Welcome to Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Western Europe! This coastal gem is the capital of Costa de la Luz, one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations. With its Mediterranean climate, Cádiz enjoys warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine, making it a fantastic place to visit year-round. Whether you’re into charming old towns, sunbathing on stunning beaches, tasting local cuisine, or joining lively events, Cadiz has something for every traveler. Keep reading and let us show you amazing things to do in Cadiz, Spain. Vamos!
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Cadiz, Spain FAQ
Cadiz is one of the most popular cities in Southern Spain, located in the Province of Cadiz, on a sunny coast known as Costa de la Luz. It sits on a narrow slice of land, and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
Of course! Cadiz is quaint, charming, vivid, and full of history. It’ll enchant you with stunning coastal views, colorful fishing boats, golden sandy beaches, and a picturesque old town full of cobbled streets and interesting buildings. It’s a very enjoyable city to visit, which can’t be missed from your Southern Spain itinerary.
Cadiz is best known for its picturesque old town with the iconic Cathedral, holiday-perfect golden beaches, one of Spain’s most famous carnivals, and a relaxed Andalusian vibe. There are plenty of great things to do in Cadiz, and no traveler will be bored here. It’s also one of the oldest and most continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe!
Cadiz is a perfect destination for a day trip, a relaxing weekend getaway, or even a longer stay if you want to slowly explore amazing places on the Costa de la Luz. In just one day, you can see most of the main attractions and still have time to relax on the beach for a moment. But if you want to know Cadiz even better, we recommend staying for at least 3 days.
Cadiz is home to beautiful sandy beaches, both within the city and in the surrounding area. With its warm Mediterranean climate and blue Atlantic waters, it’s the perfect getaway for sun, sea, and relaxation. We think some of them rank among the very best beaches in Southern Spain!
Things to do in Cadiz, Spain
Cadiz Old Town Streets
Cadiz old town is compact, with all the main landmarks located within a short walking distance from each other. And there’s no better way to discover it than just getting lost in a maze of its charming streets, taking time to soak up the vibe, and slowly exploring every corner. Impressive squares, historical landmarks, religious buildings, local shops, restaurants… There are many interesting places around that make exploring the old town one of the best things to do in Cadiz.
In Cadiz’s old town, you’ll find three neighborhoods that deserve the most attention: Barrio del Populo, Barrio de la Vina, and Cadiz Centro.
Barrio del Pópulo is the oldest neighborhood in Cadiz. It’s the original medieval center dating back to the 13th century! Must-see places in Barrio del Pópulo include the Cathedral, Church of the Holy Cross, Roman Theatre of Cadiz, Arco Del Pópulo, Arco de la Rosa, Plaza de San Juan de Dios, Casa del Almirante, and Plazuela de San Martín.
Cadiz Tourist Office is also located in Barrio del Pópulo, on Avenida Cuatro de Diciembre de 1977, right next to Plaza de San Juan de Dios.
Barrio de la Vina was initially a fisherman’s quarter, which began to expand in the 18th century due to the strong demographic increase. The name of this neighborhood comes from its past when it was a place of cultivation of the vine. Nowadays, the Barrio de la Vina neighborhood is full of bars and restaurants serving local food and drinks. It also serves as a great getaway to the La Caleta Beach.
Cadiz Centro is teeming with local life. Here you’ll find places of interest like Cadiz Market, Plaza de las Flores, Grand Theater of Falla, Tavira Tower, Museum of Cadiz, or Santa Cueva Oratorium.
In the old town, you’ll also find Barrio de San Carlos (with Monumento a la Constitución de 1812), and Barrio de Santa Maria (guarding the city with Las Puertas de Tierra).
Cadiz Cathedral
Cadiz Cathedral (es. Catedral de Cádiz) is the most iconic building in the city, and exploring it is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Cadiz. Thanks to its golden dome and two twin bell towers, it dominates the city skyline. The cathedral can be seen from many places, but it’s best to admire it from the seafront. Construction started in 1722 and was completed only in 1838, blending several architectural styles like Baroque and Neoclassical.
Entrance to the Cadiz Cathedral costs €10 for adults, and €8 for children and students (June 2025). To check the current prices and opening hours, visit the catedraldecadiz.com website. The ticket includes access to one of the cathedral’s bell towers, Torre de Poniente, from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Cadiz and its surroundings.
Church of the Holy Cross
While on Plaza de la Catedral don’t forget to visit the Church of the Holy Cross (es. Iglesia de Santa Cruz), the Old Cathedral of Cadiz. It’s the oldest church in the city, built in 1262 by the order of King Alfonso X. Originally the building was Gothic-Mudejar style, but after suffering serious damage in 1596 (due to a fire caused by an Anglo-Dutch fleet) it was rebuilt in the 17th century in Baroque style. Iglesia de Santa Cruz was a city cathedral until 1838, when it was moved to the New Cathedral. Since that date, it has been only a parish church. The entrance is free during opening hours.
Plaza de San Juan de Dios
Just a few steps from the Cathedral, you’ll find one of the liveliest spots in the city – Plaza de San Juan de Dios. It dates back to the 15th century and was originally located just outside the medieval city walls, close to the gates and the port. Since then, it’s been the commercial center of the city, today boasting many restaurants, tapas bars, and cafes.
Plaza de San Juan de Dios is home to many beautiful buildings and monuments, like the Town Hall, the church of San Juan De Dios, Casa de Los Pazos Miranda, and a monument of Cádiz politician Segismundo Moret. Visiting the plaza is one of the must-see things to do in Cadiz, it’s truly beautiful!
Roman Theatre of Cadiz
The Roman Theatre of Cadiz (es. Teatro Romano de Cadiz) dates back to the 1st century BC, which makes it the oldest Roman theatre in Spain! It was ordered to be built by Lucius Cornelius Balbus, a friend of Julius Caesar. It’s also the second-largest Roman theater in the world, surpassed only by the Theater of Pompeii. In its days, the theater could hold up to 10k spectators!
An interesting fact is that it was discovered only in 1980 after a fire had destroyed some warehouses and revealed a layer of construction that was judged to be the foundation of some medieval buildings.
The entrance is located on Calle Mesón, through the Interpretation Center. The Roman Theatre of Cadiz is free to visit. Before visiting, be sure to check out opening hours on the official website, so you won’t miss the chance to see it (like we did).
Explore local attractions
San Sebastian Castle
San Sebastian Castle is a former fortress located on an islet, at the end of Paseo Fernando Quiñones which connects the castle with Cadiz. It was built in 1706 in order to strengthen the defenses of the city. Over the years, San Sebastian Castle was also used as a prison. Nowadays, it’s a place where various exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events take place.
One of the best things to do in Cadiz is to take a walk along the promenade leading to the San Sebastian Castle and admire the wonderful views of the ocean and Cadiz seafront. Unlike many other castles in Andalusia, which often involve uphill climbs, this visit is refreshingly easy and offers a unique coastal experience.
Entrance to San Sebastian Castle is free during opening hours, apparently daily from 9 am to sunset. For current information, visit the turismo.cadiz.es website.
Fun fact. According to the legends, it’s a place where, in ancient times, the temple of the Greek titan Kronos was located!
Santa Catalina Castle
Santa Catalina Castle (es. Castillo de Santa Catalina) is a star-shaped fortification with several defensive bastions, located on La Caleta Beach. It was built at the end of the 16th century, after the plunder of the city by the Anglo-Dutch fleet, in order to strengthen one of the most vulnerable points of the city. The castle also served as a military prison and has survived almost intact to this day.
Today, Santa Catalina Castle is a multi-purpose recreational and cultural space, hosting several art and painting exhibitions. It’s also a fantastic viewpoint – just stroll around the ramparts to enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and Cadiz Bay! Best of all, entrance is free during opening hours, making it one of the top free things to do in Cádiz.
Genoves Park
Located right next to Santa Catalina Castle, Genoves Park (es. Parque Genoves) is an ideal place for a short break from exploring in Cadiz. This peaceful green piece of land is actually the largest public garden in the old part of Cadiz!
Inside, you’ll find a pond with a waterfall, plants from different countries, and many species of birds. Since its inauguration in the 18th century, Parque Genoves has appeared in many rankings as one of the most beautiful urban parks in Spain.
Cadiz Market
Cadiz Market (es. Mercado Central de Abastos) was built in 1839 and is considered Spain’s oldest covered market. Here, you’ll find dozens of stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, and meat, along with a great selection of wines, beers, and sherry. There’s also a gastronomic corner where you can grab freshly prepared food, plus traditional bars serving tapas. Visiting Cadiz Market is an amazing thing to do in Cadiz, great for immersing in local flavors and culture, not only for foodies!
Plaza de las Flores
Plaza de las Flores is a lively square filled with dozens of stalls selling colorful flowers, located right next to Mercado Central. It’s also a great place to take a break at one of the many cafes and restaurants, enjoy a cup of coffee, breathe in the floral scents, and observe the vibrant life of local people.
Museum of Cadiz
If you’re a museum lover, or just want to learn more about the city’s history, visiting the Museum of Cadiz (es. Museo de Cádiz) shouldn’t be missing from your list of things to do in Cádiz. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions spanning different periods. On the ground floor, explore Phoenician and Roman archaeological artifacts, including remarkable Phoenician sarcophagi from the 5th century BC. The first floor showcases a stunning collection of Spanish paintings from the 16th to the 20th century, featuring artists like Zurbarán, Murillo, and Rubens. The third floor offers a glimpse into local culture with Tía Norica’s traditional puppets and the fascinating puppetry tradition.
Entrance to the Museum of Cadiz is free for EU citizens, €1.50 for others (June 2025). For current prices and opening hours, visit the museosdeandalucia.es website.
Grand Theater of Falla
Grand Theater of Falla (es. Gran Teatro Falla) is a beautiful red-brick building built in the Neo-Mudejar style. The original theater, built in 1871, was destroyed by fire in 1881. The current building was constructed between 1884 and 1905 on the same site. In the 1920s, it was renamed Gran Teatro Falla in honor of Cadiz-born composer Manuel de Falla.
All year long, the Grand Theater of Falla hosts numerous theater plays, concerts, and dance performances. Every February, it also hosts artistic competitions as part of the world-famous Carnival of Cádiz, adding to the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Earth’s Gate
The Earth’s Gate (es. Las Puertas de Tierra) guards the southeastern entry to Cadiz’s old town, separating the old and new Cadiz. Gates were built in the 16th century, reinforced in the 17th century, and remodeled in the early 20th century to accommodate modern traffic, due to the growth of the city.
The tower that you can see above the gate, Torreón de Puerta de Tierra, dates back to the 1850s and once served as part of an optical telegraph system that could send messages from the Ministry of the Interior in Madrid to Cadiz in just two hours (if weather conditions permitted).
Tavira Tower
Tavira Tower (es. Torre Tavira) is one of the 126 remaining watchtowers (out of the original 160), definitely the most popular one. It dates back to the 18th century, and with a height of 45 metres, it was once the highest point in Cadiz’s old town.
Nowadays, visiting Tavira Tower is one of the best things to do in Cadiz. Inside, you’ll find two exhibition halls, Camera Obscura (the first one installed in Spain), and a terrace offering spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Entrance to Torre Tavira costs €8 for a normal ticket, and €6 for a reduced one (June 2025). Booking in advance is necessary. To check current prices and opening hours, visit the torretavira.com website. There you can also book your visit.
Beaches in Cadiz
Beautiful sandy beaches and a warm Mediterranean climate make Cadiz a fantastic beach holiday destination. We think that no one needs to be convinced that Costa de la Luz is a summer beach paradise, featuring some of the best beaches in Southern Spain.
La Caleta Beach, located between Santa Catalina Castle and San Sebastian Castle in the lively Barrio de la Viña, is arguably the best beach in Cadiz. Although relatively small, it’s loved for its charming setting and calm waters. In summer, it can get quite busy, so be sure to save your spot early!
Beyond the old town, in the newer part of Cadiz, you’ll find other popular beaches worth visiting: Playa de Santa Maria del Mar and Playa de la Victoria. Both offer beautiful views of the historic center. Playa de la Victoria, stretching for almost 3 kilometers, is often rated as one of Europe’s best urban beaches.
Whether you want to relax on the sand, take a refreshing swim, or just enjoy a seaside walk, Cadiz beaches are perfect for doing so. Doesn’t hitting the beach sound like a perfect thing to do in Cadiz? It sure does!
Carnival of Cadiz
Carnival of Cadiz is one of the best-known carnivals in the world. It’s famous for the satirical groups – chirigotas, who perform comical musical pieces. Usually, a chirigota consists of 7-12 performers who sing, act, and improvise accompanied by various instruments like guitars, or kazoos. Of course, there are many other groups of performers, like choruses, comparsas, cuartetos, or romanceros.
Every February, Cadiz transforms into a vibrant open-air theater for two weeks of non-stop festivities, laughter, and creativity. If you’re visiting during this time, don’t miss the Carnival, it’s absolutely one of the most unforgettable things to do in Cádiz!
How to get to Cadiz, Spain?
Cadiz is located 105km from Tarifa, 120km from Gibraltar, and Seville, and 230km from Malaga. The most convenient way to get to Cadiz is by car, bus, or train.
Where to park in Cadiz?
If you’re traveling by car, you can choose from many parking lots in the area, mostly paid ones. In Cadiz, we recommend leaving the car in this parking lot, located close to Playa de Santa María del Mar. You’ll reach the old town by the promenade in just 20 minutes.
Airports near Cadiz
The closest airport to Cadiz is located in Jerez de la Frontera (47km away). The next ones are located in Gibraltar (115km away) and Seville (130km away). All airports offer bus/train connections to Cadiz. You can check connections that might interest you on the rome2rio.com website.
To Cadiz by bus
You can easily get to Cadiz by bus. For example, the trip from Tarifa will take about 1.5 hours, 1h 45 minutes from Seville, and 4 hours from Malaga. To learn more about bus connections that might interest you, visit the rome2rio.com website.
To Cadiz by train
From some places, mostly bigger cities like Seville, Malaga, Granada, or Jerez de la Frontera, you can also get to Cadiz by train. To check out a map of available connections, visit acprail.com, and to learn more about routes that might interest you, visit the rome2rio.com website.
Explore local attractions
Things to do in Cadiz, Spain – Summing up
And that’s a wrap on our choice of things to do in Cadiz. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to visit this one of the most charming cities in Andalusia! Whether you’re here for relaxing on sandy beaches, wandering around the old town, tasting fresh local cuisine, or dancing through the Carnival, we’re sure that Cadiz will leave you with unforgettable memories. Enjoy your time!
Our opinion about Cadiz
For us, a visit to Cadiz was a day trip from nearby Tarifa, where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it in early February, and during that time, the city was fairly quiet, without many tourists around and mostly locals going on peacefully with their lives. Exploring everything we wanted in Cadiz took us about 8 hours, including spending some time on the beach.
Overall, we found Cadiz to be a pleasant destination, especially for beach holidays. Its old town may not be the most spectacular we’ve seen, but it’s charming enough to wander around for a little while and explore all it has to hide. We must admit that the cathedral is indeed very impressive! What we liked most was the seaside area, La Caleta Beach and San Sebastian Castle – a spectacular area with a cool vibe!
As for beaches in Cadiz, they are indeed amazing! Long, wide, sandy, with calm waters… Holidaymakers’ dream! Even during a short visit, Cadiz gave off a wonderfully relaxed vibe, wanting us to visit again one day.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Cadiz?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Cadiz:
Where to sleep in Cadiz?
Goodnight Cadiz Apartments
Goodnight Cadiz Apartments is a set of elegant apartments situated in the heart of Cadiz's old town. The apartments are modern, well-equipped, and offer comfortable accommodation with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. Some of the apartments also feature a balcony with views of the city.
Planeta Cadiz Hostel
Planeta Cadiz Hostel is a charming hostel located in the heart of Cadiz's historic center, just a short walk from the city's best attractions and beaches. The hostel offers a variety of comfortable and affordable accommodations, from shared dorms to private rooms, all of which are tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities.
Parador de Cadiz
Located in the historic center of Cadiz, Parador de Cadiz offers stunning views of the sea and the Cathedral. The hotel features modern facilities while maintaining the charm of a 19th-century palace, with comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with a pool and bar. Additionally, guests can enjoy delicious local cuisine at the hotel's restaurant.
