Cadiz is the city that has surprised me the most during my recent Andalusia road trip. While I’ve already been to the South of Spain at least 3 times, this hidden gem was never even on my radar! In case you´re wondering what to see in Cadiz check these top places I´ve managed to discover during my brief visit. Only two days in Cadiz exploring its impressive history and I could state with all certainty that it is one of the most underrated cities in Spain…
While it is true that with neighbors like Alhambra of Granada, Alcazar of Seville and the Bridge of Ronda most people simply don´t have time to consider visiting lesser-known Andalusia´s towns, it is also true that you often end up enjoying less touristy places the most. Well, Cadiz is the case! Both historic and charming, it is definitely worth a visit.
The Spanish feel of Cadiz
Unlike many other cities in Andalusia that start turning quite international in these recent years – Cadiz still feels very “Spanish”. Here, aside from the ocean, you could get some unique insights into our history: in between tiny cobbled streets of Cadiz, you could find traces of different epochs and civilizations – from Phoenicians, Romans, and Moorish, to Christopher Columbus (who sailed from Cadiz on his second and fourth journeys to America) and the inaction of Spanish Liberal Constitution in 1812.
What to see in Cadiz? – Let me tell you, it´s a cornucopia of history.
Cadiz is definitely one of the most underrated Spanish cities I’ve ever been to. I’ve already said it was never on my travel bucket list and in fact, we decided to visit the city cause it was simply on the way from Andalusia to Algarve. No expectations at all. My initial plan was just to have 2 lazy days somewhere by the ocean before we head any further… But guess what?! I ended up rushing around to see all of these amazing sites just in two short days and it was absolutely worth it.
Also read: 10 Fairy-Tale Places in Spain that are straight out of a Storybook
The ancient port city of Cadiz is the perfect blend of historical and coastal and should be a must-stop on your Southern Spain road trip.
What to see in Cadiz
1. Gadir Archeological Site
Phoenician settlement Gadir is one of Europe’s oldest inhabited cities. I bet you had no idea about this – neither did I. This 3000-year-old site contains some archaeological remains of Phoenician village (and even some skeletons) with glass-bottomed floors to see the exhibits.
The entrance is free, but the visiting hours are limited: check them here. The site is quite small, but a visit starts with an interesting audio-visual presentation depicting the main historical highlights and is followed by a tour over the excavated ruins. Afterward, you could wander around using interactive screens to gain more information: the guide was also there to answer any questions.
2. The Roman Theatre
I feel like the Roman Empire is lately catching up with me no matter where I go. Spain has so many impressive Roman Ruins to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Even my latest Millenary Olive trees hike and who brought the trees to Spain? – The Romans. A city escape to Tarragona and I find another impressive Roman Theatre and Circus. A beach getaway in Cyprus and I discover Roman Mosaics in Kato Paphos. I certainly don´t mind. Actually, it´s impressive how long it´s been since Roman times and how many of these unique historic sites could still be found across the globe.
3. Parque Genoves
Parque Genoves is beautiful place to relax in one of the local cafes. Fountains, birds, exotic trees and flowers… This place belongs on your “what to see in Cadiz” list.
4. Paseo Canalejas
A nice walk on the edge of the old city. I could even say – a romantic promenade with ocean views, a refreshing breeze, and colorful sunsets…
5. The Castles ( Santa Catalina and San Sebastian Castles)
Aside from their historic significance and free expositions both Santa Catalina and San Sebastian Castles provide some great views of the city.
6. The Tavira Tower/ Camara Obscura
The Tavira Tower is famous for its unique tourist attraction – the “Camera Obscura” (it projects a moving, live image of what is happening at that very moment outside the tower and is based on a simple optical principle, already known in the times of Leonardo da Vinci). However, in my case, The Tavira Tower was just a stop for the views – once I got to the site I found out that all the visits to the “Camera Obscura” were booked for the whole day. If visiting Cadiz – plan your visit to The Tavira Tower in advance and book your entrance.
7. Plaza de las Flores and City Center
Cobbled streets, local bars, and shops, tasty tapas … I even got lost a couple of times, but thanks to the age of technologies and Google Maps the issue was quickly solved.
8. Cadiz Cathedral
A Roman Catholic church built between 1722 and 1838. Like the Tavira Tower, it also offers some great panoramic views of the city.
9. La Caleta Beach
Cadiz is famous for some of the most amazing beaches and sunsets. Make sure not to miss La Caleta Beach.
10. Gran Teatro Falla
Built-in 1884, this theater is an impressive example of the Neo-Mudéjar style, which I discovered for myself in Teruel years ago (Read more…)
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This post is linked up with The Weekly Postcard and Feet Do Travel
Wow, I’ve been to Spain so many times and didn’t know about Cadiz either! Such a beautiful city!
It is! Thanks for your comment!
You know what I have heard about Cadiz on TV! On HGTV actually! I want to go there now! Looks so beautiful and fun! 😉 I’m bookmarking your post! 😉
Carina
Thanks, Carina! It is worth a visit, for sure!
Actually never knew that the city could be so special! What a gem you’ve found in sunny Spain, thank you for sharing, we might consider it in future travels 😀
With love and sunshine ☼
xx
Patricia & Miguel
http://www.freeoversea.com
Thank you, Patricia and Miguel!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful view
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! Cadiz is definitely on my list. I’m particularly interested in the Camara Obscura!
Cadiz is awesome and I should also go back to visit the Camera Obscura!
I’ve never heard of this but those ruins look fabulous #WeeklyPostcard
Oh yes, Cadiz is lovely. I think a lot of people bypass it as it’s not as well known as Seville or Granada, which is too bad. Same goes for Malaga by the way, I went there last year and absolutely loved it!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Malaga is also lovely, but it is true that with neighbors like Granada or Sevilla it is hard to get the same attention!
I have not even heard of Cadiz, but it sounds lovely. You were lucky that the trip worked out so you could visit and I think it’s nice when you don’t have any expectations. Adding to my list. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Yes, when you have no expectations and end up discovering gems – it´s the best feeling!
Love it when a place surprises you like this! It looks beautiful and sounds really interesting too. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks, for stopping by! Cadiz has definitely surprised me!
Wow, this is a cool looking place! Whenever I hear of Cadiz, I always think of the movie Hitch! Love seeing what it’s actually like!
Thanks for stopping by! Cadiz is amazing!
I’ve known about Cadiz fo a long time and always wanted to see it. The first time I’ve heard about it was when I was in school and learned about the famous Battle of Cadiz. It is indeed underrated, like many other beautiful places in Europe. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Now when I travel so much I often wish I paid more attention to my history classes back in school: so many interesting and underrated places across the globe!
I have not heard of Cadiz, but now I would like to visit. The Roman ruins convinced me! Those look awesome!
Thanks for stopping by, Sharon! The Roman ruins always add a “special touch” to any city!
Wow! Another city to add to the list when we make it to Spain. That Roman theater looks especially cool- being inserted directly into something so ancient. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you´ll get a chance to explore Cadiz soon!
I’d wondered whether there was anything in Cadiz, having travelled through that part of Spain. Disappointed I didn’t go – roman ruins, the Paseo Canalejas and I love seeing camera obscura. Clearly underrated, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by, David!
I’ve never heard of Cadiz, but it looks like a place I’d enjoy visiting. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your comment, Emese!
Thank you for shedding light on such a beautiful place like Cádiz, I’ve never heard of it before but your pictures especially make me want to visit!
Thanks for stopping by, Lucia! It´s such a great city!
What a wonderful city to visit, Cadiz. I have only been to Spain once but now must return so see this underrated city. Love to visit the castles, La Caleta Beach, the Plaza de las Flores and more. Stunning photos and pinned this for later. Thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel
Thanks, Stephanie! Spain has so many hidden gems. And Cadiz is absolutely worth visiting!
Don’t you just love it when you stumble across a gem like Cadiz? I admit I had never heard of it before now, but it does sound like a wonderful place to visit, so glad you brought it to our attention. Pinned. #feetdotravel
It´s the best – when you get to discover amazing places across the globe by surprise!
Cadiz has actually been on the list of cities to visit in Spain and I am not even sure why – think I saw something in a magazine about it! Awesome to read about it in more detail. Love the beautiful Paseo Canalejas walk and the cathdedral! Really need to get myself over to Spain soon!
Thanks for stopping by! It´s amazing that you´ve heard of Cadiz, cause most of the people just miss it when in the area! Hope you´ll get a chance to explore Cadiz soon!