From Cadiz we highlight the warmth of a Bay that welcomes us with its colourful and joyful spirit. We are committed to promoting its history, its culture and its window to the Atlantic on this tourist map of Cadiz. Because we want you to be convinced that life here is lived in the walk, in the variety and open-mindedness of its people. If you are looking for fun, you will have plenty of options, especially during the carnival season, but for the rest of the year the mood does not diminish, as the city is always welcoming people from all over the world who are amazed by its rich heritage, its gastronomy and a number of activities to develop in its wonderful port. This city with its walls and castles by the sea is an interesting tour, especially if you go with the children to whom you can entertain them on a beach and monumental route.
Tourist Map of Cadiz
Contents
Cadiz is located on a peninsula in southwestern Spain, and is the Andalusian capital of the province of the same name. If it were not for the narrow Caño Sancti Petri it would be considered an island. It is a peninsula and is a municipality, is part of the Bay of Cadiz. It is a commercial and port city that gives us all the potential it has been developing to position itself as an important marine entry point to the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is also a very festive city and when it knocks, it throws the house out the window; something that both locals and visitors agree on to fill its streets. Influenced by diverse cultures that go back 3,000 years in history, it has become an influential player in the expansion of Iberian Rome as well as in the colonization of the New World, something that its historical sites will tell you about very well.
Since the time of the Phoenicians its history is justified by the elements found in the Gadir Archaeological Site. As this ancient name of fortified city suggests, it preserves much of that defensive past in this strategic enclave. The wall of San Carlos has a lot to do with this, but let’s let the Castle of San Sebastian and the Castle of Santa Catalina tell us as much about the evolution of the city as about the role they played as sentinels of this great bay. To this we could add a visit to the Avira Tower and that together with the Genovese Park we would have a pleasant and educational day. But Cadiz shows you a fresh and oceanic side with different activities to do in its port of the Bay and of course, a pass by its beaches, especially by the Playa Caleta to have another day but with the sea as protagonist.
Tourist Guide of Cadiz
Simply the bay and the history behind the walls is what it has to offer. Along with it comes the fresh character of its people who show off in their day-to-day lives; you can watch or join in at their pace, it’s up to you. Besides its gastronomy and wines, the local festivities, especially the carnival, are super tempting options. Explore all this in the southernmost city of the Iberian Peninsula with our tourist guide from Cadiz, so you can see that the diversity of tourist attractions always results in unforgettable trips. Learn about its corners that you should certainly include in your agenda. So that you are not taken for a fool, we invite you to check our list on the map and the routes to take.
What to see in Cádiz
Caleta Beach
You will love this beach because of the easy access it has from the historical centre, as well as the excellent services. It is definitely the small spoiled and distant from the rest of the beaches of the city. This beach has a high frequency of visitors from Cádiz. Although remarkably it has been receiving people from different parts attracted by the local activity and the proximity with the monumental routes of Cadiz. One of the advantages is that it is suitable for people with limited mobility or children, due to its low waves. Walking along its shore is to feel the softness of its toasted sand. It will not be difficult to come across some of the marine fauna, including some species in conservation such as the Moorish crab. In addition to its beautiful buildings nearby, a beautiful promenade crowns this beach that has been a source of inspiration for artists and poets.
Avira Tower
Cadiz is a city that when contemplating the skyline is easy to identify by its many scattered towers. Many of them give their visitors the experience of a watchman, but this time by way of enjoyment since those times of watching the coast from invaders is a thing of the past. In this very tower there is a lookout point, more like an observatory, which covers all the angles of the city. Thanks to the dark and a circular device you will have a clear and sharp image. Highly recommended for the safety it provides for children and those who fear heights, that without worrying once the lights. To complete it you can access a room where there is a small interpretation centre of the history of Cadiz.
San Sebastian Castle
San Sebastian Castle is located on an islet in the heart of Caleta. An important place that has served as a lookout. From time immemorial, according to popular wisdom, a temple to the God Kronos occupied this place, probably in Phoenician times. This property of cultural interest is located near the Paseo de Fernando Quiñones. The city’s lighthouse rises above the ancient watchtower. Its name is due to a hermitage that was a tribute to some Venetian sailors who refuelled on the islet. The watchtower was the building that succeeded the hermitage and then the castle, due to the strategic location for the watchtower and defense. Today it serves as an exhibition and cultural interpretation centre with an itinerary of events both on its premises and in the surrounding area.
Genovese Park
This park is nothing more than a beautiful 12th century garden within the walls. It was originally known as the parsley walk. Later on, numerous tree species were added to it, adding body and volume, turning it into a botanical center that invites visitors to serenity through walking and resting. You will enjoy a rich variety of botanical species from various continents such as date trees. Several types of pine, dragos, eucalyptus herbaceous plants, represent the variety. Getting lost in its entrails means a walk in communion with its elements full of originality, such as artificial waterfalls and lakes with dinosaur sculptures that will surely impress you the first time you see them. Another aspect of this park is the style in which the cypresses are pruned; it is a unique image that separates the park from the rest.
Roman Theatre of Cádiz
This theatre is a majestic work commissioned by the Emperor Lucius Cornelius. It is one of the biggest in Roman Hispania. Only the theatre of Cordoba can surpass it. After the debacle of the Empire, this great space yielded part of its stands in the populated area of El Pópulo. In spite of that, a great part of its stands are visible. At present, projects are underway to bring this place to the position it deserves; a living witness of those glorious times and a current space for culture and the promotion of tourism. An interpretation center opened in 2.015 allows us to approach the internal elements of the theater as well as to know about its history. It is available every day of the year except Mondays and holidays.
La Viña Neighbourhood
A visit to Cádiz requires a minimum of one visit to this area. It is a popular place that represents the spirit of Cádiz, practically the cultural core. With its street La Palma at the head, the picturesque image is committed to receiving all those tourists who crowd the corners and redirect them to every point. It is very lively during the carnival season, when this neighbourhood marks the beginning. The tapas and especially the fried fish must be on the list whatever the plan. Besides enjoying the presence of a very hospitable people you can ask to be guided by the baroque of the Church of the Virgin. The important thing when visiting the Vineyard is to get into the day to day, establish a good chat with the locals. Appreciate the routine of this fishermen’s corner, because it’s all about living Cadiz, its atmosphere and its warmth.
Gadir Archaeological Site
The archaeological site of Gadir accompanies you to explore its three thousand years of history passing through the Phoenician and Roman times that marked the past of the city. As we well know Cadiz dates back to the Phoenicians, therefore it is considered as one of the longest lasting cities of the western culture. Some elements to consider are the remains of an ancient puppet theatre located in the historical centre. The performances within this complex cover the layout of communication routes that represent the evolution between the Phoenician and Roman cultures. You will also observe houses and materials of daily use that easily surpass the 3,000 years of antiquity. You will not be able to escape from the sight of bones from Phoenician times, as well as traces of the passage of livestock in fossilized footprints. The history of Cádiz is worth absorbing and is very interesting.
Port of Cadiz Bay
The Port of the Bay is a meeting point that represents one of the main engines of tourism. Cruise activity has been constantly growing and marks an important entry point for the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes to the city. It is a port with a rich history that dates back to Phoenician times but peaked in the 9th century BC. Many sailors arrive from here in search of the most attractive part of the city. There are many types of excursions that many companies have been able to exploit such as wine or bullfighting routes. Find out in advance about the best places to visit to this wonderful city and province, if you plan to enter through this millenary port that currently has extensive nautical services.
Santa Catalina Castle
In the Caleta we can appreciate places that by themselves enclose an afternoon of walking and much history. This castle is an asset of cultural interest that shows the best of the defensive architecture of the city. It is a pleasure to take a walk to set foot in one of the places that had more defensive activity in the bay. This star-shaped castle is a jewel of engineering commissioned by King Philip II. It currently preserves its sections of pavilion of arms, well, gates and bridges in perfect condition. In the summer season it is usually full of people, attracted by cultural events and exhibitions enlivened by the staff in charge, as well as guided tours for groups.
Map of hotels in Cádiz
Please note: this city, because of its relatively small size, has a limited hotel offer. We say limited because, despite the considerable number for its size, it usually cannot cope. So make sure with our map of hotels in Cadiz that there is one that, in addition to adapting to your needs, has a place available. Besides them you will see the different areas where you can consider to arrive. You will have the historical centre par excellence where everything is close at hand; the hotels are extremely beautiful with a design that is in harmony with what you want to see. The centre of Cádiz is another good option, and what about the beaches around it? Before going to this valuable information let us recommend the Senator Cádiz Spa Hotel. Just over 10 minutes from La Caleta, it has a beautiful and elegant Mediterranean feel just a few steps from the Avira Tower.