What To Do In Cadiz On A Long Weekend

Located on the southwestern Atlantic coast of Spain, Cádiz is a city that effortlessly blends stunning scenery with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and tradition. Famously one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, Cádiz boasts a timeless charm that beckons travellers to explore its historic streets, relax on its sandy beaches, and immerse themselves in a unique Andalucian experience. In this article, you’ll find out what to do in Cadiz on a long weekend and how to spend a few days in this city in Andalucia.

History of Cadiz, Spain

Cádiz has a long, proud history and this is reflected in the well-preserved architectural gems that adorn its old town. One of the most prominent landmarks is the Cádiz Cathedral, a striking blend of Baroque and Neoclassical styles that rises majestically above the city. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of religious art and a crypt containing the remains of renowned composer Manuel de Falla. If you feel energetic you can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy unrivalled panoramic views of the city, climb the cathedral’s tower.

The city’s rich maritime past is evident with two imposing fortresses: San Sebastian Castle and Santa Catalina Castle. These ancient fortifications, located on small islands, offer a glimpse into Cádiz’s history as a strategic naval stronghold. Wander their ramparts and absorb breathtaking vistas of the sea.

What To Do In Cadiz On A Long Weekend

This fascinating city on Spain’s Atlantic coast is the perfect place to add to any itinerary below you will find plenty of ideas for what to do in Cadiz.

Golden Sandy Beaches

La Caleta

Cádiz’s boasts a glorious coastline with long, golden sandy beaches. The urban beach of La Caleta, nestled between two castles, is a picturesque spot to unwind and enjoy the Atlantic sea breeze. Soft, golden sands stretch along the shoreline, inviting you to sunbathe, swim, or simply watch the world go by. And with Cádiz’s mild climate, a beach day can be enjoyed throughout most of the year.

Playa de la Victoria

For a more extensive seaside escape, visit Playa de la Victoria. This wide, sandy stretch offers an abundance of space for relaxation and a variety of water sports. It’s a spot favoured by locals and tourists alike.

Tarifa Beaches

Travel out of the city along northeast along the coast and discover the Kite Surfer’s paradise of Tarifa. The old town is a splendid historical location with a distinctly bohemian vibe. With the strong Atlantic winds Tarifa’s beaches are a magnet for Kite Surf enthusiasts from across the globe and on a breezy day the sky is littered with delightful colourful kites which catch the wind allowing the surfers to perform breathtaking stunts on the open seas.

Sightseeing in Cadiz

Casco Antiguo

Cádiz’s old town, known as the Casco Antiguo, is a labyrinth of winding streets and charming squares. Stroll through these narrow alleys and discover hidden gems at every turn. The Plaza de las Flores is a particular favourite, where you can sip coffee at a café and absorb the vibrant atmosphere with the backdrop of vibrant flowers climbing the old walls.

Torre Tavira

Another landmark worth visiting is the Tavira Tower (Torre Tavira), which not only served as a historic watchtower but also hosts a fascinating camera obscura. This optical device projects a real-time 360-degree view of Cádiz onto a concave dish, providing a unique and enchanting perspective of the city.

Cádiz Cathedral

This stunning cathedral is a blend of various architectural styles, including Baroque and Neoclassical. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Castillo de San Sebastián 

A picturesque fortress at the end of La Caleta Beach. You can walk along the causeway to explore the castle.

Castillo de Santa Catalina 

Another fortress, located at the other end of La Caleta Beach, offering panoramic views of the sea and the city. Both fortresses are considered of great military importance.

Gran Teatro Falla 

A magnificent theatre known for its unique and interesting façade. It’s an important cultural centre for the city. Enter through the grand horseshoe-shaped arched doors.

Mercado Central de Abastos

Experience the heart of the city’s food culture, where fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies are on display. Early in the morning chefs and restaurateurs negotiate for the best fresh produce of the day.

Cadiz City Walls

Walk along the city’s historic walls, which offer fantastic views of both the old town and the sea. 

Parque Genovés

A beautiful garden and park where you can relax, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers. The perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold drink after all the sigjtseeing.

Museum of Cádiz

Explore the rich history of Cadiz through a wide range of art and historical artefacts including paintings by Zurbarán, Murillo and Rubens, along with the puppets of Tía Norica.

Monument to the Constitution of 1812

Known as the “Monument to the Cortes,” this monument commemorates the drafting of the first Spanish constitution in Cadiz. Located in the Plaza España.

Cadiz Cuisine

No visit to Cádiz would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. The city is renowned for its fresh seafood, and you can enjoy dishes like crispy fried fish, traditional seafood paella, and an array of delicious tapas at local restaurants and beachside chiringuitos.

Food To Try In Cadiz

Pescado Frito: A tasty mix of small, freshly caught fish, usually anchovies, sardines, and squid, coated in flour and deep-fried until crispy and golden. Perfect with a squeeze of lemon.

Tortillitas de Camarones: These are thin, crispy shrimp fritters. Often served in bars as a popular tapa.

Salmorejo: While it’s not unique to Cadiz, you’ll find it all across Andalucia. It’s a cold, creamy, thick tomato soup, garnished with hard-boiled eggs and jamón serrano (cured ham). Served with fresh crusty bread.

Retinto Beef: The Retinto cattle, native to the region and reared on the province’s arid land produce some of the finest beef in Spain. Try a steak or burger made from this exceptional meat.

Tuna: Cadiz is famous for its traditional tuna fishing, try fresh tuna dishes like grilled tuna steaks or tuna tartare.

Sherry: Enhance your meal with some local sherry. Cadiz and neighbouring Jerez are famous for their sherry production and a glass of crisp dry Fino, Amontillado, or Manzanilla is a perfect accompaniment to the area’s delicious dishes.

Festivals & Fun In Cadiz

Towns and cities throughout Spain celebrate numerous fiestas or festivals at different times of the year and Cadiz is no exception. Here are some that you may catch on a long weekend in Cadiz.

Cadiz Carnival: If you happen to visit Cádiz in February, you’re in for a treat. The city is famous for its Cádiz Carnival, one of the most vibrant and exciting festivals in Spain. This carnival is a celebration of music, dance, and colourful costumes, with lively parades that will leave you in awe of the city’s creative spirit. The whole of the city gets involved in the carnival, both young and old throw themselves into the festivities with typical Spanish enthusiasm.

Semana Santa (Easter Week): Semana Santa is a significant religious event throughout Spain, and during the week Cadiz hosts processions, religious events, and numerous activities. It’s a deeply traditional and culturally rich experience.

Feria de Abril: While the Feria de Abril is more associated with Seville, other cities in Andalucia, including Cadiz, also celebrate it. You can look forward to a week-long party with flamenco music, traditional Spanish food and drink, and lots of dancing.

Fiesta de la Hispanidad: Celebrated throughout Spain on October 12th, this festival marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. Cadiz hosts various cultural events, parades, and activities to commemorate this historic day.

International Carnival of the Wind: If you’re into kites and wind-related activities, then you should definitely visit Cadiz during this unique festival. It’s a colourful and fun event featuring kite flying and wind-related sports.

Jazz Festival: Cadiz also hosts an annual jazz festival that brings together both national and international jazz musicians. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some smooth tunes in a beautiful setting.

San Juan: The night of San Juan, celebrated on June 23rd, is a magical time when people gather on the beaches to light bonfires, make wishes, and jump over the flames for good luck. It’s a fun and unique way to welcome the summer.

Carnival of the Falla: This is a smaller-scale carnival held in the Falla neighborhood of Cadiz, but it’s known for its vibrant spirit and traditional music.

Remember that some fiesta dates change slightly each year so you should check the specific dates for before planning your trip to Cadiz. Fiestas are great fun and give visitors a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture whilst having a great time!

Activities in Cadiz

Watersports: With its coastal location, Cadiz is a fantastic place for water-based sports. You can try your hand at windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. Whether you are an expert or trying one of these sports out for the first time, there are numerous watersports centres to welcome you.

Cycling: Cadiz boasts numerous cycling routes, both within the city and in the surrounding countryside. You can rent a bike and explore the historic streets of the old town or venture out into the scenic landscapes and open roads nearby.

Golf: Golfers will be pleased to know that there are some excellent golf courses in the region. The Real Club de Golf de Vista Hermosa is a top choice, offering a well-maintained course with stunning sea views and challenging fairways.

Hiking: Cadiz is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. You can go hiking in this park or explore the beautiful Andalusian countryside. 

Paseo Maritimo: For those who prefer a quieter experience, take a leisurely walk along the Paseo Marítimo, a waterfront promenade that provides a serene escape from the bustling streets, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and watch the dozens of ships which pass by the coast sailing between two continents, Africa – which can be seen in the distance – and Europe. 

Where To Stay In Cadiz

Cadiz has a fantastic selection of hotels with prices considerably lower than in many other Spanish cities. You can choose from small boutique hotels or larger hotels from well-known chains. You can stay in a converted convent or a reformed typical Cadiz-style house with original features including an exquisite central Andalucian patio.

Here are some ideas of where to stay on a long weekend in Cadiz.

High End

The Cadiz Parador offers luxury and excellent service. Located on the bay of Cadiz many rooms have spectacular sea views and all have large terraces. One of the more modern of Spain’s Parador chain, this is a great choice for those looking for something special on a long weekend in Cadiz.

Mid Range

The Boutique Hotel Olom is an adults-only hotel in the old town next to the cathedral. The rooftop terrace has a bar and a small pool (seasonal) and offers amazing views.

Budget

The Hotel Boutique Convento is a 17th-century convent turned hotel in the city centre. The convent still belongs to the Dominican Order and has monks inhabiting the building. The rooms are modern and bright and the hotel offers excellent value for money.

Thru the lens of a local

There are no better recommendations than those that come from a local. Our Cadiz Local is Haylee Roebuck, a British language teacher and rock music enthusiast who has lived in Spain for many years. Haylee moved from my hometown of Mojacar a couple of years ago to her favourite city in Spain, Cadiz. Here is her take on the best places to eat and drink in this fantastic city.  

If you are visiting the beautiful & captivating city of Cádiz, there are so many wonderful bars and restaurants to visit, but I have a handful of favourites that are a must! And to be honest, I could talk for days about how great this magical city is, so, why don’t we start before I get carried away with myself, and the perfect place to begin our mini culinary journey is, Meson Cumbre Mayores which is famous for its delicious Andalusian dishes and vast selection of local wines. When visiting, I strongly advise that you arrive five to ten minutes before opening time, as to guarantee a table. This is from personal experience, as I have tried to get a table an hour after opening, and there was already a waiting list. You may be thinking, why not just reserve a table ahead of time? Well, if you are having raciones (a dish slightly larger than tapas) this is no problem, but if you want to reserve for tapas, this option is not available.
Another favourite of mine is, El Tinte SuperBar which has a more of modern outlook with a selection of fast food, tapas and rice dishes. There is always a great atmosphere daily, from Wednesday through to Sunday, There are live music events & DJs. and during the winter months, they offer a weekly lunch menu Monday to Friday.
To be honest, There are so many fantastic restaurants to choose from, so wherever you decide, you won’t be disappointed.
On the other hand, if you want to find a nice bar to have a drink, and enjoy some good music, I highly recommend Rollin’ Rock Pub with its American bar/diner interior, great atmosphere, rockin’ music, and staff who always welcome you with open arms. I would also like to recommend Savage Bar as this is another great bar, with a fantastic atmosphere, live music and friendly staff. It is located opposite Cádiz port, so you also have a stunning view of all the cruise liners and ships that dock in the port daily.
Cádiz is full of life, and outstanding food, and wherever you go, you will be enchanted by this magical city. 

Haylee hosts the Savage Language Exchange at Savage Bar every Thursday, an opportunity to learn the language and meet new friends.
Visit Haylee’s language school page on Facebook here.

Cadiz Q&A

When to visit Cadiz

May and June along with September and October are the best months to visit Cadiz. These months still enjoy mild weather without the intense heat of July and August when even the locals tend to flee to cooler climes. 

How to get to Cadiz

The closest airports to Cadiz are Jerez de la Frontera and Sevilla, however, both of these are small regional airports so you would likely need to transit in Madrid or Barcelona. The nearest large airport is Malaga which is about 2 hours 30 minutes drive. You can also travel by bus and train.

How long should I spend in Cadiz?

You can spend an enjoyable weekend or a few days and easily see plenty that Cadiz has to offer. You can also use Cadiz as a base as part of a tour of Andalucia.

Is Cadiz expensive?

Cadiz is in fact one of the most reasonably priced cities in Spain. Accommodation is good value and eating out is very inexpensive. 

Does Cadiz have a hop-on hop-off bus?

The HOHO bus is a great way to see all the main sights in Cadiz in an easy and inexpensive way. Two-day tickets are available and the buses run from early morning to early evening.

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