Surrounded by sandy beaches and beautiful crystal clear water, Cadiz is located on the southwest coast of Spain. Many believe that the Phoenicians founded this ancient city in 1100 BC, making this stunning place Europe’s oldest city. Situated only an hour and a half train ride from Seville, a day trip to Cadiz is perfect.
Cathedral of Cadiz
The Cathedral, also known as the New Cathedral was built in the 18th century and took over 100 years to complete. The belltower is included in an entrance ticket to the Cathedral and offers spectacular views of the surrounding city. Just a heads up: The winding ramp may make you a little winded and dizzy by the time you reach the top, but it’s definitely worth the climb!
Barrio del Populo
Full of winding narrow streets, the Barrio del Populo is the medieval heart of the city, marked by the Puerta de Tierra, a wall that separates historic and modern-day Cadiz.
Here you can enjoy various restaurants and bars to have a drink or two on a blistering hot day!
Plaza de las Flores y La Calle Ancha
A bustling, popular area of Cadiz, the Plaza de las Flores offers beautiful scenery, whether enjoyed while eating at one of the many restaurants or a simple walk through. La Calle Ancha is another popular street that offers various restaurants and stores to buy a souvenir or two.
Parque Genoves
Parque Genoves offers some relaxation in the shade after walking around the sunny city. Here you can find many trees cut into interesting shapes, and even a fountain with a few dinosaur statues.
Torre de Tavira
Once used as a watchtower in the 18th and 19th centuries, Torre de Tavira is now used for the views, enhanced by a Camera Obscura. The Camera Obscura allows visitors to see a 360-degree view of the surrounding area in the moment – busy crowds, birds flying, waves crashing, and flags waving in the air.
At the very top, there is a lookout similar to the belltower in the Cathedral, so if the Camera Obscura isn’t for you, the belltower could potentially be sufficient. Personally, I loved the idea of the Camera Obscura.
Museo de Cadiz
Perhaps one of the most famous finds in this museum includes the Phoenician marble sarcophagi, one male and one female, dating back to the 5th century BC. The Museum of Cadiz also has many other interesting archaeological finds and works of art.
Caleta Beach
Between two fortresses, Castillo Santa Catalina and Castillo San Sebastian, La Caleta Beach is a must-see on your list of things to do in Cadiz. On the weekends, many locals and tourists pack the beach to wade in the water or catch some rays.
Castillo Santa Catalina
The Castle of Santa Catalina is an example of military architecture of the Modern Age. This space now has educational workshops and concerts during the summer months.
Castillo San Sebastian
This fort, built in the 18th century, was originally designed to defend the city. The city added the lighthouse in 1908, which was Spain’s second electric lighthouse at the time.
Mercado Central de Abastos
The Mercado Central is the oldest covered market in Spain, built in the 19th century. I visited Cadiz on a Sunday, and sadly the market was closed. And, I was too distraught to remember to take a picture of the market. To ensure you can enter, make sure to check the hours and visit on a day other than Sunday.
Enjoy your time in this ancient city, but be sure to keep track of time if you make a pit stop at a bar on your way to the train station! Keep your camera close by on your day trip to Cadiz, as it’s a beautiful destination.