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Cadiz, Spain
The best travel guide to Cadiz with recommendations on where to stay and eat, top sights and insider tips
Cádiz is a province of Andalucía, in Southern Spain. The city of Cadiz holds the same name as the province and it is its capital. It is completely surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, and it is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, dating back over 3 thousand years. Cádiz is well known for its seafood and Sherry wine. In this city guide of Cadiz, you will discover the best plans, things to do and interesting excursions from Cadiz-
People often overlook Cádiz when making their travel plans, in favor of Seville, and though Seville is amazing, Cádiz is ABSOLUTLEY worth a visit. Check out our city guide of this amazing corner of Andalucía. Besides the city, the province is home to some of the most spectacular white villages of Andalusia, like Setenil de las bodegas, Arcos de la Frontera (the most visited white village in the province due to its good road connections), Grazalena, El Algar and others.
Cadiz travel guide - Contents
Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz
This is our favorite hotel in Cadiz. Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz is housed within a 17th-century convent in the historical center of Cádiz, just 25 m from the Palacio de Congresos Conference Center.
It features an impressive and relaxing interior patio and maintains the building’s original architecture: archways, Baroque marble features, and ornate stonework.
The attractive rooms are modernly and attractively decorated. The convent dates back to the 1600’s and belongs to the Dominican order. In fact, there are still monks living in one part of building (not the hotel!). The convent houses a church, cloisters, and a chapel as well.
8.9/10
5 Top Reasons To Visit Cadiz
Santa Cruz Cathedral
Santa Cruz Cathedral is the cities main architectural attraction. This spectacular religious building was built between 1722 and 1838, and has been Cadiz’s epicenter ever since. It was first known as the Cathedral of the Americas since it was financed with the spoils of the conquering of the New World. The cathedral was built almost on the beach in substitution of the cities old cathedral that had fallen into disrepair. The city of Cádiz also wanted to show off its newly acquired relevance in 1717, when it became the countries main port, instead of Seville.
Santa Catalina Castle
In 1596, Phillip II, king of Spain, orderd the construction of a fortress to protect the city of Cádiz, and one of the countries most important ports. The city had been occupied and sacked by British and Dutch forces, and, after recapturing the city, the King wanted to ensure the safety of this key territory.
The fortress is built on the water and looks out onto the Mediterranean. Nowadays the castle offers wonderful views and plays host to exhibits, galleries, and other events.
Galeria Benot
The Benot Gallery is located right on Cadiz’s port and hosts a large collection of contemporary Andalusian artists. The exhibits rotate, highlighting a certain artist, subject, etc. Few things are more romantic that enjoying an art gallery on the Mediterranean coast of Andalucía.
Museo de Cádiz
As we have mentioned, Cádiz is one of the oldest settlements in Europe and therefore has an incredible vast and rich history. In 1970, the cities Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeological Museum merged so as to better tell the story of Cádiz. The Cádiz Museum displays a vast array of artifacts from an archaeological collection that highlights pieces from prehistoric Andalusia, paintings by Rubens and Murillo depicting 16th and 17th century Cádiz, you will even find an assortment of ‘Tia Norica’ puppets that are used during Cádiz‘s famous carnival celebration.
Beaches
It would be a real shame to visit a city on Spain’s coast and not check out one of its beaches, even more so when we are talking about Cádiz. Locals are well aware of the wonderful beaches Cádiz has to offer. The spectacular La Caleta beach, located west of the city, is a small stretch of fine gold sand, protected by Santa Catalina castle. Playa Victoria, to the east of the city, is much larger and perhaps less secluded. Both offer clear blue water, sandy beaches, and all the beachside shanties (or chiringuitos as they are known in Spain) that you could wish for. Check out this link for information on beaches in Spain.
La Caleta beach in Cadiz
La Caleta beach in Cádiz is for sure a top attraction and one of the most famous beaches in South Spain. La Caleta is seriously amazing. One of the best things about it is the location – it is protected from those harsh Levante winds that can make beach trips a little uncomfortable in other parts of Cadiz and Huelva. Besides, it is perfect for families withits gentle waters and soft, golden sand.
The beach is always bustling with activity and locals, and you’ll often hear the sweet sounds of street musicians serenading the sunbathers. And let’s not forget about the stunning Victorian building that overlooks the beach – it’s truly a sight to behold.
As an anecdote, the beach is so picturesque that it’s been featured in a Hollywood movie – remember that scene in 007: Die Another Day? Pierce Brosnan was chilling in the old Spa, watching Halle Berry swim in the ocean. So cool, right? Trust us, you won’t regret visiting La Caleta.
Weather In Cadiz
Cadiz enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Best Time To Visit Cadiz
The south of Spain can get swelteringly hot in summer and crowded as well, as the summer is Andalucía’s high season. Summer is also, unfortunately, when a lot of local festivities, concerts, and other events take place. But Cadiz is also well-known thanks to its February carnival and the Comparsas songs. February is an excellent time of the year to visit the city!
The best time of year to visit, if you want to avoid the heat and the crowds is between March and June. Of course, if you want to experience al the fever and passion that Andalucía is so well known for, summer is the time to go.
Cadiz - Video
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