How to spend a day in Cádiz, Spain

Forming the tip of a narrow peninsula, the Spanish city of Cádiz is one of Andalusia’s most attractive cities. Its neo-classical architecture lines the waterfront of the Gulf of Cádiz, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. Much like Havana’s Malecón, a picturesque esplanade hugs the coast of Cádiz, giving visitors unique perspectives of the city’s most prominent buildings.

It is widely believed that Cádiz is the oldest inhabited city in Western Europe. Ancient sources mention the founding of a trading base named Gadir in roughly 1,100 BC. Today, the old town of Cádiz is one of the most densely populated urban areas in Europe. Its narrow streets are lined with numerous homes, with laundry hanging between the buildings. Amid the maze of houses and apartments, picturesque plazas provide oases in the heart of Cádiz. Plaza de Mina, which was developed in the early 19th century, is filled with flora and fauna, while others, such as Plaza San Antonio, are surrounded by neo-classical and Isabelline Gothic mansions. 

Chloe from Wanderlust Chloe believes that Cádiz is Spain at its best. Having travelled extensively to all corners of the globe, Chloe had high praise for this Andalusian city, “It’s charming, historic and beautiful, with an excellent food scene. I loved the vivid green water dotted with fishing boats, the white buildings and skinny cobbled streets running from one side of the peninsula to the other, historic towers and cathedrals and the buzzing market hall.” 

We asked Chloe what three activities she’d recommend on a cruise to Cádiz:

1. Climbing Cádiz Cathedral Tower: “While many recommend climbing Torre Tavira, I preferred the views from the top of the cathedral. Not only could you see the city below but there was also the beauty of the bells silhouetted against the cityscape.”
2. Hitting the beach: “There are a few beaches in and around Cádiz. My favourite was La Caleta which is on the old city’s peninsula. It gets busy but relaxing with that view is worth battling the crowds!” 
3. Walking the peninsula: “Cádiz is a really walkable city, and one of my favourite things to do is wander the entire peninsula, starting at Plaza de San Juan de Dios, then passing Parque Genoves, La Caleta beach, the cathedral, Roman theatre and more. You spot so much that way and you can always stop for tapas and a cold drink when you get tired!”

As the birthplace of flamenco, Andalusia is a prime holiday destination for those seeking a true taste of Spain. And in the port city of Cádiz, there’s certainly no shortage of culture. As well as its rich maritime history, the city today is known for its exceptional Andalusian cuisine. If you’re unsure how to spend a day in Cádiz, we’ve created a guide to help you. Unlike other sprawling European cities, Cádiz is compact, allowing you to take in most of the sights and sounds in one day, if you plan wisely. 

Your cruise ship will dock in the Port of Cádiz, on the northern tip of the peninsula. Within moments of disembarking, you’ll be in the most exciting part of Cádiz, with the historic Plaza España just a one-minute walk from the deck. Here, you’ll find the Monument to the Constitution of 1812, as well as other historically significant statues and the Museum of Cádiz, which houses 17th-century Spanish art and artefacts. Next door, the Plaza de Mina is the ideal place to rest and take in your surroundings. Built in the mid-19th century, this pretty square is a popular hangout and is filled with trees and shrubs, forming an oasis. 

Traditional cafes and restaurants line the outer edges of Plaza de Mina if you wanted to stop for coffee and a classic Andalusian treat. Try tortas de aceite, a wafer-life cake sweetened with orange, mostachones de uttrera, a cinnamon-flavoured cake or leche frita, fried milk covered in cinnamon and sugar. 

If you haven’t already, be sure to wander along Cádiz’s coastal promenades. With sweeping views over the Gulf of Cádiz, and palm trees lining the pathways, you’ll feel like you’re on a film set. From the maze of narrow streets in the heart of the city, make your way to Genovés Park, a tranquil garden set on the coast. From here, meander along the coastal walkway to reach the Castle of San Sebastian. The fortress, located at the end of La Caleta beach, was built to protect the northern part of the city from attack. Today, the castle is a cultural landmark and the walk along the stone path through the water is a delight.

For lunch, there’s no shortage of traditional Andalusian fare. Just remember that lunch in Spain is generally between 2 and 4 pm. There are numerous restaurants along the waterfront or you can make your way back into the narrow streets to find the local's favourites. Try tortillitas de Camarones, which are essentially shrimp fritters, fried in a beautifully crisp, golden batter. Or croquetas, an Andalusian classic, made with a variety of fillings from tuna (which is found in abundance here), Spanish cheeses and nuts and meat. 

If you’re staying late, save a walk along Avenue Campo del Sur until the evening. This waterfront walk will give you an iconic view over the Parroquia de Santa Cruz and Cádiz Cathedral. Of course, if you’re only in Cádiz for a short time, don’t miss out on this part of the city. Between 5 pm and 7 pm, locals will often sit down for merienda, which is a drink and snack between lunch and dinner. Even if you’re not taking part, it’s worth stopping for a glass of wine or traditional Andalusian sherry and taking part in some people-watching. 

Dining out in Cádiz in the evening offers yet more delicious local dishes. Pollo a la Canilla is a tasty chicken dish which is marinated in sherry and fried with laurel. For one of the finest cuts of beef you’ll ever try, order the Retinto beef. Using meat from the iconic Retinta breed of cattle, not dissimilar to bison, this beef dish is of extremely high quality and is served with vegetables and very little seasoning so as not to detract from the true flavour. Seafood lovers shouldn’t board their ship without trying Bluefin tuna.