Cádiz is often cited as the oldest city in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. A typical Andalucian city with a wealth of attractive views and well-preserved monuments, Cadiz is unique in that it is located on a narrow stretch of land surrounded by the sea.
Semana Santa in Cádiz province is celebrated with great fervour and passion. The provincial capital, Cádiz, holds tremendous, extravagant processions - on par with those of all the other provincial capitals in Andalucia. Certain towns make an extra effort at Semana Santa and are, therefore, worth a special visit. These are: El Puerto de Santa María, Jerez de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera and Chiclana de la Frontera.
Encompassing a 10,522ha flat landscape of sandy beaches, marshes, salt pans, freshwater lakes and tidal inlets, as well as the two natural areas of Isla del Trocadero and the Marismas de Sancti Petri, the Cadiz Bay supports a surprising wealth of wildlife, given the built-up areas that are in and around it, which make up a population of around 400,000.
The Parador in Cadiz, known as the Hotel Atlantico, is probably Cadiz's slickest hotel, and also the most vanguard of the state-owned Parador chain. A recently-opened fabulous contemporary building with one entire wall of glass, it makes the most of the breathtaking location and sea views across the bay to Rota.
Cadiz is one of Andalucia’s most vibrant yet underrated cities. With a rich history going back millennia, and a charming almost-island old centre, originally fortified, the city is much less touristy than other regional capitals, with wonderful beaches and seafood.
Some companies offer luxury yacht and boat hire, a luxury sailing concierge, who can arrange almost everything from sunset cruises with fine dining to trips to Morocco and Portugal. All in all it's great to see Andalucia from the sea.
Playa La Caleta is a small beach at the far end of the Cádiz peninsula, near the Viña area and is located between two old castles: Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastián. It is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Cádiz City and one of the most photographed.
Many of the city's most reasonably priced, traditional restaurants are located in and around the Plaza Juan de Dios, just in from the port and where there is a tight mass of alleyways crammed with bars and restaurants. Many restaurants here offer spectacular seafood dishes, given the abundance of fresh fish that is available in the city.
Information about the city of Cadiz in Andalucia, Southern Spain. Cadiz cinemas and multicines. including Multicines El Centro, Cinesur Bahía de Cádiz, Cineapolis, Cine Yelmo Premium Bahía Sur.
The oldest continuously-inhabited city in the Iberian Peninsula, and possibly all of southwestern Europe - it was founded in 1104 BC - Cadiz´s fascinating history and varied fortunes can be glimpsed through the development of its name over the centuries. The Phoenicians called the city "Gadir", which means "walled stronghold"; the Berbers subsequently changed this word to "agadir", meaning "wall". In Greek, Cadiz was called was "Gadeira" - according to Greek legend, Hercules founded the city after his tenth labour.
Cadiz´s name and reputation have forever been linked with its maritime adventures. It was from this ancient port city, dramatically situated on a spit of land surrounded on three sides by the sea, that two of Columbus´ four voyages set out for the New World. During the Franco era it was known as a hotbed of dissent, with its legendary carnival continuing despite the dictator´s ban on such decadent events.
This highest and most important of the city's old watchtowers is a fine place to get your bearings and affords a dramatic panorama of the city. Back in the 18th century, Cadiz had no less than 160 towers to watch over its harbours.
The archaeology museum on the ground floor. Some excellent glassware and jewelry are highlights and there is a good collection of amphorae as you'd expect from an historic port.
The grandiose Cadiz cathedral took over 130 years to build. Started in Baroque style and completed in Neo-clasical style, the dome and the towers are much smaller than originally intended.
Museo Historico Municipal de Cádiz boasts a 19th century mural depicting the establishment of the Constitution of 1812. The real showpiece is a fascinating mahogany and ivory model of the city which dates back to 1779 and which is a fascinating duplicate of all the streets and the buildings much as they are today.
This theatre is located within a wonderful neo-Mudejar red brick building and has an impressive interior as well. There is an active programme throughout the year, check the tourist office for a schedule of events.
Cadiz stands on a peninsula jutting out into a bay, and is almost entirely surrounded by water. Named Gadir by the Phoencians, who founded their trading post in 1100 BC, it was later controlled by the Carthaginians, until it became a thriving Roman port.
La Kursala is a small but highly regarded gallery, dedicated to contemporary photography. Since its opening in 2007, it has become a key space for showcasing innovative photographic work, with a focus on emerging artists alongside established names.
The Palacio de Congresos de Cádiz is located in the historic centre, close to the train station, the port and the business district. The building is divided into three floors, and its various rooms are used for all types of events, congresses, conferences, exhibitions..
