Cadiz is a kind of locations that has been on my to-visit checklist in Spain for awhile. The closest I obtained was catching the sundown in Chipiona, a tiny city just a little additional north up the shoreline, and spending a day in Jerez de la Frontera consuming sherry wine and watching dancing horses. On this journey to Spain, I spent 2 nights in Cadiz and actually loved this coastal city that can also be one of many oldest cities in Europe that’s nonetheless round – it’s a pleasant break from busy Seville – right here’s my 2 day Cadiz information I put collectively on what to do in only one weekend.
About this 2 day Cadiz information
Cadiz is virtually its personal little island off the southwest coast of Spain – it’s linked to the mainland by bridges. Cadiz is break up into the historic outdated city and a more recent, extra fashionable facet – this information will deal with the outdated city space as a result of that’s the place many of the sights are, although the bigger seashores are on the brand new facet.
Additionally, Cadiz outdated city shouldn’t be a really large space in any respect – you may simply stroll alongside your entire perimeter of the outdated city (roughly 5 km) in an hour or so, so in the event you had very restricted time you may pack numerous this itinerary right into a single day, however I believe 2 days / 1 weekend offers you a bit extra time to chill out.
Massive props to Ana from my guesthouse Dormir en Cadiz who was an absolute gem in telling me all of the must-see issues in Cadiz, and particularly in recommending the great meals – try their evaluate beneath. I’ve compiled these recommendations and my very own experiences on this helpful Wanderlog map right here.
Find out how to get to Cadiz
Practice: I took a direct Renfe prepare from Seville Santa Justa to Cadiz, the journey took about 1hr 45 minutes and price me 16.65 Euros. There are various trains from Seville to Cadiz on a regular basis, and in the event you guide early sufficient, costs can drop to as little as 7-8 Euros! You may additionally cease at Jerez de la Frontera alongside the best way.
Bus: You may take the bus from Seville’s Prado de San Sebastian bus station to Cadiz, although it takes about the identical time and price because the prepare does. Except you’re a lot nearer to the bus station in Seville, I’d go for the prepare so that you don’t have to fret about potential site visitors jams.
Automotive: Driving is the quickest option to get from Seville to Cadiz and sometimes takes about 70 minutes or so.
The bus and prepare station of Cadiz is situated proper between the outdated space and the brand new space. It took about 20 minutes stroll from the prepare station to get to my guesthouse which was situated in La Viña, close to La Caleta Seaside on the western finish of the outdated city.
Discover Cadiz on foot: Free strolling tour
I discover that one of the best ways to get your bearings rapidly in any metropolis is to do a free metropolis strolling tour, and Cadiz is not any exception. My guesthouse really useful checking our Cadizfornia or Civitatis for the English strolling excursions, however due to my schedule to go to the Cathedral within the morning, I ended up going with Pancho Excursions within the afternoon as an alternative and total had an excellent expertise and would suggest them. Additionally they supply Spanish excursions in Cadiz.
Usually these tour teams meet at Plaza San Juan de Dios at both 1030am (morning) or 1pm (afternoon), normally in entrance of the Ayuntamiento or Metropolis Corridor constructing, and finish at La Caleta Seaside on the western finish of the peninsula in about 2 hours. What I recommend is doing the strolling tour first to study the historical past of those locations, after which doubling again later if you wish to spend extra time exploring them additional.
Whereas these strolling excursions are free, you normally tip the information on the finish of the tour nevertheless a lot you wish to pay. My group had 8 folks together with myself, and my Pancho Tour Information was fairly wonderful, filled with fascinating data and stuff in regards to the metropolis you may not know from simply wanting round, so undoubtedly definitely worth the tip.
However in the event you reasonably discover Cadiz by yourself time with out taking any excursions, I’ve mapped out the must-sees in Cadiz right here for you.
Day 1
Plaza San Juan de Dios: Begin right here
Plaza San Juan de Dios is a logical place to begin for many excursions round Cadiz as it’s near the prepare station, bus station and the close by port the place cruises stopover. The palm timber give this plaza a pleasant environment in opposition to the backdrop of the Ayuntamiento or Metropolis Corridor constructing.
Teatro Romano: Historic monument
The Roman Theatre in Cadiz was discovered pretty just lately in 1980 when a fireplace uncovered the ruins within the El Populo district, and it turned out to be one of many largest and oldest roman theatres ever discovered. The museum is free to enter and the strolling excursions normally move by way of as properly although they don’t spend numerous time within the indoor museum bit the place you may see scale fashions, dioramas and details about the historical past of the theatre and what they uncovered.
The museum is one-way, so the spotlight is on the again the place you stroll by way of the tunnels and see the excavated stays of the theatre itself – it was constructed to seat round 10,000 folks. I believe it’s cool how they’ve left the encircling buildings there so get the sense of how all these civilisations have been piled on high of one another.
Visiting information: Free to enter, open in morning solely on Sundays and closed on Mondays. Verify entry hours right here.
Parroquia de Santa Cruz: Former cathedral
The Church of Santa Cruz is a small church in El Populo that doesn’t look notably important, particularly in comparison with the extra majestic Cathedral proper subsequent door, however this was the outdated cathedral of Cadiz again within the day and the oldest church in Cadiz courting again to the thirteenth century. Inbuilt a former mosque, you may see that gothic Mudejar fashion that’s current in numerous Andalusian structure, in addition to a stunning variety of silver treasures.
I occurred to be in Cadiz per week or so earlier than Semana Santa actions, so noticed a lot of stands going up across the precise cathedral in preparation for Easter week, and in addition this procession the place they marched the wood cross across the streets of Cadiz.
Visiting information: Church is free to enter, with visiting occasions usually within the morning and for an hour within the night. Take a look at the Cadiz Tourism web page for more information.
Cathedal de Cadiz: Panoramic views
One of many centrepieces of any outdated city in Europe is the cathedral, and Cadiz’s Cathedral is not any exception. Typically known as the brand new cathedral to distinguish it from the outdated cathedral (Santa Cruz church), this sixteenth century church is kind of distinctly bisected in two as a result of it took 117 years to construct – it began out as a baroque fashion church (the brown bits) and was completed as a neoclassical fashion church (the white bits)
Cadiz Cathedral has 2 towers, and you’ll climb up a sloping ramp to the highest of the Levante Tower to see the view of town and shoreline from up excessive. It’s fairly windy up there, and in addition the place the church bells are hung so it will possibly get fairly loud each half hour or so when the bells chime!
Visiting information: Cadiz Cathedral is open 10am – 8pm besides on Sundays the place it opens at 130pm. A basic ticket prices 7 Euros and offers you entry to the cathedral, tower and Casa de la Contaduria. There’s a web based audio information web site in several languages that offers you extra information in regards to the cathedral. Verify opening hours and purchase tickets on-line on the Catedral de Cadiz web site.
Campo Del Sur: Stroll alongside the coast
All alongside the south and west stretch of Cadiz outdated city is the Campo del Sur, a beautiful vast walkway proper by the ocean wall that protects town. One other identify for this space is Little Havana, as a result of apparently that iconic waterfront in Havana, Cuba was modelled after Campo del Sur – Cadiz was one of many principal ports that serviced the commerce route between the Americas and Spain.
I strolled up and down the size of Campo del Sur a number of occasions simply admiring the ocean view and waterfront. It connects from La Caleta Seaside all the best way to the seashores within the new facet of Cadiz in the event you saved strolling. If you’re feeling as much as an intensive stroll, you may truly circle your entire shoreline of the outdated city space in about an hour or so of steady strolling, however I’ve damaged it up for this itinerary.
Calle Virgen de la Palma: Prettiest road
Situated within the neighbourhood of La Viña which was as soon as the stronghold of town’s fishermen, Calle Virgen de la Palma is a pleasant pedestrian stretch close to La Caleta Seaside lined with palm timber. My guesthouse was simply off this road so I spent numerous time round right here. The palm timber give it a pleasant tropical really feel even within the crispy spring climate after I was there, and within the afternoons and evenings, the eating places would put tables outdoors for some al fresco eating.
The western finish of the road leads you to La Caleta Seaside, and the japanese finish brings you to the doorstep of the Church of Our Girl of the Palms (Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Palma), a small church named for a woman who apparently saved the flood waters at bay throughout a devastating tsunami round right here in 1755.
Playa de La Caleta: Metropolis seashore
Cadiz’s principal seashores as of late are situated on the brand new facet of town, and La Caleta is the one metropolis seashore discovered within the outdated city space. In summer time, this seashore is crowded with sunbathers however since I used to be there in spring, there have been simply 1 or 2 oddballs who took the courageous plunge within the chilly ocean. Most others simply loved sitting round on the sand and having fun with the ocean breeze, and there have been a lot of canines taking part in on the sand.
In case you have a niggling feeling that you just’ve seen La Caleta Seaside someplace earlier than, it was truly the place they filmed that scene of Halle Berry rising from the ocean in an orange bikini from the 2002 James Bond film Die One other Day! Preserve watching that clip and also you’ll even spot Santa Catalina Citadel (extra about that beneath!) within the background.
Castillo Santa Catalina: Views
There are two castles in Cadiz that flank La Caleta Seaside, and Santa Catalina Citadel is the one one you may enter and discover. What makes this citadel fascinating is that it’s in-built a star form although it’s laborious to inform from floor stage. Contained in the citadel grounds is a church, and so they generally maintain exhibitions in right here. You may stroll alongside the citadel partitions to admire the ocean view, however actually there’s not that a lot else.
Visiting information: Santa Catalina Citadel is free to enter. Open Monday to Friday 11am – 8pm.
Castillo San Sebastian: Sundown & seaview
Double again to the southern finish of La Caleta Seaside and search for the white arch that can lead you to the bridge that joins San Sebastian Citadel to the mainland of Cadiz. This bridge is especially common for sundown because it extends out to sea westwards, and when the tide is low, patches of seashore are revealed on both facet of the pathway.
You may stroll out to San Sebastian Citadel, however no entry is allowed onto the grounds. You do get a pleasant coastal view of La Caleta Seaside although. Be aware that in the event you exit on the bridge throughout excessive tide, do watch out of getting sprayed by inopportune waves
Day 2
Centro Mercado Cadiz & Plaza de las Flores
Begin your 2nd day in Cadiz on the bustling Cadiz Central Market, one of many oldest lined markets in Spain courting again to the 1800s. You may see all of the stay seafood and different produce on sale on this neoclassical fashion constructing, with its columns inside. Recent meals apart, the again of the market can also be the spot to take a look at native tapas through the day and night.
Proper outdoors the market is the small Plaza de las Flores aka the Flower market, good spot to select up some contemporary flowers through the day. It is usually often called Plaza Topete and is at one finish of Calle Columela, one of many metropolis’s principal buying streets.
Visiting information: The market is open from 9am to 3pm each day, whereas the tapas part has various closing occasions within the night – verify right here for extra.
Torre Tavira: Digicam Obscura viewpoint
Cadiz is a metropolis of watchtowers with about 120 of them nonetheless in existence right now. These towers have been principally used to speak with the ships in harbour, particularly when it got here to commerce, which is why most of those towers have been constructed within the western a part of Cadiz. The Torre Tavira is the very best level in outdated city Cadiz, rising 45m above sea stage and among the finest spots for panoramic views of town.
You may go to the Tavira Tower and take a look at the historic reveals on website. There’s additionally an superior rooftop balcony with 360 views, however the spotlight right here is the digital camera obscura. That is one thing I truly did in Tavira, Portugal, the place they use massive mirrors in a periscope trend to mission stay photos of the encircling space onto a big curved display. There have been excursions in English and Spanish all through the day, and my information was fairly humorous displaying us the numerous landmarks all around the metropolis.
Visiting information: Tavira Tower is open 10am and closes at 6pm (Sep-Apr) or 8pm (Might-Oct). A ticket prices 7 Euros. There’s a fastened time to see the Digicam Obscura session, however you may pop as much as the roof or see the reveals by yourself time. E-book your tickets on-line right here.
If you’re inquisitive about historic artefacts, the Yacimiento Arqueological Gadir is true subsequent to this tower
Gran Teatro Falla: Get your tradition on
The mudejar affect is kind of evident within the structure of the beautiful Falla Grand Theatre – one thing in regards to the color and striped arches jogs my memory of Cordoba’s Meqzuita. Named for a well-known Andalusian composer Manuel de Falla who was born in Cadiz, the theatre is situated in Plaza Frangela simply off Calle Sacramento and frequently hosts performing arts programmes. There are guided excursions to visi the theatre or you may see what it appears to be like like if you purchase a ticket to any of its programmes. I didn’t have time to look at something this time spherical, merely walked by to get pleasure from its structure.
Visiting information: Gran Teatro Falla web site information and the place to purchase your tickets right here.
Parque Genoves: Relax spot
This botanical park on the northern finish of Cadiz is the biggest inexperienced house in outdated city Cadiz and a picturesque spot proper subsequent to the coast. There are many shady timber throughout in addition to some uncommon options like La Gruta, a rock waterfall with a pond that’s dwelling to a lot of geese and swans. It’s a pleasant spot to relaxation and folks look ahead to a bit.
Visiting information: Opens 8am and closes at 9pm (Oct-Apr) or 11pm (Might-Sep). Take a look at this web site for extra detailed details about the park.
Alameda Apodaca: Fairly coastal park
On the northern finish of Cadiz is Alameda Apodaca, a small esplanade of kinds operating alongside the shoreline with a picturesque park. It’s not as crowded because the Campo del Sur, but it surely’s a beautiful place to take a stroll, with fountains and shady timber. There are 2 large Ficus timber that may be seen right here too, which apparently are over 100 years outdated!
For these on the lookout for extra historical past, the Museo de Cadiz is meant to be one of many high museums within the metropolis with a mixture of historic artefacts in addition to up to date artworks. Certainly one of is highlights is a pair of sarcophagi from the Phoenician occasions round fifth century B.C. with a fairly cool backstory and you’ll truly see a reproduction of those alongside the Campo del Sur close to the exit of the Roman Theatre.
Additionally price having a look at is the Monumento a la Constitución de 1812 which is a grand white sculpture situated in Plaza Espana near the cruise terminal. They have been doing a little main refurbishment of that space after I visited Cadiz so I didn’t get an opportunity to take a look at this correctly, however this monument truly commemorates the signing of the 1812 Spanish Structure, a big transfer away from the monarchy of these occasions.
The place to eat in Cadiz
Cadiz by the coast is after all the place to eat seafood – fish particularly is fairly good right here, particularly the fried fish tapas (Pescaíto frito) and fried prawn fritters (Tortillitas de camarones) Relating to drinks, Cadiz may be very near Jerez which is a well-known sherry space, so undoubtedly strive some sherry or fino when you are right here. I principally ate across the La Viña space close to La Caleta Seaside as a result of that was the place my guesthouse was situated.
Should you go to in Might/June, you may also be capable of catch Almadraba, a singular means of fishing bluefin tuna with fish traps that dates again to the Phoenician occasions.
El Faro de Cadiz
Situated in La Viña, El Faro interprets to lighthouse, a reference to the lighthouse on the close by San Sebastian citadel. This eatery is kind of a preferred native spot and apparently has turned away the Michelin award to maintain costs low for its regulars. The restaurant consists of a extra upmarket sit-down restaurant portion and a extra informal bar/tapas facet (Barra de tapeo) which is what I ended up going into.
I normally wish to go to tapas bars a tad sooner than the standard Spanish consuming time so I can get a seat simply, however maybe as a result of it was a weekday, it wasn’t too crowded after I visited. I caught across the bar space which have been principally standing seats, however apparently there’s an inside room the place they serve tapas at tables.
As a substitute of my ordinary beer, I opted for a fino and ordered:
- Cazon de Adobo (Fried dogfish) – I really like the burst of flavour if you chunk into this fried fish
- La Tortillitas de Camarones (Shrimp fritter) – so crispy and yummy
- Gambas en Bechamel (Fried breaded prawn with white sauce) – the proper snack meals
Am comfortable to report that each one the tapas was wonderful – don’t assume I can decide a favorite dish, however these are fairly typical Cadiz fashion tapas so undoubtedly price making an attempt.
El Faro de Cadiz is open for lunch (1pm – 430pm) and dinner (830pm – 1130pm) each day.
Taberna Casa Manteca
Taberna Casa Manteca is one other extremely really useful tapas bar that has a really conventional old style really feel to it and recognized for very moderately priced tapas. It’s situated simply off the Calle Virgen de las Palmas and simply so occurred that the day I visited, there was a cross being paraded across the streets so a lot of onlookers and folks have been simply ready round for the bar to open.
The minute the place opened although, a lot of folks poured in however I managed to safe a spot proper on the bar (solo eating for the win). I really like that this bar feels prefer it has been round for awhile and the workers have been additionally fairly pleasant total. The proprietor was apparently a bullfighter again within the day, so you may spot a few of these photographs and memorabilia across the bar.
Together with my ordinary beer, right here’s what I ordered:
- Chicharrones especiales – skinny slices of pork that have been salty, savoury and attractive! they’d fried chicharrones behind the counter that wasn’t on the menu, however that regarded meals too
- Payoyo cheese with asparagus marmalade – this dish is one thing fairly distinctive to this place and one thing they’re fairly well-known for. The cheese apparently comes from goats that stay within the mountains across the Cadiz province space
Taberna Casa Manteca is open for lunch (12pm – 4pm) and dinner (830pm – 12am) each day.
Bar La Tabernita
My strolling tour handed by Bar La Tabernita situated at Calle Virgen de la Palma and our information really useful us to eat the tapas right here. This bar is mostly solely open on Friday and the weekends so I guessed I used to be fortunate with my timing and even managed to get an outside seat with a barrel desk throughout lunch. It’s a quaint little spot.
I had a beer and two tapas dishes:
- Cazon al Coñac – dogfish marinated in cognac and tomato salsa with some fries is one in all their star dishes. Fairly yummy!
- Albondigas de choco – minced cuttlefish balls in squid ink on high of some fries. Seems to be kinda scary, thought this was so-so in comparison with the cazon
Bar la Tabernita is open Friday – Sunday for lunch (130pm – 4pm) and dinner (830pm – 11pm)
Cafe Bar El Periquito
On my first day strolling round Cadiz, I used to be getting hungry earlier than the standard lunch time so I wasn’t certain if there have been any locations the place I might discover meals. My guesthouse really useful me to take a look at Cafe Bar El Periquito which is a breakfast and lunch place and so they didn’t cease meals service like most different locations. It was fairly empty after I entered, but it surely appeared like a spot that noticed extra locals than vacationers, and I used to be simply comfortable to get a good tapas meal at an odd time.
For my first tapas meal in Cadiz, I knew I undoubtedly needed some fried fish, and the bar workers helped me pick two totally different fish to fry and so they have been fairly yummy. I even added some calamari on after to refill a bit extra. I appreciated the easy relax vibe of this eatery.
Cafe Bar El Periquito is open Sunday to Friday from 7am – 4pm (oddly closed on Saturdays)
The place to remain in Cadiz: Dormir en Cadiz
Location: I booked a room at a guesthouse (hostal, not hostel fyi) known as Dormir en Cadiz [affiliate link] within the La Viña district which was an important location as a result of I used to be a couple of minutes away from La Caleta Seaside and numerous the consuming spots at Calle Virgen de la Palma. It was a 20 minute stroll from the primary Cadiz prepare station. I usually discovered myself popping again in for a day siesta earlier than heading out once more.
Room: I had a double room which had its personal connected toilet. It was a clear and comfortable room – my room was up on the third stage so there was a little bit of stair climbing each day, however the room had home windows dealing with the road so there was good pure mild and breeze, however not noisy as this facet road was by no means too busy.
The connected toilet was fairly small however had all the essential requirements – bathroom, bathe, toiletries and hairdryer as properly.
I booked my room for two nights and paid 110 Euros (55 Euros/evening) which I assumed was a fairly respectable worth. What was additionally nice is that they’d a free cancellation at any time coverage – I solely paid upon arrival.
Guesthouse: The hostal was situated in a standard fashion constructing 4 storeys excessive and didn’t have any lifts. Services clever they don’t have a kitchen right here although there’s a microwave on the reception space, and so they do present free massive bottled water you can decide up on the reception as properly.
The most important factor that you just makes Dormir en Cadiz superior are the beautiful workers Ana and Jaime, who have been so pleasant on a regular basis and thorough with the intro to Cadiz. Ana even gave me the intro in sluggish Spanish so I might follow listening and speaking, however she additionally spoke superb English as properly. I might 100% come again right here once more on service alone.
Extra information about Hostal Dormir en Cadiz on reserving.com [affiliate link]
Different Cadiz lodging choices that I used to be contemplating [booking.com affiliate links]
- Plaza de la Luz Cadiz: Good wanting residence on the road proper subsequent to Calle Virgen de la Palma
- Planeta Cadiz Hostel: Price range possibility for many who don’t thoughts dormitories however in addition they have personal rooms, total appears to be like like ap retty good hostel!
- Casa Caracol: Small hostel with fashionable design and opinions replicate fairly a communal vibe, no personal bogs although
Did I miss something cool in Cadiz? Let me know within the feedback! And if you’re planning a visit to Spain try my different posts right here:
