The more than 4,000 year old Cadiz is one of the most established locales of Costa de la Luz region in Spain.
The country’s first liberal constitution was drafted and promulgated here way back in 1812.
For the adventure lovers and history buffs, there is a huge amount of activities you can do in the province of Cádiz.
Everything here is well-organized.
From trips to see dolphins, boat outings to see the dramatic sunset, a visit to a fantastic crocodile farm and fancy routes from the different white villages.
It is a place where you will learn so much more about Spain.
If you’re looking for good beaches, good price, and great atmosphere, your ideal holiday destination is Cadiz.
Best time to Visit Cadiz?
The city of Cadiz is an ideal all year round destination in Spain because most of the time it has a gentle atmosphere that makes it perfect for exploiting its miles of flawless shorelines.
The hottest time of the year is amid the late spring months (July – August) when the dry temperature is around 80° F (26 °C).
The coldest it gets is during the months of December to January.
The wettest months are in the winter season.
Temperatures are hot enough for sunbathing and swimming from May through October, albeit surfing and swooping are conceivable year-round with a wetsuit.
Best Things to do in Cadiz
These are awesome things to do, and my favorite places to visit, if you ever visit the city of Cadiz.
Torre Tavira
The Torre Tavira provides the unbeatable panoramic view of the city.
The visit allows you to see all the historic center of Cadiz with its many watchtowers.
The system of the Camera Obscura is really interesting and worth knowing to see the distant reality at hand.
You have to climb the 173 steps up to the viewpoint, but it is really worthwhile and highly recommended along with a visit to the great darkroom.
It has beautiful views of the city and excellent views of the Bay of Cádiz .
The Torre Tavira is a watchtower and considered as the highest point of the old town, with an imposing height of 45 meters above sea level.
It is a small, but high tower that dominates the city center that is also clearly visible from the harbor.
It is home to the Camera Obscura, two exhibition rooms, and a viewpoint from which you can admire all the best parts of the city during sessions of 15 minutes.
Before you get to the top of this tower, on the stairs and in the middle floors there are a number of photos, illustrations, and explanations on the development of Cadiz and the construction of the tower.
When you reach the top you have the opportunity to see the whole panorama from above and the other towers of the city that every business has built on the roof of their home.
It is very interesting to listen to the explanation of the guides inside the darkroom that describes all the different types of towers, monuments, and places of interest present in Cadiz.
This site is not to be missed when you’re in Cadiz.
What else to do in Cadiz?
Park Genoves
It is fun to discover every corner of the Park Genoves .
There is a playground, some fountain and a pond with a small waterfall and a cave that pleases the children.
The trees of the avenue of entry are all cut differently to take on many forms.
It is a really nice place and a beautiful public park that is located a few steps away from the Castillo de San Sebastian and Santa Catalina.
It is clean, nice, with many species of trees and plants and a special fountain inside (with so many ducks in).
Another nice feature is the many nests made for parrots on the highest branches of the trees.
Admission is free and there are also swings for children to enjoy and definitely worth a visit.
This park is a haven of peace.
Time seems to stop in the green of the various paths that make up the way to the park.
If you pay a bit of attention you can get acquainted with some of the 28 cats that live there and lovingly cared for by the caretaker of the park.
It is great for a walk at the end of the day.
It is a park that has a terrace overlooking the sea and as you walk there are parrots flying around you while being surrounded by artistically pruned trees and fountains with water.
It has a relaxing atmosphere, don’t miss it!
My favorite stuff to do in Cadiz
Playa Victoria
The Playa Victoria is a beautiful long sandy beach that stretches almost to the boundaries of the Old City and is bordered by a promenade where walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters frolic.
If it is not the summer season, there is not much crowd and there is sufficient room for everyone.
Along the parallel Promenade (there goes the #7 bus from Hotel Playa Victoria Terminus to the beach of La Caleta) are numerous bars and restaurants.
It is a good place to take a rest and relaxation to the mind or to spend long beach walks and just feel the wind in your hair.
There are kite surfers, beach sailors and fishermen that complete the beachfront scene.
Right on the beach, there are also three beach bars where guests can party the night away.
Playa Victoria is a long beach in Cadiz with several beach bars and restaurants.
It has areas for practicing beach volleyball and snorkeling.
The beach infrastructure structure is good, the beach is clean and the water is warm for swimming and there are showers to complete bath or just for washing of the feet.
The toilets are also conveniently located and very neat.
Here are some more
Fun things to do in Cadiz
Yacimiento Arqueológico Gadir
No one could imagine what lies beneath the houses of the old town of Cadiz.
The way you immerse yourself among the Phoenician sites and how the guides explain what you’re seeing graphically makes the visit becomes very instructive and entertaining.
It is strongly recommended to go with the family.
And don’t feel shy to ask things to the archaeologist for they will gladly answer all the questions and do many things that you do not realize they can do if you press and ask for more detail.
The Yacimiento Arqueologico Gadir is a beautiful story and it is a story that everyone must know.
The tour itself consists of a video in which the guides emulate the famous CSI TV Show, while explaining the importance of what was found in excavations using an ancient Phoenician protagonist body that was found at the site.
After the video, you can stroll on the site using glass walkways (not advisable for vertigo) and there is a query screens showing what can be seen under it.
The staff also come and participates in the archaeological excavations to help highlight the most important things that they have recently found.
You cannot leave Cadiz without seeing this archaeological and cultural attraction.
Furthermore it is free!
The site is at the cutting edge techniques and will introduce you to the Cadiz Phoenician with great detail while being accompanied by a participating archaeologist.
The origins of the city of Cadiz are explained fully in the visit.
The guide-archeologist is an expert in the field and their explanations are very informative and enriching.
The access is limited to 25 people per session and only during the day.
My vacation adventures in Cadiz
Gran Teatro Falla
The Gran Teatro Falla is a very nice building constructed in Mudejar style can be seen if you just walk around the city.
If it is possible, try to get to the setting and see its interior and its rich content and architectural delights.
It is a place that recognizes the City of Cadiz and remains one of its symbols.
It is located in the city center near the beach of Caleta and the typical district of Palma.
If you like Theatres Tourism it is undoubtedly one of the must-visit.
It is very special for its carnival functions.
Once you get there it is worth seeing the temple of carnivals and its unique architecture.
It is here where you can witness several spectacles celebrated in Gran Falla during the year.
You can watch from presentations of symphony orchestras from Sevilla and Cordoba, Flamenco shows, and the famous La Toma Castaña Group, the Competition Choirs, cronies and chirigotas that performs in excellent quality.
The Falla Theatre is something that cannot miss on the travel agenda when in Cadiz.
Popular Cadiz tourist attractions
Cathedral of Cadiz
The Cadiz Cathedral is a lovely seaside attraction that looks really majestic.
It is well worth the visit and a way to ask for good blessings.
The admission fee is 5 euro it is the part of the culture of a people and of its historic time.
In addition to the wonderful works of art that is proudly displayed on its frescoes and interiors, it is awesome to contemplate that such beauty and architecture exist up to this days.
The historical center is very beautiful and the cathedral is the postcard of the city that has survived so many things over the last 4000 years.
With the audio guide you can make a clear tour and understand most parts of the cathedral.
You will be surprised by the beautiful and spacious crypt; it is definitely worth a visit.
Museum of Cadiz
The Museum of Cadiz is a museum of classical character.
You can walk through its halls seeing all parts of exposure identified by individual or small cartelists.
You can also watch some videos that make you understand more about the pieces you’re seeing.
Stay with a guide because it is advisable to understand and evaluate every year and history of the city with explanations and detailed facts.
The Prehistory Museum includes rooms on the Colonization (Phoenician among others), Roman, Medieval, Modern and contemporary.
What is most impressive is the archaeological section, which highlights a magnificent Phoenician anthropoid sarcophagus and other materials documenting the continued presence of a man in Cadiz from the lower Paleolithic Age.
Cadiz, being one of the oldest cities in the world tells so much of this great story in this museum.
On the second floor there are paintings including works by Zurbarán, Miro, Godoy and even Rafael Alberti up to Murfilo.
The Cuenta Ethnology section on the top floor uses outstanding Puppets of Tía Norica traditional Cadiz and has medal to the fine arts.
The building is located in one of the most beautiful squares in Cadiz called the MINA, another historic site that carried out great reforms for the city since 1838.
My favorite activities in Cadiz
Castillo de San Sebastian
The Castillo de San Sebastián is an ancient fortress, located at the ends of the Caleta.
It has been declared of cultural interest by the Junta de Andalucia.
The walk to the castle is very beautiful and becomes different in full or low tide and after passing the entrance arch to the site, you can see its preserved and well maintained infrastructure.
This is a castle on a hill with a lighthouse which formerly served as grounds of defense for Cadiz City.
The Castillo de San Sebastian is located on the seafront of Cadiz.
The walk to the castle is amazing because you must pass a few minutes walking down a pathway made of stones and need to watch out when the wave hits them.
When the tide is rising, the water goes through the rocks imitating the geysers.
The best reward is the pleasant stroll inside the castle and best of all it’s free.
Amazing things to do near Cadiz
Oratory of La Santa Coeval (Oratory of The Holy Cave)
The Oratory of La Santa Coeval (Oratory of the Holy Cave) is composed of two chapels and is considered one of the jewels of art of Gaitanis.
The original house was 1730 and there are a group of devotees that gather here every Thursday, and most of them belong to the aristocracy of Guadiana.
In 1756, the brotherhood members discovered an underground passage where their religious exercises can be practiced.
One of its main attractions is the painting given by Goya, who traveled to Cadiz in 1792.
The Oratory of the Holy Cave is located in Rosario, in the heart of the city.
If you walk maybe you would never know it is there because it is one of the hundreds of streets that are close to the city.
It is a building next to a church and decorated jasper oval plan, stucco, etc.
This building is officially listed as a national historic and artistic value edifice of Cadiz.
The bottom is very austere but there is a mystery of the crucifixion that is also worth seeing.
It is recommended to start at the bottom and then climb.
The top of this secluded chapel is rich and resplendent in its presentation with images that dwell around the Eucharist exaltation, in contrast to the bottom part, where humility, sobriety and simplicity makes you think about death and pain and how fleeting life is.
Unusual things to do in Cadiz
La Caleta Beach
The cove is a magical place in Cádiz that every tourist should enjoy.
The sunsets are breathtaking.
While you wait you can visit the castles or chill out in the little bars in the area.
The La Caleta Beach also has its old spa.
It is excellent and located in the center of the city near the cathedral and the entrance to the Castle of San Sebastian.
The sunset on this beach is so extraordinary that brings anyone into tears.
Keep an afternoon just to go there and enjoy this extraordinary moment.
Things to do in cádiz with Kids
Zoo de Castellar
The Zoo de Castellar is a fairly small zoo, but the experience and the opportunity to play some of the animals will make you forget this.
Tickets are fairly priced at € 14 for adults and € 8 for children and they have tables to sit and drink, plus a coffee shop near the entrance.
The staff is very friendly and they explain a thing or two about the animals, their natural habitat, and behavior.
The experience of playing the game and making the visit is worthwhile.
It is highly recommended to go with children because the interaction and meeting the animals is a great way to teach them about pet care and unconditional love.
The best thing about the zoo animals kept here is that they were retrieved from circuses and other places for some reasons that they are no longer wanted.
This charming zoo is well maintained with professional people, who never stops working with animals and care to contribute their talent for a good cause.
Since most of the animals that stay there are rescued from the black market, illegal trafficking or capricious people who buy from online sites that are not advisable to buy wild animals.
The animals are obviously happy and you can interact with them.
You can enter (free) and bring your own food for there are places to sit and eat and have a small bar with soft drinks and fries at normal prices in a glass room with armchairs from which you can see the Bengal tiger growling or peeking next to you.
Is cadiz worth visiting?
Yes Cadiz is definitely worth visiting.
Cadiz gained prominence because it has one of the greatest and most prestigious Carnival festivals in Spain.
The city plays as gracious host for this celebration since its inception in 1700s.
The famous Carnival happens a week before the Lenten Season and arrangements are started weeks ahead of time.
Cadiz is additionally known to celebrate it even a month before the actual Holy Week calendar dates.
Anticipate that Cadiz will be particularly full packed during this once a year festival and it is a wise move to book your travel plans well ahead of time.