Sobre Todo, Mujeres’ featuring the works of 50 female artists.
You can also walk around the walls for panoramic views back to Cádiz and further up the Costa de la Luz and beyond.
The castle is open daily from 11am until 7pm and admission is free.
Castillo de Santa Catalina, Calle Campo de las Balas, Cádiz
Wander through Parque Genovés
If you need a break from sightseeing then head to Parque Genovés, the city’s Botanical Gardens.
Dating from the late 18th century it’s not a very big park but does have a great variety of plants and trees from around the world. From a wide central path smaller dusty tracks pass through beds of exotic flowers, and there are fountains, statues, and even a dovecote filled with racing pigeons to discover.
There’s a small manmade lake with a waterfall near to a bandstand. If you’re in the park on a weekend there’s every chance you’ll get to hear a band playing there.
On a sunny day it’s the perfect place to escape the heat and find a shady bench to read, or you can take a seat in Café Bar El Parque for a drink while listening to the squawking of the parakeets in the palms.
The park is free to enter and is open daily from 7.30am to 10pm.
Parque Genovés, Avenida Doctor Gómez Ulla, Cádiz
Eat with the locals in Taberna Casa Manteca
Casa Manteca is a traditional Spanish bar with bullfighting memorabilia adorning all the walls. It’s only small and usually very busy but worth a visit. It was standing room only at the bar on our first visit but we were lucky to get a prime spot right next to the beer pump – beginner’s luck perhaps!
Tapas are served on sheets of greaseproof paper – the cheese was the local payoyo variety (super strong just how I like it!) and the anchovies in olive oil and vinegar were delicious. If you eat meat though you have to try the chicharronnes, a sliced pork dish.
Bar Casa Manteca, Calle Corralón de los Carros, Cádiz
Sample the local seafood at Freidura las Flores
Given its location it’s no surprise that seafood is king in Cádiz. Wherever you are in the city you’ll usually notice the smell of frying fish in the air, floating through open windows of bars and restaurants.
One of the most popular spots for a seafood feast is Freiduria las Flores. This place is always busy with both locals and tourists and it’s likely you’ll have to wait for a table, particularly if you want to sit outside and indulge in a spot of people watching. If the tables are full there’ll be a guy with a clipboard taking names and you can sit at the bar until a table is free and your name is called.
If you can’t decide what to try, go for a plate of pescaito frito (fried fish) – a mixture of various fish and seafood coated in flour and fried – to enjoy a little of everything.
There’s also a takeaway option if you fancy enjoying your seafood on the seafront. Just watch out for the seagulls!
Freiduria las Flores, Plaza Topete, Cádiz
Climb Torre Tavira for panoramic views of the city
There were originally 160 watchtowers in Cádiz and, even now, over 100 of them remain. Of these Torre Tavira is the highest so, as you can imagine, you get some great views from the terrace at the top of the tower.
On the other floors there are two small exhibition areas plus a Camera Obscura, the first one to be installed in Spain in 1994.
If you’ve never been to a Camera Obscura before you basically enter a small room and stand around a large concave white dish. The guide then switches off all the lights so you’re in total darkness and, using a revolving lens, will rotate the angles to project real time telescopic images onto the dish giving you a 360-degree view of Cádiz. Photography isn’t allowed in the Camera Obscura.
Over the fifteen-minute duration the guide points out places of interest around the city including features on buildings that you won’t be able to see from ground level.
The Camera Obscura visits are available in several languages and must be reserved in advance as there are only 16 spaces per session. Book as far ahead as you can to be sure of getting your chosen language.
Check the official website for current opening times and prices.
Torre Tavira, Calle Marqués Del Real Tesoro, Cádiz
Step back in time in the Roman Theatre
It’s hard to believe that the remains of this Roman amphitheatre were only discovered in 1980 when construction was being carried out in the neighbourhood.
Dating from the 1st century BC it was abandoned at the end of the 3rd century and around 1,000 years later King Alfonso X of Castile ordered a fortress to be built on its ruins. Later the houses that make up the Pópulo neighbourhood were built which is presumably why it lay undiscovered for so long. These buildings now prevent the excavation of the theatre in its entirety.
As it’s only partially excavated it’s hard to imagine that in its day it could hold 10,000 spectators. However, if you have a look around Interpretation Centre you’ll be able to see a virtual recreation that show exactly how it looked in its heyday.
Entrance to the Roman Amphitheatre is free but check the official website for opening times.
Teatro Romano de Cádiz, Calle Mesón, Cádiz
Uncover more of Cádiz’s Roman history
As well as the theatre there are other Roman remains dotted around Cádiz although none are within the old town and so are often missed by tourists. However, if time is on your side you can take a pleasant stroll along the seafront and then back through the new part of the city to find them.
On the promenade behind Playa de Santa Maria del Mar you’ll find the Punic Tombs of the Necropolis of Gadir.
Walking away from the seafront a short distance there are the remains of a Roman aqueduct in Plaza Asdrúbal.
Behind that square, in the Jardines de Varela, you can wander round the gardens between many Roman ruins with signs to explain the meanings behind them all. You’ll need Google Translate if you don’t speak any Spanish.
Discover Callejón del Duende, Cádiz’s narrowest street
You could easily walk past Callejón del Duende without noticing it. It’s between the Cathedral and the Roman Theatre and is the narrowest street in Cádiz.
It was only discovered when restoration work was being carried out on the surrounding buildings and is behind a closed gate to protect it.
Now blocked off at one end it was, in the past, used by smugglers. The most notorious of these was El Duende, which means the elf or goblin, which is possibly one reason why the street is now decorated with elves and gnomes among other bits of random paraphernalia.
Another legend about the street dates from the Napoleonic invasion of Spain when a French soldier fell in love with a local woman who ended up falling in love with him too, despite being engaged to someone else.
Meeting for secret trysts in this narrow alleyway they were eventually caught and sentenced to death for their immoral actions. On All Souls’ Day every year locals still decorate the alley with candles in their memory.
Callejón del Duende, Calle Mesón, Cádiz
Tuck into a plate of picatostes at Café Royalty
Café Royalty is a stunning café on the corner of Plaza Candelaria, a small but very pretty square.
Opened in 1912 it became a popular meeting place for the great and good of Cádiz but closed its doors in the 1930s before the Spanish Civil War. Over the years it fell into decline until, in 2008, it was reopened and restored to its former glory.
The café is open from breakfast through to dinner but my sole reason for visiting was to try their speciality and have a plate of picatostes which are made from thick slices of bread soaked in milk, fried, and sprinkled with icing sugar and cinnamon.
Café Royalty, Plaza Candelaria
Cool down with an ice cream at El Limonero
Just around the corner from Café Royalty is El Limonero where you’ll find ice cream flavours which are definitely not the usual run of the mill ones.
I was spoilt for choice with unusual flavours but eventually opted for a tub with three scoops of ice cream – hazelnut, azahar (orange blossom), and basil with chocolate. The lovely server also gave me a taster of the pistachio too. All were delicious particularly the basil and chocolate and it was less than €5.
Next time I’m in Cádiz I’m going to try the coriander and lime, and they also have vegan options – the lemon and mint sounds divine.
El Limonero is on Plaza Candelaria so you can take your ice cream and find a bench in the square to enjoy it, although it does have seating indoors.
Heladeria El Limonero, Plaza Candelaria, Cádiz
Find the starting point of the Via Augusta
There’s a network of Camino de Santiago trails within Andalucia including the Via Augusta which starts at the Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol in Cádiz and finishes in Seville before joining the Via de la Plata to Santiago de Compostela.
It’s also worth going into the church for a look at its ornate interior.
The first stage of the Via Augusta is to Puerto Real and you’ll spot the traditional yellow arrows of the Camino on various walls in the old town and also on the sea wall if you walk along the promenade towards the beaches of the new town.
Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol, Plaza de la Catedral, Cádiz
Take a sunset cruise into the Bay of Cádiz
The sunsets in Cádiz are spectacular and, while many people flock to Playa la Caleta to watch them, why not take a cruise and toast the end of the day with a glass of cava in your hand?
I booked a sunset catamaran cruise through Get Your Guide. The cruise lasted around 90 minutes and, from its berth in the port, the catamaran sailed out into the Bay of Cádiz before mooring off Playa la Caleta where it stayed until the sun had set.
There’s a drink included in the price and a paid bar for any extra drinks.
It’s a good way to get a different perspective on the Cádiz waterfront and the city’s landmarks and a perfect way to end the day watching the sun go down over the Atlantic Ocean.
Marvel at the Puente De La Constitución De 1812
The bridge that connects Cádiz with Puerto Real was only finished in 2015 and is Spain’s longest bridge.
You’ll get excellent views of the bridge from the top of Torre Tavira but, if you want a closer view, you’ll need to head to the La Paz neighbourhood.
While you’re in that area there’s a promenade along the waterfront on the opposite side of the isthmus from the beach which makes for a nice walk (or cycle).
Puente de la Constitución, Avenida Bahia, Cádiz
Say hola to the local feline population
As you stroll along Avenida Campo del Sur take a look over the sea wall and check out the colony of feral cats that live on the concrete blocks of the sea defences.
Despite being feral they do have some human contact as shelters have been placed out for them and you can see bowls that have been filled with food and water in various places on the rocks.
Cat Colony, Avenida Campo del Sur, Cádiz
Relax on one of the city’s beaches
If you’re visiting Cádiz in the summer months and need a break from exploring the sights in the relentless heat then there are some fantastic beaches for some chill out time.
Playa la Caleta
The closest beach to the old town, Playa la Caleta sits between Castillo de San Sebastián and Castillo de Santa Catalina – you’ll recognise it thanks to the large white building jutting into the sand. The Balneario de Nuestra Señora de la Palma y del Real was originally a spa but is now home to the Underwater Archaeology Centre.
It’s only a small beach so you’ll need to get there early for a sunbathing spot if you’re in Cádiz during the summer. It’s just as popular at night as crowds gather to watch the sunset.
In the Bond film Die Another Day when Halle Berry emerged from the sea, it was on to La Caleta beach to the right of the causeway and not Cuba, as the movie would have you believe.
Playa de Santa Maria del Mar and Playa de la Victoria
These two beaches are in the new part of Cádiz. Playa de Santa Maria del Mar is the smaller of the two but both have fine golden sand and great views back to the old town.
If you’re planning to visit Cádiz during the summer be prepared for the beaches to be very very crowded. While the Costa de la Luz is less popular (for now!) than the Costa del Sol, the beaches fill up very quickly and you’ll easily find yourself in close proximity to the many Spanish families who flock to the coast for their summer holidays.
Enjoy some tortillitas de camarones
Tortillitas de camarones are crunchy shrimp fritters that originate from Cádiz province and, at least for me, are a highlight of the Andalucian tapas scene.
They’ve been around for over 400 years and are made with camarones (tiny shrimp which are cooked whole – shells, heads and all), spring onions, and parsley in a chickpea flour batter. Fried in olive oil until they’re perfectly crisp, they’re the perfect accompaniment to an ice-cold beer or a glass of tinto de verano.
I’ve eaten more than I care to imagine since I moved to Andalucia but two standouts from Cádiz are the ones from La Tabernita and Taberna El Tío de la Tiza.
More things to do in Cádiz
I always find something new to do each time I visit Cádiz and, despite visiting many times, there are still plenty of things to do that I haven’t covered in this post. I’m including these extra suggestions in a separate section as I only write about, and recommend, things that I’ve done personally. These are just some of the things I’ll be doing next time!
Learn about the history of the city at the Museo de Cádiz
Located in the Convent of San Francisco this museum will tell you everything you need to know about Cádiz from Phoenician and Roman times through to the present day.
Entry is free for EU citizens or €1.50 otherwise. You can check current opening times on the official website.
Museo de Cádiz, Plaza de Mina, Cádiz
Visit the Museo del Títere
This is a puppet museum located near the Puertas de Tierra, the arched gateway dividing the old and new towns. A celebration of puppetry it has a permanent exhibition “Puppets of the World” with over 500 puppets, including 350 international ones.
Entry is free and you can check the website for current opening times.
Museo del Títere, Bóvedas de Santa Elena, Puertas de Tierra, Cádiz
Go underground at the Catacumbas del Beaterio
I was looking forward to exploring the catacombs but the opening times didn’t coincide with my last visit. The catacombs were the burial place of an ancient order of Franciscan nuns from the 17th century and today you can go underground either on your own or as part of a guided tour. Probably not a good choice if you’re claustrophobic though.
You can check entry fees (they vary depending on whether you pick a guided or self-guided visit) and opening times on the official website.
Catacumbas del Beaterio, Calle Valverde, Cádiz
Catch a flamenco show
There are plenty of places to watch flamenco in Cádiz and I was particularly keen to go to Tablao Flamenca La Cava or La Cueva del Pajaro Azul. Unfortunately, one was sold out and the other didn’t have any shows on my particular dates.
If you want to see a show at either of these I recommend booking in advance – at La Cava tables are filled from the front so the sooner you book, the better the seat you’ll be allocated, while in Pajaro Azul the maximum capacity is 38 people as it’s underground in the vaults of the building. You can book tickets for both places on their official websites (the links are above).
Tablao Flamenca La Cava, Calle Antonio López, Cádiz
Pajaro Azul, Calle San Juan, Cádiz
Hunt down some street art
Finding street art is one of my favourite things to do when I visit a new city but, surprisingly, I found it really difficult in Cádiz. I expected, as a fairly big city, that there would be plenty to discover. However, I struggled to really find anything.
There’s a new piece near the port by Okuda and there are plans for more in that area in order to integrate the port into the city which, hopefully, will be done when I next visit Cádiz.
If you want to see more by Okuda there are several pieces in Ronda at the bus station.
When researching street art for my latest visit to Cádiz many of the places I’d bookmarked had all been painted over so there’s either a big clean up planned in the city or the walls are being whitewashed in preparation for some new murals. If you visit and discover anything please let me know!
I did spot this tiny mosaic guitar by Invader purely by chance though.
Go on a tapas tour
I’ve eaten in a lot of places in Cádiz but there are so many tapas bars to choose from that a dedicated tapas tour would be a great way to discover the best culinary delights that the city has to offer while exploring the old town at the same time.
Join the party at Carnaval
Every February Cádiz plays host to one of the world’s most famous carnivals. Lasting two weeks it’s a riotous party that takes over the city streets and fills them with music and laughter, with the crowds in costumes, and ‘chirigotas’ – comical music performances, generally satirical in nature and often lambasting politicians – taking place throughout the city.
Day trips to Cádiz
If you only have time for a day trip to Cádiz you can book these from other cities within Andalucia and they usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off. Get Your Guide and Viator both have a good selection with both group and private tours available.
From Seville – Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera Day Trip
From Marbella – Private Day Trip to Cádiz and Jerez
Where to stay in Cádiz
There are countless accommodation options in Cádiz whether you want a cheap hostel or luxury hotel in the old town, or you’d prefer to chill by the beach. These are three that I’ve stayed in and can recommend.
Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz
Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz is a converted convent in an ideal location on the edge of the old town for seeing all the sights. Our room on the first floor was beautifully furnished, spacious and came equipped with its own Nespresso machine – definitely a plus point for me!!
The hotel has a small breakfast room on the ground floor or you can eat outside in the courtyard. Even in December when we stayed here it was warm enough to eat al fresco listening to the dulcet tones of Michael Bublé singing festive tunes.
Hotel Convento Cádiz, Calle Santo Domingo, Cádiz
El Rincón del Tío de la Tiza
El Rincón del Tío de la Tiza is a small but very well-equipped apartment in the heart of the old town. The owner Mariluz was really welcoming and had thought of everything that you might need for a stay in Cádiz.
It was close to all the main attractions as well as bars and restaurants and was a great choice for a weekend break.
El Rincón del Tío de la Tiza, Calle República Dominicana, Cádiz
BYPILLOW Casa Gades
Casa Gades is right in the heart of the old town on the same street as Oratorio de la Santa Cueva and Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario and just around the corner from the Convento de San Francisco.
It’s a tastefully renovated building and I had a room at the front of the building with a small balcony overlooking the street.
Even though the locals like to party well into the night, and there were bars just a few steps away from the hotel, I wasn’t kept awake by the noise – although that could just as easily have been due to being worn out by the amount of walking I did each day!
BYPILLOW Casa Gades, Calle del Rosario, Cádiz
I’ve stayed in the old town each time I’ve visited but if you want to stay closer to the beach then there are several big chain hotels along the seafront including Hotel Cádiz Paseo del Mar and Hotel Playa Victoria.
Cádiz also has a Parador if you want to treat yourself to a luxury stay with sea views.
Where to eat in Cádiz
Cádiz is, rightly, famous for its seafood and you’ll find excellent fish dishes at many places in the city.
La Tabernita (Calle de la Virgen de la Palma) has a small, but very tasty, tapas menu. I’ve already mentioned the tasty tortillitas de camarones but the cuttlefish meatballs in black ink are also worth trying.
Taberna El Tío de la Tiza (Plaza del Tío de la Tiza) is set in a lovely square and, again, has a good selection of fish dishes. If fish isn’t your thing there are also plenty of meat dishes and they do have a few veggie options too.
For a traditional Andalucian breakfast of mollete con tomate I loved La Marquesa de las Huevas (Calle San Francisco). Café de Levante (Calle del Rosario) is another good option. If churros are more your thing then head to Café Marina next to the Mercado de Abastos – they’re delicious!
Getting to Cádiz
By air
The closest airport to Cádiz is in Jerez de la Frontera which is only about 26 miles (43 kms) away and which has daily flights to and from destinations within Europe as well as domestic flights. Alternatively, Seville airport is around 80 miles (130 kms) away, while Gibraltar airport has several daily flights from the UK with the onward drive taking around one hour 45 minutes.
You can check out flight prices on Trip.com.
By car
If you’re driving to Cádiz from the south there are two routes – inland via Los Barrios on the A-381, or the slightly longer route on the N-340 via Tarifa and up the coast.
If you’re driving from Jerez or Seville the quickest way is on the AP-4 via Puerta Real and reaching the city by driving over the Puente de la Constitución de 1812.
If you’re thinking of hiring a car for your holiday I always use Discover Cars and find them reasonably priced and easy to deal with.
Once you arrive in Cádiz you’ll need to find a parking space. There are plenty of 24-hour secure parking lots in the city within easy walking distance of the old town. You can find out more details on the Parkimeter website. A lot of the old town is pedestrianised but even in the areas where cars are allowed it’s probably not the best idea to drive as the streets can be very narrow.
By train
Cádiz has regular trains to/from Jerez and Seville (both under an hour away) plus daily services that include Cordoba, Granada, Malaga and Ronda plus further afield to/from Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.
The railway station is near the port and a short walk to the old town. If you’re staying in one of the hotels near the beach there are plenty of taxis available.
You can check current train times and prices on Trainline or Rail Europe.
Estación de Cádiz, Avenida de los Astilleros, Cádiz
By bus
The bus station is in the same area as the railway station and has regular buses throughout Andalucia.
On my last visit I took the bus from Algeciras which cost €28 for a return trip and took around 2.5 hours (it stopped at various places along the Costa de la Luz including Tarifa and Chiclana de la Frontera).
You can check prices and timetables, as well as buy tickets, on Omio.com.
Estación de Autobus, Avenida de los Astilleros, Cádiz
By sea
Cádiz is a cruise port and there are also ferries to and from various locations including North Africa and the Canary Islands.
Getting around Cádiz
While getting around Cádiz on foot is easy be aware that in the old town many, if not most, of the streets are cobbled so wear your comfiest shoes!
If you only have limited time then you might want to think about using the ‘hop on hop off’ bus which loops around both the old and new parts of the city and has stops at all the popular sights.
I also spotted people on bike tours and segway tours which look like a fun way to see the sights especially if your time is limited.
Weather in Cádiz
Cádiz has hot summers (although the sea breeze means that it’s slightly more bearable than the inland cities like Seville and Granada) while in winter the weather is generally mild although you may get the odd rainy day, particularly in November which is generally the wettest month.
Average temperatures in July and August are around 25°c while, during the winter months, the average temperatures are around 12°c.
As with much of Andalucia, spring and autumn are excellent times to visit.
I hope this post has given you lots of ideas of things to do in Cádiz. Let me know if you have any questions, or if there’s anything I’ve missed that I need to add for my next visit.
Happy travels!
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I’ve never heard of Cadiz! But it looks wonderful. And the food. THE FOOD!!! Thanks for sharing! Xx
I’ve had my eye on Cadiz for some time, because of the cathedral. This is further proof it deserves a day or two. I shall duly oblige when I get back to the south of Spain next time.
I’m now feeling extremely hungry 🙂 Definitely adding Cadiz to my bucket list. Great post and lovely photos.
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I loved visiting Cadiz. It’s a really beautiful part of Spain! But I was thankful for the breeze all the time on the beach. When I visited, it was scorching hot. Torre Tavira was probably my favourite thing to do. Also, Cadiz Cathedral is stunning. Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive post!
Thanks James! It’s a gorgeous city isn’t it? It took a few visits before I got to climb Torre Tavira and I’m so glad I finally made it there as the views were fantastic.
I was in Cadiz this past April during Santa Semana and explored most of the places mentioned in this post (and thoroughly enjoyed the incredible processionals!) I did all the coloured line walks, and you’re right, those lines are quite faded in some places, but they can still be followed. It is such a beautiful city. Thank you for reminding me how much I enjoyed my visit.
How lucky for you that you were there during Holy Week and got to see the processions – that must have made your visit even more special.
I honestly love ANY city that puts down tourist lines. I NEED them!!! I’d probably end up walking all of them before even getting to specific attractions I want to visit haha. Cádiz seems pretty comfortable in terms of weather with a lot to see and do. I’ll have to find some time to put it into my Spain itinerary for next year! So much of Spain – so little time!
More cities should have tourist lines – especially for people short of time (and people like me who get lost often)! I hope you do get to visit next year.
I can already tell I’m going to need a few days at least to explore Cadiz. I kept seeing more and more in your guide I wanted to do. The Roman history looks really interesting, I can’t believe the amphitheater is free. Going to the top of the bell tower on the cathedral too, what a great view. Off season for the win! The Central Market is where I’d spend a bit of time, as well as a visit to Cafe Royalty. I really love the idea of the marked routes around the city with the different colored lines. What a brilliant idea. Of course I’d have to do all 4. But it’s a great way to make sure you see the main spots, and I’d always end up going off route a bit. Isn’t that part of the fun of exploring on foot?!
It’s definitely a city that needs a few days – the day trippers must be exhausted by the time they leave!
Cafe Royalty is gorgeous (as are the picatostes) and a great place to have a break from all the sightseeing.
I’d never heard of Cadiz until this post but I already want to visit now I’ve read it. Love the coloured trails to help you to see the best bits of the city. Love your photos. Looking up flights!
It’s a great city – often overlooked when people are planning trips to Spain. It would make an ideal long weekend.
Ufff this was such a momoth post, it took me two nights to read this. It deserves the title of “Ultimate guide to Cadiz” – well done Alison! You have certainly put Cadiz on my radar, not only because of James’ recent compilations of beautiful beaches but it sounds like the city’s touristic infrastructure is very well established. I love that there are four different routes across town, and whilst I can see myself explore all of them, I fell the green one is the most interesting option for me. I can imagine there will be lots of architecture and historic sites along the way. Next I saw they have a cathedral (like all good Spanish cities do!) and of course I was curious to read on, if there is a connection to the Camino – and there is! Love this, so when I will plan my visit to cadiz I shall bring my Credential along and get myself a stamp and potentially some free entrances to their religious sites.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
You know me Carolin – I have to try and find a Camino connection everywhere I go!! 😊