But for the thin strip connecting it to the mainland to its south, Cádiz is an ancient island of history and architecture that impresses at every turn. 

Cádiz port guide

Historic, mysterious, and romantic, the Spanish city of Cádiz is unlike any other. Founded in about 1100 BC, it’s generally accepted as the oldest, continuously inhabited settlement in today’s Europe.

Upon arrival, you’ll find a complex warren of streets, bustling bars, and pretty beaches. Not only this, but the port is also packed with historic sites, monuments, and an excellent museum of art and archaeology. You may find it difficult to decide what to do or where to go first!

Top landmarks and sights in Cádiz

Cádiz has seen a rich and varied history, with plenty of turbulent times as well as periods of prosperity. Over the centuries, the city has grown into one of the richest and most cosmopolitan in Spain. Understand more about the past of this unique place by visiting some of its most exciting landmarks.

Catedral de Cadiz

You could start with a visit to the Catedral de Cádiz, an elegant, baroque-neoclassical, yellow-domed structure. The building of this exquisite piece of architecture began in 1722 and was completed in 1838, during what was something of a golden age for Cádiz thanks to trade with America.

Tavira Tower

Also built in the mid-18th century, for many years the Tavira Tower served as a watchtower for merchants in Cádiz, allowing them to keep an eye on their cargo in the marina. As well as being a historically interesting site, the Tavira Tower offers one of the best views of the city below – should you be willing to climb its 173 steps.

Teatro Romano de Cádiz

What’s left of this ancient Roman theatre was unearthed in 1980, and is thought to date back to the first century BC, only to be abandoned in the 4th century AD. It was the second-largest Roman theatre in Spain, catering to 10,000 spectators. Today you can see the stepped seating in which audiences would have been wowed.

Things to do in Cádiz

Bustling plazas. Calming, well-manicured gardens. Sandy beaches waiting to be wandered. As well as admiring the historic architecture, there is another side of Cádiz that you might like to get acquainted with.

Get lost on purpose

The pretty streets of Cádiz offer up plenty of treasures, from inviting cantinas stocked with local wine and tapas, to quirky shops and murals. Not to mention an opportunity to cool down in the shade. Plaza de San Juan de Dios is in the historic center, and here you’ll find a water display crowns an already beautiful scene that boasts palm trees and impressive, white-washed architecture.

Enjoy the quiet in parks and gardens

You could take your day at a slower pace and head to one of Cádiz’s green spaces. The beautiful, tiled walkways at Apodaca Poplar Grove are surrounded by bougainvillea and deep-rooted trees, and you can enjoy a view of the sea as you wander. Or there’s the 19th-century Genovés Park, home to an impressive waterfall as well as a neat topiary.

Spend time on the beach

Should you have your mind set on a beach, La Caleta is the closest option. Sandwiched between two castles, Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastian, it’s not difficult to see why this is one of the most photographed spots in the city. A little further out is Playa de la Victoria, a spacious beach with a relaxed atmosphere and easy transport links. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy the weather or try your hand at some water sports, you can do it all here.

Eating and drinking near Cádiz

Cádiz offers plenty in the way of tasty cuisine that you’ll no doubt think back on for years to come. In the summer months, one flavorsome, popular dish you’ll see on many menus is mackerel with piriñaca. Piriñaca is a salsa made with chopped tomatoes, peppers, onions, olive oil, and sherry vinegar.

If you’re planning to spend your day by the beach, the freshly caught seafood served shoreside is thought to be some of the best in Spain. Or, if you want to meander the city streets, you’ll find an array of cafes and bars. Pescaíto frito (little fried fish) is found throughout the city, and can either be enjoyed alone, perhaps over a local beer or glass of wine, or as part of a selection of tapas.

Plaza de las Flores is a lively square that many restaurants call home, or why not pick up some typical Cádiz churros from a stall while you walk? Mercado Central de Abastos is a 19th-century market built on the site of an old allotment, that now boasts more than 100 stalls offering fish, fruit and vegetables, bread, pastries, olives, sherry, and more. With outdoor seating, you can take your time over all kinds of local wares here.

Shopping in Cádiz

It’s worth noting that in Cádiz, most shops are open from around 10 am to 2 pm and then again from 5 pm until 8 pm. On the weekends they tend only to be open on Saturday mornings and closed on Sundays.

Plaza San Juan de Dios is a great place to start when you’re looking for a little retail therapy, with boutiques and stalls peppered throughout the cobbled streets that sprawl out from the square. Whether you’re looking for handmade pottery and leather goods or a simple magnet or keyring, here you’ll find everything from the chic to the kitsch.

Calle Columela is one of the main shopping streets in Cádiz, where you’ll find many popular high-street brands. At one end you’ll also find all kinds of stalls in the Plaza de las Flores and the Mercado Central de Abastos, where you can pick up foodie gifts like famous Cádiz sherry.

Getting around: Cádiz transport

When you arrive in Cádiz, you’ll find you’re already in the center of the city - the above-mentioned Plaza San Juan de Dios is just across the main road from the cruise terminal. Cádiz is a walkable destination, with many attractions located close together. There are, however, plenty of taxis and local buses available should you need them.

Cádiz port facilities

The cruise port in Cádiz is well-equipped with helpful amenities. In addition to the more basic toilets and seating areas, the port also offers Wi-Fi, a tourist information center, deli counter, and shops.

Top tips for Cádiz

Currency

The currency used in Cádiz and throughout Spain is the Euro. You can purchase Euros on board your ship or withdraw some from one of the many ATMs in the city. Should you prefer not to carry cash, cards are accepted at most establishments but may not be accepted in markets or at food stalls.

Tipping

In Spain, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Should you experience good service, and you wish to leave a tip, simply round up your bill to the nearest €5 or €10 or leave between 5-10% of your total bill amount.

Weather

Cádiz tends to see pleasant temperatures year-round. The warmest period is July to September, when you can expect between 22 and 28°C. The coolest is from December to February, when it drops to between 10 and 17°C. November and December see the most rainfall.