Nestled on a narrow peninsula and surrounded by fortifications, Cadiz's unique charm is immediately apparent. With over 111,000 inhabitants, this port city boasts a historic center where it's a pleasure to lose yourself in the narrow streets, discovering palaces, churches and relics testifying to its rich past. Home to Spain's oldest university, Cadiz was a commercial crossroads in the 18th century, concentrating the wealth of the Spanish colonies. Today, between history and modernity the city offers a multitude of sites to explore. In this article, discover the must-sees to make the most of Cadiz.
1. Visit Cadiz Cathedral
A blend of Baroque and neoclassical styles, Cadiz Cathedral is a must-see, not least for its remarkable crypt. On a sunny day, we recommend approaching it from the Campo del Sur, coming from La Caleta: its yellow-tiled dome sparkles in the sunlight, giving the building a spectacular golden hue. The crypt is home to the famous Cadiz composer Manuel de Falla. The cathedral's treasury, considered the third most important in Spain, contains magnificent pieces of silverware, including two impressive custodes: the custodia del Corpus, 5 m high and weighing 1,000 kg, and the custodia del Millón, adorned with over 250,000 precious stones.
Worth knowing: Admission to the Cathedral also includes a visit to the Cathedral Museum, located at Plaza Fray Félix, Casa de la Contaduría. Nearby, the Santa Cruz church, the city's first cathedral, is also worth a visit.
2. View of Cádiz from Torre Tavira
Baroque in style, the Tavira Tower offers both an exhibition and a spectacular view of Cadiz. It is one of the many towers erected from the XVIIᵉ century onwards, bearing witness to the maritime commercial prosperity of the period, when traffic from the Americas passed through the city. These towers generally feature a small turret at the corner of their terrace, serving as a lookout to observe the horizon. Today, the Tavira Tower is equipped with a darkroom with lenses and a mirror, allowing visitors to contemplate a lively panorama of the city in real time: boats arriving at the port, terraces with their laundry spread out, and much more. Two exhibition rooms complete the tour, with panels and audiovisual projections tracing Cadiz's history and tourism.
Don't miss this guided bike tour of the city's most emblematic monuments.
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3. Stroll along the city walls
Once designed to protect Cádiz from land and sea attacks, the fortifications completely surrounded the city. Partially destroyed in the early XXᵉ century, they still reveal the famous Puertas de Tierra, erected between 1639 and the mid XVIIIᵉ century. The famous engineer Vauban, who designed the city's defensive system, added several forts and bastions, some of whose remains still stand, including the castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina, the latter of which is open to visitors. Today, the parks and gardens that line the seafront, such as Parque del Genovés and Alameda Apodaca, offer a pleasant setting for a stroll combining history and relaxation.
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4. Visit the Cadiz Museum
Located on the Plaza de Mina, this museum offers a rich diversity of collections. Its archaeological section includes two Phoenician sarcophagi and a bronze depicting Hercules. The pinacoteca in the fine arts section features major works by Zurbarán, Murillo and Rubens. Contemporary art, local neoclassical works and a particularly interesting ethnological section are also on display . All in all, an enjoyable artistic experience!
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5. And the Museo de las Cortes
Located close to the oratory of San Felipe Neri, this historical museum evokes the period of the proclamation of the Constitution. It houses a magnificent model of the city, made of ivory and mahogany, dating from 1777, which reveals just how little Cadiz's historic center has changed since then.
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6. The oratory of Saint Philippe Néri: what to do in Cadiz
Rich in history, this church is famous for hosting the meeting of the Cortes proclaiming the Pepa, the liberal constitution of 1812. An interpretation center, created for the bicentenary, provides a didactic introduction to this major event. At the time, Cadiz, besieged by Napoleonic troops, had become a bastion of resistance and home to the provisional government. The church bears witness to this past and also houses a magnificent Murillo fresco in its oval nave.
What to book: Embark for an evening on the Bay of Cadiz and the Atlantic Ocean by booking this sunset cruise on a catamaran.
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7. La Caleta beach
This is the smallest and most central of Cádiz's beaches, but its unique location between two castles - San Sebastián, accessible via a breakwater on the left, and Santa Catalina on the right - makes it a real attraction. An ideal stopping-off point between two visits, La Caleta beach invites you to relax, swim or enjoy a drink at the Maritime Club café. Its sunsets, with the boats lined up on the water, have inspired many a poet.
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8. Walk to San Sebastian Castle in Cadiz
Erected in the XVIIIᵉ century, San Sebastián Castle stands on a small island accessible by a path from La Caleta beach. According to Greek mythology, it occupies the site of the temple of Cronos. Appearing in several James Bond films, the castle dominates the bay, offering spectacular panoramic views. The site can also be explored via the footbridge known to locals as the Fernando Quiñones Promenade, which links the historic center to the fortifications. It's an ideal place to admire the sunset, watch the fishermen or simply relax and enjoy the view over the water and the old town.
Good to know: Access to the castle is free and the site is open every day, from morning to evening. From the town center, it's a 20-minute walk west along La Caleta beach to the fortress. Nearby, you can also visit the Plaza José Macías Rete, the University of Valcárcel and other historic sites in Cadiz.
9. Cádiz Central Market
In the mornings, it's a hive of activity! Fresh seafood and fish, olives, herbs and spices, greengrocers, butchers, cheesemongers and wine bars, this market is one of the liveliest spots in charming Cadiz. You won't want to leave without sampling the tapas on offer in the many areas set aside for on-site tasting.
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10. Take a bus tour of Cadiz
Located on the famous "Coast of Light", Cadiz is one of the region's most attractive cities, with a rich architectural and monumental heritage. To discover its main sights, you can take advantage of the tourist bus, a double-decker vehicle with an open roof offering exceptional panoramic views. The unique Red Line covers the west, north and northeast of the city, skirting almost the entire coastline, so you can admire Cadiz from the bus and get off at the most interesting stops. The ticket, valid for 24 hours, can be booked here and allows you to get on and off at will, while audio guides are available in 16 languages.
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Good to know: Buses run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. non-stop, with stops every 30 minutes.
Where to stay in Cadiz?
The historic heart of Cadiz is the most popular district for visitors. It offers an authentic atmosphere with its pedestrian lanes, lively squares, tapas bars and emblematic monuments such as the cathedral and Torre Tavira. It's the perfect place to discover the city on foot and enjoy its lively atmosphere. Discover our favorite accommodations in Cadiz:
- The low-budget option: Casa Caracol
Not too far from the train station or the cathedral, and just a 15-minute walk from La Caleta beach, this is a hotel to book here that will be perfect for globetrotters. All the more so if their budget is somewhat limited, because with the exception of small summer peaks, prices remain very reasonable. We appreciated the relaxed, international ambience, and the not inconsiderable bonus of a rooftop terrace.
- The safe bet: Hotel Argantonio
Bookable here, this hotel in the heart of the city, near the Plaza de España, combines a classic colonial style with noble, refined Arabo-Andalusian decoration. A good fifteen rooms, whose names refer to the Phoenician civilization, are spread over three floors; at weekends, opt for those not overlooking the street and its processions of revelers. Enjoy the comfort of the chill-out terrace ! Fairly good value for money and a very friendly welcome.
- The ideal hotel for travelers with pets: Casa Palacio
Bookable here, this hotel is located in a colorful, historic 18th-century building in the heart of Cadiz's old town. The establishment is ideally located, close to the city center, the beach, stores, restaurants and bars. Casa Palacio Cádiz is child-friendly and has an on-site restaurant. Pets are also welcome, with no weight restrictions. Bowls and feeders are provided on arrival.
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