15 Best Things to Do in Cadiz, Spain
Cadiz sits on the end of a narrow strip of land that pokes into the Atlantic, and I have to admit it caught me off guard. I expected a beach town, and sure, the beaches are there, but the real story is the old city, a tangle of white streets that have been standing since before Columbus sailed. I spent four days wandering it and never once ran out of corners to turn. Here is what I would do again on the next trip.
Walk the Old Town Around the Cathedral
Start at the cathedral. It is big and golden and easy to find because its tower marks the whole skyline. But do not just look at it. Climb to the top of Torre Tavira to see the camera obscura, and then simply get lost in the lanes around Plaza de las Flores. The streets are too narrow for much traffic, so you walk at your own pace and stumble onto patios full of flowers.
Catch the Sunset at La Caleta Beach
Locals swim here, tourists take photos, and everyone gathers as the sun drops low. The castle of Santa Catalina sits at one end and the old fort at the other. Bring a towel and some snacks and just sit. It is one of the most relaxed spots in the city to watch the day end.
Head Out to the Punta de la Vaca Sands
When the town crowds get heavy, I walked down the spit to Playa de la Cortadura and the far end known informally as Punta de la Vaca. The water is clearer there and the sand stretches for miles. It felt like the city had disappeared even though it was twenty minutes behind me.
Eat Fried Fish at a FreidurÃa
Cadiz does fried fish better than anywhere I tried in Andalusia. The classic is pescaito frito, little battered whiting and squid served by weight, eaten hot and bare-handed. There are shops all over the old town with counters full of it. Grab a paper cone and eat it on a bench in a plaza.
Try Vino de Jerez in the Old Stores
The sherry that made the region famous is everywhere in Cadiz. Wine bars push the local fino and amontillado hard, and they are cheap. I spent one evening tasting through a few glasses at different spots and never felt rushed.
Explore the Castle of Santa Catalina
This fortress guards the beach and the entrance to the old town. It is one of the better preserved military buildings in the city, and the views back at the sea from its ramparts are worth the walk out along the point.
See the Roman Amphitheatre Below the Streets
Not every visitor knows there is a Roman arena buried under the modern city. You can walk down into the excavation and stand in the stone passageways where gladiators once waited. It is a strange, quiet contrast to the bright streets above.
Wander Plaza de San Juan de Dios at Night
This plaza by the old town hall fills with people in the evening. The band plays some nights, families let kids chase pigeons, and the bars around the edge spill out onto the stone. It is the kind of square that makes you want to stay for one more drink.
Declare the Story in the City Museum
The Museo de Cadiz holds a few surprise pieces, including a Phoenician sarcophagus that is older than almost anything else you will see in the region. It is a small museum, an hour well spent when you need a break from the sun.
Take the Boat Across to El Puerto de Santa Maria
The little ferry across the bay is part of the fun. You land in El Puerto, walk up to a bodega for a sherry tasting, and come back as the lights of Cadiz switch on across the water. Half a day, no more, and it feels like a full trip.
Hunt for the Best Churros
Find a churrerÃa in the morning and order enough for two. They fry them fresh, roll them in sugar, and hand you a cup of thick hot chocolate to dip. Simple and perfect. I still think about them.
Climb the Tavira Tower for the View
The Torre Tavira is the tallest watchtower left in the city, and from the top you see all of Cadiz laid out below like a map. The camera obscura inside projects the square onto a white dish, which sounds gimmicky but is genuinely clever.
Stroll Along the Alameda Apodaca
This palm lined promenade runs along the sea wall and is the place everyone goes for an evening walk. The light is soft, the crowds are local, and there is a good stretch of it that never feels touristy.
Eat a Meat Heaped Stew at an Old Tavern
One night I ordered the local speciality of chickpeas with chorizo and morcilla, the kind of stew that fills you for a day. Look for the older, wood paneled taverns rather than the bright new places if you want the full effect.
Catch a Flamenco Show in a Small Venue
Cadiz has its own flamenco tradition, and unlike the staged shows in bigger cities it often happens in tiny rooms where you are a few meters from the singer. Voice cracks into the air and you stop checking your phone. That is the night I remember most.
Cadiz rewards slow travel. Give yourself time to wander without a list, eat when hungry, and sit when tired. The city does most of the work for you.
