Curator’s statement
Tucked alongside the southwestern coast of Spain, between the Atlantic and the jade-colored bay, the city of Cádiz rises luminously under a cerulean blue sky. Archeological evidence tells us that the city dates to the 8th century BC, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe. Today, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Andalucia, with miles of beautiful sand beaches and a beautifully preserved old town.
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Things to do in Cádiz
Old Cádiz
Yacimiento Arqueológico Gadir/Gadir Archeological Museum
The best place to learn about Cádiz’s history. Starting with the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC to modern times, the museum is the best place to start for understanding Cádiz’s storied history
Museum of Cadiz
This archeology, fine arts, and ethnology museum has an amazing collection of Phoenician art. It also has a number of more modern pieces from Murillo, Zurbarán, Rubens, Zuloaga, Sorolla, and Miró.
The seawall
Cádiz is surrounded by water. You could circumnavigate the old town along the walks that follow the seawall for the day. Stop for a café cortado, then lunch in the Plaza Mina, and end with tapas in a bodega in the Barrio del Pópulo district.
Old Town
Get lost in the medieval street layout, especially in La Viña and the medieval Barrio del Pópulo neighborhoods
Beaches
Cadiz has many miles of beautiful, clean sand beaches to choose from: Playa Victoria and Playa la Caleta, to name two. Eat lunch with a sea view at an open-air restaurant—there are many to choose from.
Catedral de Cadiz
This Baroque masterpiece is visible from all parts of the city. It serves as the city’s crown.
Flamenco
Flamenco is Cádiz's heart and soul. Take a flamenco tour or go see a show at a place like Tablao Flamenco La Cava.
El Gran Teatro Falla
Try to catch a show in this opulent theater. It doesn’t matter what is showing up—go see it.
Puerto de Santa Maria day trip
For a full-day trip, take the ferry across the harbor to El Puerto de Santa Maria to get on the water. Visit the beautiful Fundación Rafael Alberti. Have lunch at Restaurante El Arriate. Do a sherry tasting at Bodegas Osborne.
Places to eat & drink in Cádiz
Gambas y cerveza
Cafe Royalty
An elegant Belle Epoque–era restaurant in the old town. Perfect place for a splurge meal.
Bodegón Riojano
Of the hundreds of tapas bars in town, this one stands out for its authenticity and character. Go for a glass of local sherry and a tapa or two.
Restaurante el Arriate
Across the bay in Puerto de Sta Maria. The menu is almost entirely based on local products.
Restaurante El Faro de Cádiz
A very traditional restaurant located in La Viña neighborhood. End your meal with an amontiado sherry with your flan.
Need to know
Cádiz sits off the southwest coast of Spain on the Atlantic, about two hours by train from Seville and four from Madrid. The closest airport is in Jerez de la Frontera, a thirty-minute taxi ride away. The busiest time of year is July through August, when the beaches swell with tourists. Cádiz also hosts the most famous carnival in Spain.
Travel Advisor
Mark Lammers
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