Cadiz is a fascinating city where the term travelling deeper is taken to a whole new level. It encourages you to look underground, out to the horizon and be amongst the rooftops. Succumb to the easy going way of life of the gaditanos – relax, eat well and be inspired by this ancient city.

1. Torre Tavira

Watchtowers of Cadiz

Climb this eighteenth-century watchtower, learn about the watchtowers of Cadiz (some pictured above) and see Cadiz through its camera obscura at the top.

C. Marqués del Real Tesoro, 10, 11001 Cádiz. Torretavira.com

2. Playa La Caleta

Sunset with fishing boat silhouettes

A day on the beach or hit it at 6pm for cake – street food to beach food. Sellers usually roam the beaches from about 5pm to 6pm. Then grab a drink and watch the sunset over the bay.

3. Cathedral

Cathedral with the sun behind

Taking over 100 years to complete and with its unique golden dome and silver collection it’s worth a visit.
Pl. de la Catedral, s/n, 11005 Cádiz. Catedraldecadiz.com

4. Iglesia de Santa Cruz

The original cathedral of Cadiz it was build in its form today in 1602.
Pl. Fray Félix, 6, 11005 Cádiz

5. Mercado Central

Busy food market square in Cadiz

Fresh food and casual eateries make the market the heart of the city. Hit the gastromarket side of the market for tapas.
Pl. de la Libertad, S/N, 11005 Cádiz

Selection of tapas from Cadiz

6. Pause in a Plaza

Pretty Square with fountain in Cadiz

Meander and stop for coffees or something strong in one of the pretty squares. Plaza de las Flores and Plaza de la Candelaria are two favourites.

7. Yacimiento Arqueológico Gadir

This archaeological museum with a focus on Phoenician culture helps you travel under the city to ancient Cadiz.
Address: C. San Miguel, 15, 11001 Cádiz. Open: Tues – Sat 11.00 – 15.00hrs and 17.00 – 21.00hrs. Sun 11.00 – 15.00hrs. Entrance free.

8. Park Genoves

Shadey floral walkway in a city park in Cadiz

Beside the sea this city park has a playground, fountains and it’s a great place to run off little legs or meander after a long lunch.
Parque Genovés, Av. Dr. Gómez Ulla, s/n, 11003 Cádiz

9. Museum of Cadiz

Roman mosaic floors in a museum

From archaeological artifacts to art and puppets, the museum of Cadiz is an interesting way to spend a couple of hours if not only to find out the importance of puppeteering in the city.
Address: Pl. de Mina, s/n, 11004 Cádiz. Museosdeandalucia.es

10. Castillo de Santa Catalina

Inside the castle in Cadiz

A curious shape castle, originally built in 1598 gives great views and an insight into its military past.
C. Campo de las Balas, s/n, 11002 Cádiz. Open during summer, Mon – Sun 11.00 – 20.30hrs.

11. Plaza de San Juan de Dios

The old main square of the city is a great place to start discovering Cadiz.

12. Teatro Romano

Roman Ampitheatre in Cadiz

This 1st century B.C. Roman theatre in the centre of the old town is the oldest and second largest on the Iberian Peninsula.
Address: C. Mesón, 11, 13, 11005 Cádiz. Summer opening times (1st April – 30th Sept) Mon – Sat 11.00 – 17.00hrs and Sun 10.00 – 17.00hrs. Winter opening times (1st oct – 31st Mar) Mon – Sat 10.00 – 16.30hrs and Sun 10.00 – 14.00hrs. Closed the first Monday of every month. Entrance is free.

13. Puppet Museum (Museo del Titere)

A good family option, it’s somewhat interactive and home to puppets from all over the world.
Puertas de Tierra, Bóvedas de Santa Elena, s/n, 11006 Cádiz. Open Tues – Sun 10.00 – 21.00hrs. Entrance is free.

14. See the Sunset at San Sebastian Castle

Sunset at Cadiz Beach

This castle and lighthouse is on a small island with a walkway linking it (even at high tide) to the end of the pier at La Caleta beach.

It’s said that the father of Zeus, Tronos, had his temple on the island. The lighthouse that you can see today has Moorish foundations and that is just the beginning of this little island’s history.
P.º Fernando Quiñones, s/n, Cádiz

15. Oratory of San Felipe Neri Church

Home to one of Murillo’s finest works and one of the few Andalucian Baroque architectural examples of elliptical arches.
C. San José, 36, 11003 Cádiz

16. Gran Teatro Falla

Mudejar Building Cadiz

For an evening surrounded by 18th century grandeur, check out this Neo-Mudejar theatre in the old town. (See its program here).
Pl. Fragela, s/n, 11003 Cádiz

17. CUEVA CATACUMBAS DEL BEATERIO

These catacombs are much less morbid than you’d imagine with an incredible story. Access is six metres under the city through a courtyard in a residential building.
C. Valverde, n3, 11004 Cádiz. Catacumbasdelbeaterio.com

18. Carnival

Group of people in fancy dress

Celebrated just before the beginning of Lent this very lively week-long festival sees everyone take to the streets in fancy dress. There’s traditional music in the form of satire singing groups that you can hear around the streets and at the theatre. Usually during February, 40 days before Easter.

19. Walk Around the Old Town

Historic building with enclosed windows

Take in the feel of the city by wandering around two distinct areas: El Populo and La Viña, the latter of which is the old fisherman’s area. Don’t miss Plaza Tío de la Tiza and Restaurant El Faro.

20. Casa-Palacio Moreno de Mora

A fine example of an Elizabethan-style palace from the 1800s.
C. Ancha, 28, 30, 11001 Cádiz. Only open on Wednesdays at 10.00hrs via prior arrangement through this email casapalaciodemora@gmail.com

21. Hospital de Mujeres

A quick visit of this old hospital and chapel offers a magnificent El Greco painting of St Francis and a rather special central courtyard.
C. Hospital de Mujeres, 26, 11001 Cádiz

22. Visit El Puerto DE Santa Maria by Boat

Castillo de San Marcos

Cadiz is at the end of a peninsula so there are regular boats going across to the mainland. Take a day trip to El Puerto de Santa Maria – see the sights like the Castle of San Marcos and do some sherry tasting.
Port: Av. del Puerto, 2B, 11006 Cádiz

Castle of San Marcos, Pl. Alfonso X el Sabio, 3, 11500 El Puerto de Sta María, Cádiz

23. Casa de Iberoamerica

Casa de Iberoamerica, Cadiz

This Neoclassic building, once a former prison, is now an event and exhibition space.
C. Concepción Arenal, s/n, 11006 Cádiz

24. Eat in a Michelin restaurant

Fine Dining at LÚ Cocina

© LÚ Cocina y Alma, Jerez De La Frontera

If you book early enough, you could enjoy one of the 5 Michelin-starred restaurants in Cadiz and the surrounding areas.

Check out our guide here

Useful Information

How to get to Cadiz by car
From Seville airport 129km 1hr 14min
From Malaga airport 225km 2hr 20min
From Jerez 34.9km 28min
From Gibraltar 118km 1hr 24min
From Marbella 177km 1hr 49min

Tempted you to discover Cadiz city? Have a look at our selection of villas on the Costa de la Luz.


Ben Cooper

A head-over-heels hispanophile, Ben is a one-time travel editor at Rough Guides, DK Travel, ELLEuk and Red Online.

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