20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CÁDIZ CIUDAD… AND PROVINCE

Popularly known as "La Tacita de Plata", the city of Cádiz and its wonderful province are thieves of hearts. Pay attention to me because after having lived there for some years, I know well what I am talking about. The attractions of this part of Andalusia are so many that you will always have something to do and a new place to discover. One of the oldest cities in the world, a wild coast that can boast of being one of the most beautiful in the whole country, picturesque villages, a gastronomy to suck your fingers, great wines and that magical light that you will only find there. Keep reading because next we will tell you the best 20 things to see and do in Cádiz... and province 😉

1. The San Juan de Dios Square It is one of the busiest places in the entire city, so at some point you will find it. There you will find the City Hall building, the Pazos de Miranda house and the baroque church of San Juan de Dios. Strategically located open to the sea, it was for years linked to the trade of products that arrived from the Indies, and in fact it served as a food market until well into the 19th century. Currently there are no shortage of bars and cafes where you can have a drink while you contemplate the coming and going of gaditanos and tourists. From here begins the free tour of Cádiz, an excellent way to break the ice with the city.

2. Look up when you walk through the historic center and hallucinate with the more than 100 towers of the city. The privileged situation of Cádiz required in the past to always be alert and observe at all times what was happening in the waters of the ocean. So these towers (which became 160), were built on the roofs of private houses to fulfill this function, and incidentally gave Cadiz a unique architectural character.

3. And once seen from below ... change perspective and go up to the viewpoint of the Tavira Tower, one of the best things to do in Cádiz. Its 45 meters high turned it into the official watchtower of the city in 1778 and still today it offers spectacular 360 ° views of the entire city. There you can also enjoy the Dark camera, a pioneer tourist attraction that projects a lively and moving image of what is happening at that moment abroad. Find detailed information about the tower, prices and schedules here.

4. A very different vision, but beautiful as few, you will have traveling the promenade. The imposing Cathedral It stands out among the rest of the buildings in the historic center and poses with its best face to grant the perfect postcard of Cádiz.

5. Andalusia has a special light, but that of this city is really unique. Something will have to do with this so that the coast of Cádiz is known as “the Costa de la Luz”. There is no more magical time for you to see what I am talking about than the sunset, no better place to do it than La Caleta. The sunsets on this beach are simply spectacular and one of the best things to do in Cádiz. And if you want to finish the day in the best way, book a boat trip while the sun goes down to enjoy this moment of the day in a different way.

Cádiz Cathedral

6. Precisely on the beach of La Caleta (although at opposite ends), you can visit the castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina. The first is located on a small islet defending the northern flank of the city and joined to it by a seawall. The Santa Catalina is famous for its five-pointed star-shaped plant, three of them enter the ocean and the other two allow entry to the castle from land. Both are free and currently host exhibitions, concerts and other cultural activities.

7. There is no better place than a market to contemplate the daily life of a city, in Cádiz do not miss the Central Supply Market (more info). With its lively stalls of fruits and vegetables, fish, seafood, meat and sweets is a spectacle for the senses. Also in The Gastronomic Corner You can bring typical dishes of Cadiz cuisine to your mouth (and not only!) and give your belly a joy.

8.… And speaking of bellies… Cádiz is a gastronomic paradise For lovers of good food. Our mouths are watering when we think of shrimp tortillas, potatoes with choco, fried fish, sea nettles, chacina, sausages and, of course, the famous bluefin tuna from Almadraba. These are just some of the many delicacies that you can try in places like Manteca House, La Manzanilla Tavern, the Flowers Wisdom or in the original and modern Arsenio Manila.

9. A few meters from the Central Market you will find the Topete Square. Popularly known as the Plaza de las Flores for its colorful stalls full of scented flowers, it is one of the most lively and charming places in all of Cádiz.

10. Explore the Pópulo neighborhood, one of the oldest in all of Europe. As is happening in other places of the old continent, in recent years it has been given a good wash of face to return the splendor of past times. Walk aimlessly through these streets full of history where you will stumble upon walls, arches, the very Cathedral of Cádiz and even the archaeological remains of a Roman Theater. And why not, continue enjoying the Pópulo at sunset with its lively nightlife.

Caleta Beach, Cadiz

11. If the Pópulo is known for being the oldest neighborhood in the Cadiz capital, the vineyard It is for being his true heart. Walk the streets of this picturesque fishermen's quarter It is a must in a visit to Cádiz if you want to know the essence of the city. La Viña is also the place where the famous is celebrated with more intensity Carnival... which, by the way, is something you have to live at least once in your life and one of the best reasons to visit Cádiz.

12. It is not something you have to do, rather something you cannot resist. The winds of Levante and Poniente They are two old acquaintances of the city. So be prepared to go crazy with the first one (and also to fight with extending your towel while it is present) and do not forget to lay hold of the jacket on the nights when the Poniente blows.

13. Approach to one of the most important green areas of the city, the historic Genovés Park. Ideal for a quiet walk and relax among its more than 100 different types of trees and shrubs. A symbol of the city and one of the best things to do in Cádiz.

14. Another emblematic place is the great Falla Theater. From outside it draws attention for the red bricks of its facade and for its three large horseshoe arch doors. In addition to its fixed season of shows with concerts and plays, it is the place where the famous Carnival group contest of the city is held.

15. Pays homage to the Constitution Spanish of 1812 (or better known as La Pepa) visiting the monument raised in his honor in the Plaza de España from the city. Because although over the years it was becoming obsolete, at the time it was a revolutionary constitution that somehow reflected the liberal climate that was felt in the city. And to learn about the history of Cádiz in the 19th century and all the secrets of the 1982 Constitution, join this interesting guided tour.

Cádiz seafront

If everything you've just read so far didn't seem enough, keep reading because we're going to discover the best things to see and do in the province of Cádiz.

16. Explore the wonderful beaches of the wild Costa de la Luz. The list is very long, but here are some recommendations that you should not miss: Germans beach, the Roche coves, Zahara of the Tunas, the Caños de Meca, el Palmar, Valdevaqueros and of course Bologna and his incredible dune. More information about all the beaches of Cádiz here.

17. Change the beach for the mountain landscape in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and move your legs along some of its beautiful trails, there are for all tastes and levels (more info). A curious fact is that this is the rainiest place in Spain. Neither in Galicia, nor in Asturias and not in the Basque Country ... where it rains the most is in the Sierra de Cádiz! So just in case you don't forget to bring your raincoat.

18. One of the best things to do in the province of Cádiz is to venture to discover its beautiful villages and check that they are more than the height of their capital. Arches of the Border, Setenil de las Bodegas, Zahara de la Sierra, Vejer de la Frontera Y Medina Sidonia they are just some of the prettiest, but there are many more!

Two interesting options to visit some of the towns in the province if you only have one day are these two excursions:

• Arcos de la Frontera (one of the most beautiful villages on the Peninsula), in addition to Grazalema and Ubrique. More info.
• Vejer and Medina Sidonia. More info.

19. Kitesurfing and windsurfing in the Tarifa beaches or dive in its crystalline waters. Also, do not miss the opportunity to know a little more this charming population. Stroll through its historic center, put on your boots in its great restaurants, enjoy the views of Africa on the horizon and literally hallucinate with its nightlife ... surprisingly lively in such a small town 😉

20. Approach to the famous Jerez de la Frontera wineries and tasting their great wines. If you are lucky and your visit coincides with the Horse Fair (held during the month of May), you can live one of the best and most famous fairs in Andalusia.

Zahara de la Sierra

We hope this list of the best things to see and do in Cádiz and province help you enjoy this wonderful land ... But above all, do not forget that travel is also the people we meet and without a doubt one of the best things to do in Cádiz and province is to enjoy its people, the grace and the art of gaditanos. Although the generalizations are never good, in this case we can afford it 😉