Cádiz★★
Cádiz claims to be the oldest city in Western Europe — founded around 1100 BC by the Phoenicians as Gadir. Located on a peninsula in the Atlantic, almost entirely surrounded by water, Cádiz has a unique atmosphere: salty, windy, flooded with light, with a joie de vivre that is exceptional even by Andalusian standards.
The city (116,000 inhabitants) is not a tourist magnet like Seville or Granada — and that's exactly what makes it appealing. The Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, decaying palaces, hidden plazas, and churches. The beaches — right in the city! — are wide, golden, and clean. And the Cádiz Carnival (February/March) is the wildest, funniest, and most political carnival in Spain.
A perfect day trip from Seville (1.5 hours by train) or a standalone stay of 2–3 days.
Sights & Beaches
★★ Cádiz Cathedral
The golden dome of the cathedral (18th/19th century) is the city's landmark. From the Torre de Poniente (ascent via a ramp), you have a fantastic view over the city, the harbor, and the Atlantic. Inside: a crypt where composer Manuel de Falla is buried.
7€ (including tower). Mon–Sat 10 am–7 pm, Sun 1 pm–7 pm.
★★ Torre Tavira
The city's highest watchtower (45 m) with a Camera Obscura — an optical device from the 18th century that projects a live panorama of the city onto a white disc. Fascinating and unique. The tower view alone is worth it.
8€. Daily 10 am–6 pm (winter) / 10 am–8 pm (summer). Camera Obscura shows every 30 minutes.
★★ Playa de la Victoria
One of the best city beaches in Europe: a 3 km long, wide sandy beach with a promenade, chiringuitos (beach bars), and clean Atlantic water. South of it is the Playa de la Caleta — smaller, located between two fortresses, the beach of the Gaditanos (locals).
★ Mercado Central
One of the best markets in Andalusia. On the ground floor, fresh fish and seafood (Cádiz has the best fish cuisine in Spain), on the upper floor the Rincón Gastronómico with tapas stands. Here, order a plate of fried shrimp (Gambas fritas, 5€) with a sherry.
💡 Tipp
Cádiz is a sherry town — order a Fino (dry) or Manzanilla (from nearby Sanlúcar) with your tapas instead of beer. Often costs only 1.50–2€ per glass.