Posted by In the very south of Spain on the Atlantic coast, Cádiz is probably the oldest city in Europe, at least the oldest urban settlement that was continuously inhabited. The old town of Cadiz is a tourist attraction in its entirety. It lies on a peninsula.
City Tour Cadiz by Bus (Hop on / Hop off): More info and booking
Be sure to reserve your parking space in Cádiz in advance: Click here
The 3,000 year history of the city is alive here. It is one of the most beautiful old towns in Spain. The Neustadt, outside the peninsula, however, consists to a large extent of lovelessly built concrete houses. As a tourist, it is sufficient to visit only the old part of Cadiz. Today, Cadiz has approximately 130,000 inhabitants and belongs to Andalusia. It is the biggest city at the southern Spanish Atlantic coast, thus the biggest city west of Gibraltar.
Our tip: Horse farm Yeguada de la Cartuja near Cadiz: Very interesting tour of the stud with the famous horses from Andalusia Carthusian horses. You can see a show, adult horses and young babies (foals). Hardly any tour is southern Spain has better reviews from participants: >>> More information and booking
Parking in Cadiz
There is a very good website, also in German, with various parking garages and parking lots: Click here
Cádiz is a beautiful, historic port city with narrow streets and limited parking in the center. Those arriving by car should note some important information.
Parking in Cadiz
Parking spaces in the city center are generally scarce and often subject to a fee. There are public parking garages and parking zones (Zona Azul) where you can park for a specific time using a parking disc or parking ticket. Parking fees are moderate, but you should pay attention to the maximum parking time to avoid fines.
Free Parking Outside
Those who want to park for free can find parking spaces on the outskirts or at the city entrances. From there, the city center is easily accessible on foot or by public transport.
Parking near Sights
Parking spaces are scarce near the main sights. We therefore recommend parking your car early and exploring Cadiz on foot.
Tips for Relaxed Parking
Park in parking garages whenever possible to protect yourself from theft and damage.
Pay attention to the signs and parking regulations.
Avoid driving in narrow and historic alleyways.
There is a very good website, also in German, with various parking garages and parking lots: Click here
Some good accommodations in Cadiz (Spain)
Plaza de la Luz Cadiz – Central location in the old town, rated approximately 8.9/10, rooms from around €55 per night.
View now on Booking.com
Cádiz Bahía by QHotels – Close to the beach, rated approximately 8.8/10, prices from around €65.
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Soho Boutique Cadiz – Stylish atmosphere, rated approximately 8.9/10, from around €60.
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Planeta Cadiz Hostel – Budget-friendly, highly rated (~8.5/10), simple private rooms from around €50.
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Hotel de Francia y París – Old town location, rated approximately 8.4/10, often available from around €58.
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Good & Affordable Restaurants in Cadiz
Cadiz is a paradise for anyone who loves tapas – and at really fair prices. Here are a few tips for where to eat really well:
El Faro de Cádiz
A classic in the old town. Here you can get finely prepared fish dishes and delicious “tortillitas de camarones” – small crab cakes, typical of Cadiz.
Casa Manteca
Very authentic and always busy – for good reason. The tapas are hearty, affordable, and delicious. Try the chicharrones (crispy pork belly) and a glass of local red wine.
Freidor Las Flores
Here you can get fried seafood in a paper cone to go – perfect for a snack between meals. Especially popular with locals.
La Candela
Something more modern and creative. Tapas with a twist, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Ideal if you’re looking for something special.
Taberna Casa Taberna
Small, modern bar with surprisingly good tapas and great Andalusian wines. There are also many vegetarian options—something rare in Cadiz.
Sights in Cadiz
Cádiz, one of Europe’s oldest cities, offers visitors a fascinating blend of history, culture, and maritime flair. The sights are compact and easily accessible on foot.
1. Cadiz Cathedral
The magnificent cathedral with its golden dome dominates the city skyline. Inside, visitors will find a blend of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. A climb to the dome offers impressive views over Cadiz and the sea.
2. Old Town and Plaza de San Juan de Dios
Cadiz’s old town invites you to stroll through its narrow streets, colorful houses, and lively squares. The Plaza de San Juan de Dios is a central meeting point with cafés and historic buildings.
Cádiz is a city that brings history to life and, with its location on the Atlantic, exudes a special flair. Ideal for visitors who want to combine culture and the sea.
Our tip: Yeguada de la Cartuja stud farm near Cadiz: A very interesting tour through the stud farm with the famous Carthusian horses from Andalusia. You’ll see a show, adult horses, and young foals. Hardly any tour in southern Spain has received better reviews from participants: More information and booking
3. Torre Tavira
The former watchtower is now a viewing point with a camera obscura, which displays a unique 360-degree projection of the city.
4. Castillo de San Sebastián and Castillo de Santa Catalina
These two seaside fortresses once served to protect the city. Today, they are popular photo opportunities and offer a beautiful walking path along the coast.
5. Beaches of Cadiz
The city has several city beaches, such as Playa de la Caleta, which invite you to swim and relax.
6. Museo de Cadiz
The museum displays archaeological finds, works of art, and evidence of the region’s history.
Naturally, a city like Cadiz has a good city museum (city history, archaeology, and paintings). Another nice attraction is the Doll Museum of Andalusia. In the Church of Santa Cueva (Holy Grotto), visitors can marvel at the world-famous murals by Francisco de Goya from the late 18th century.
Tourists should definitely visit Cadiz’s central food market. Since Cadiz is a peninsula surrounded by water, it also has many long beaches. Playa de la Caleta, between San Sebastian Castle and Santa Catalina Castle, is the best beach in the old town. Due to its frequent high waves, it’s also popular with surfers. If you’re looking for a beach with generally calmer waves, Playa de la Victoria in the new town is the place to be.
Sights Cadiz
The most important sight of Cadiz is the old town itself. In almost every alley you could make a historical film. Many of the cobbled narrow streets of the old part of Cadiz end in a historic square with pigeons and monuments. One of the most beautiful squares is the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, built in the 15th century. In this square stands the old Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). Plaza de Falla is home to the famous Gran Teatro Falla theatre, named after the composer Manuel de Falla. He is buried in the cathedral of Cadiz.
Our tip: Yeguada de la Cartuja stud farm near Cadiz: Very interesting tour of the stud farm with the famous Carthusian horses from Andalusia. You see a show, adult horses and young babies (foals). There is hardly a tour in southern Spain that has better ratings from participants: More information and booking
Picture: © fotobeam.com – Fotolia.com
Many other buildings bear witness to the long history of Cadiz. Torre Tavira is the highest preserved lookout tower and the highest point in Cadiz. It was built to see arriving merchant ships earlier. Today the room at the top of the tower is used for another purpose: With the help of a technical device and a mirror, live images from the old town are projected onto a screen. The thing is called “Camera Obscura” and is a popular attraction for tourists.
Of course, a city like Cadiz has a good city museum (city history, archaeology and paintings). Another nice sight is the doll museum of Andalusia. In the church Santa Cueva (Holy Grotto) the visitors marvel at the world-famous wall paintings of Francisco de Goya from the late 18th century.
As a tourist you should also visit the central food market of Cadiz. As Cadiz is a peninsula surrounded by water, there are also many long beaches. The Playa de la Caleta between the castle San Sebastian and the castle Santa Catalina is the best beach in the old town. Because of the frequent high waves it is also popular among surfers. If you are looking for a beach with mostly less high waves, Playa de la Victoria in the new town is the right place.
Horse farm Yeguada de la Cartuja stud near Cadiz
The Yeguada de la Cartuja Horse Stud near Cádiz, Spain is a must-see for horse lovers and horse enthusiasts. For over 500 years, this historic stud farm has bred and trained some of the most beautiful and talented horses in the world.
Visitors to the stud farm can take part in guided tours of the stables. There you can get up close to the magnificent Cartujano horses and learn about their history and breeding. Experienced employees provide information about the selection process for breeding and caring for these special animals.
Book a tour to the horse farm: There is hardly a tour in southern Spain that has better ratings from participants: More information and booking
The Yeguada de la Cartuja farm also offers horseback riding lessons and experiences for visitors of all levels. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, the farm’s riding instructors will tailor lessons to your needs and help you develop your skills.
As well as horse-related activities, the farm is also home to a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the Cartujano breed and the farm’s role in preserving this magnificent animal.
All in all, a visit to the Yeguada de la Cartuja horse farm is a unique and unforgettable experience for horse lovers and anyone interested in learning more about horses.
Book a tour to the horse farm: There is hardly a tour in southern Spain that has better ratings from participants: More information and booking
Is Cadiz beautiful?
Yes, Cadiz is so beautiful! This coastal town has a rich history dating back to Roman times.
What is special about Cadiz?
There are many reasons that make Cadiz a special place. Here are some examples.
Geography:
Cadiz is a coastal city that sits on a promontory and is surrounded by the sea. The town offers breathtaking views of the sea and the beach.
Story:
As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Cadiz has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city has been influenced by many different cultures and therefore has a diverse architecture and culture.
Architecture:
Cadiz has an impressive architecture with a variety of styles including Baroque, Neoclassical and Moorish architecture. The city also has many historic buildings and squares, such as the Cadiz Cathedral, the Tower of Tavira and the Plaza de España.
The beach:
Cádiz has many beautiful beaches including Playa de la Caleta, Playa Victoria and Playa de Santa Maria del Mar. The beach offers a variety of activities such as swimming, surfing and sunbathing.
Eat:
Cadiz has a delicious cuisine based on fresh fish and traditional dishes. There are numerous restaurants in the city where you can enjoy tapas and other local dishes.
Culture:
Cadiz is known for its vibrant culture, which is expressed at the Carnival in February. The city also has numerous museums, such as the Museum of Cadiz and the Municipal Center for Flamenco Art.
Our tip: Yeguada de la Cartuja stud farm near Cadiz: Very interesting tour of the stud farm with the famous Carthusian horses from Andalusia. You see a show, adult horses and young babies (foals). There is hardly a tour in southern Spain that has better ratings from participants: More information and booking
Is Cadiz the oldest city in the world?
Cadiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe with a history of over 3000 years. However, it is not the oldest city in the world. There are many other cities that have been continuously inhabited longer, such as Jericho in the West Bank, which is more than 11,000 years old, and Aleppo in Syria, which has been inhabited for more than 8,000 years. Nevertheless, Cadiz is a very old and historically important city with a rich cultural heritage and many interesting sights.
Arrival Cadiz
Bild: © Gerhard Egger – Fotolia.com
City Tour Cadiz by Bus (Hop on / Hop off): More info and booking
The train station of Cadiz is located at the entrance of the peninsula to the old town. There are hourly trains to Seville and Jerez. Some go on to Madrid. Due to the thin rail network in southern Spain, intercity buses are a very common means of transport. With the buses, one gets almost everywhere. Cadiz is the only port on the Spanish mainland where ferries depart for the Canary Islands. But they rarely sail, about once a week.
Cadiz city tour by bus (hop on / hop off): More information and booking
Top 20 Cadiz
Cadiz is a beautiful city on the southern coast of Spain. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, rich history and vibrant culture. Here are the top 20 things to see and do in Cadiz.
Visit the Cathedral of Cadiz, an impressive baroque cathedral in the heart of the city.
Explore San Sebastián Castle, a 16th-century fortress located on an island at the entrance to Cadiz Harbour.
Stroll along La Caleta Beach, a beautiful crescent-shaped beach popular with locals and tourists alike.
Visit the Tavira Tower, an 18th-century tower that was used to watch over the Port of Cadiz.
Discover the Roman Theater, an ancient theater discovered in the heart of the city.
Visit the Central Market, a bustling market with fresh produce, seafood and other local produce.
Explore the Plaza de Espana, a beautiful square surrounded by historical buildings and a large fountain.
Stroll along the promenade and enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea and the city.
Visit the Museum of Cadiz, which houses an extensive collection of arts and crafts from the city’s rich history.
Visit the Gran Teatro Falla, a beautiful theater that hosts concerts, plays and other cultural events.
Visit Genove Park, a beautiful park with lush gardens and fountains.
Take a day trip to the nearby town of Jerez de la Frontera, known for its sherry wine and equestrian tradition.
Explore Santa Catalina Castle, a 16th-century fortress with breathtaking views of the city and sea. The Palace of the Marquis of Cadiz is a beautiful 18th-century palace that is now a museum.
Visit the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, a beautiful church known for its intricate Baroque architecture.
Take a boat trip in Cadiz Port and enjoy stunning views of the city from the water.
Visit La Victoria Abbey, a 16th-century monastery with beautiful architecture and artwork.
Take a day trip to the nearby town of Tarifa, known for its beautiful beaches and world-class wind and kite surfing opportunities.
Explore the Mercado de las Flores, a colorful flower market with a wide variety of fresh flowers and plants.
Enjoy local Cadiz cuisine with fresh fish, tapas and regional specialties such as fried fish and beef stew.
City Tour Cadiz by Bus (Hop on / Hop off): More info and booking
Old town Cadiz
The old town of Cadiz is a historic district in the heart of the city. It’s a charming neighborhood with narrow streets, historical buildings and picturesque squares. The Old Town is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Story
The old town of Cadiz dates back to the 16th century when the city was an important port and trading center. The neighborhood was built on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic. Its strategic location made it an important hub for trade and cultural exchange. Over the centuries, the neighborhood has been expanded and transformed by various rulers such as the Romans, the Moors and the Spanish.
architecture
The architecture of the old town of Cádiz is a mixture of different styles, including Baroque, Neoclassical and Moorish architecture. The neighborhood consists of narrow streets that meander through a maze of historic buildings, squares and churches. One of the most impressive buildings in the old town is the Cathedral of Cadiz, a stunning 18th-century Baroque-style cathedral. The cathedral has beautiful domes, ornate altarpieces and intricate stone carvings.
Another notable building in the old town is the Torre Tavira, an 18th-century tower that was used to watch over the Port of Cadiz. Century, who supervised the port of Cadiz. The tower offers stunning views of the city and sea and features a camera obscura, a unique device that projects images of the city onto a concave surface.
plazas
Cadiz’s old town is home to several picturesque squares that offer a glimpse of the city’s vibrant culture. One of the most famous squares is Plaza de San Juan de Dios, a charming square with a beautiful fountain and a variety of restaurants and cafes. Another popular square is Plaza de Mina, a tranquil square surrounded by historic buildings with a lush garden at its center.
Museums
The old town of Cadiz is home to several museums that offer a wealth of information about the city’s rich history and culture. One of the most popular museums is the Museum of Cadiz, which houses a large collection of artwork and artifacts from the city’s past. The museum features exhibits on the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Moors, as well as a collection of Spanish paintings and sculptures.
Another museum of note in the old town is the Centro Municipal de Arte Flamenco, a museum that celebrates the city’s rich flamenco tradition. The museum features exhibits on the history and development of flamenco, as well as live performances by local artists.
Cadiz Cathedral
Cadiz Cathedral, also known as Santa Cruz Cathedral, is a fine example of Baroque architecture in the heart of Cadiz’s historic center. It is one of the most famous monuments in the city and a must-see for tourists.
Story
Construction of Cadiz Cathedral began in the 18th century and lasted more than 100 years. The cathedral was built on the site of an earlier cathedral which was destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1596. The new cathedral has been designed by many architects over the years, each bringing their own unique touch to the building. The result is an extraordinary mix of styles that includes baroque, neoclassical and gothic elements.
Architecture
Cadiz Cathedral is a large and imposing building that dominates the silhouette of the old town. The cathedral has two decorated domes, a central nave and a series of side chapels. The facade of the cathedral is decorated with intricate stone carvings and features a large main portal flanked by two towers. The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with soaring arches, ornate altarpieces and beautiful stained glass windows. One of the most striking features of the cathedral is the golden dome that dominates the nave. The golden dome is illuminated by natural light streaming through a series of windows. The dome is supported by a series of arches that create an extraordinary visual effect.
Chapel
Cadiz Cathedral has a number of side chapels dedicated to various saints and religious figures. Each chapel is decorated with ornate altarpieces and paintings depicting scenes from the lives of the saints. One of the most impressive chapels is the Christ on the Water Chapel, which has a beautiful 17th-century altarpiece.
Tower
One of the highlights of a visit to Cadiz Cathedral is climbing the tower for panoramic views of the city. Also known as the Torre de Poniente, the tower is located in the south-west corner of the cathedral and offers spectacular views of the old town, the port and the surrounding countryside. The climb to the top of the tower is steep, but the view is worth the effort.
Reserve a parking space in Cádiz in advance: click here
Our tip: Yeguada de la Cartuja stud farm near Cadiz: Very interesting tour of the stud farm with the famous Carthusian horses from Andalusia. You see a show, adult horses and young babies (foals). There is hardly a tour in southern Spain that has better ratings from participants: More information and booking
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Pages about Andalusia on Spain-Travelinfos.de
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