Cadiz is the southernmost Spanish province on the peninsula, the closest point in Europe to Africa. The surface area of Cadiz is 7.436 km². It was founded by the Phoenicians; it is considered the oldest city in Europe. Here you will be able to live all its history and how you can see it in its buildings, squares and streets. But best of all, it is the Spanish city with the most “good vibes”. Take a walk through its streets and you will notice the festive and happy atmosphere.
There are so many things to see in this city that many people call it the Spanish “Havana”. Walking along its promenades, enjoying a good manzanilla (white wine) in a chiringuito (beach bar), watching a sunset on its beaches, or stopping to watch a comparsa (carnival song) in the street are some of the great things that await you if you travel to Cadiz. Are you going to miss them? Next we want to propose you the best plans to enjoy in two days Cadiz; the most charming coastal city of Europe.
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What to see and do on the first day?
In Cadiz you can enjoy the sun almost 365 days a year. For this reason, we recommend that you go out early in the morning to enjoy the blue sky of Cadiz.
What to see and do during the day
To start the day, what better than a walk through the historic centre of Cadiz? The best plan to start from scratch in a city is to get to know its most historic part and where the customs of its inhabitants come from.
Roman Cathedral and Amphitheatre
Discover the cathedral and the Roman amphitheatre, two of the most important historical sites. You can start at the Plaza de San Juan de Dios (San Juan de Dios Square), walk along the promenade and enjoy the spectacular views of Cadiz without forgetting the oldest quarters of the city, Barrio del Pópulo or Barrio de la Viña. Finally, we recommend a visit to the most spectacular building: the Cathedral of Cadiz. If you want to discover all these places and corners you can book a local guide of Cadiz. Sure you won’t miss a single detail!
Torre de Tavira (Tavira Tower)
Enjoy the best views of the city from the torre de Tavira (Tavira tower). With a height of 45 m, it is the tallest building in Cadiz. You can find it in the Casa-Palacio de los Marqueses de Recaño (Marquises’ Palace House). Apart from being able to see the best views of Cádiz, you can also see the Cámara Oscura (Darks Camera): this is an optical system that reflects on a screen the scenes that take place outside in real time.
Castillo de San Sebastián (San Sebastian Castle)
Discover this castle located on the jetty of playa de la Caleta (Caleta Beach). Previously it was a Roman temple and ended up being a fortified enclosure to defend the city. Today inside it there is a marine research laboratory. It has been the scene of films such as Captain Alatriste.
What to see and do during the afternoon
If you still want to see all that Cadiz has to offer, we recommend that you eat at any of its bars and get going again! Here we leave you with more plans to do during the afternoon.
Plaza de España (Spains’ Square)
Visit the monument to the Constitution of 1812, also called La Pepa, or Constitution of Cadiz. This imposing monument is located in the plaza de España, and also has gardens that are combined with the same structure and colour.
Market
It is located in plaza de la Libertad (Liberty Square). It was inaugurated in 1838. It has undergone major reforms but has always tried to keep the initial form in which they were built. Today it still serves the same function. Take a walk through it and allow yourself the whim of a Cadiz product.
Plaza de las Flores (Flower Square)
Next to the market is the plaza de las Flores: one of the most emblematic spaces. It is possibly the most colourful place in all of Cadiz, and the atmosphere here is never lacking.
What to see and do at night
After a hard day of tourism, ideal plans are usually accompanied by peace and quiet. Therefore, we suggest you enjoy the night in Cadiz with our following proposals.
Sunset and dinner in La Caleta
You can’t leave this city without seeing the sun set over the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. You have to live this pleasure. Take pictures, smell it, feel it… Lovely! And if it is accompanied with a dinner in one of its chiringuitos, you’ll enjoy it much more.
El Gran Teatro Falla
Another of the most beloved buildings of Cadiz. It was named after the favourite son Manuel de Falla; before that, it was simply called Gran Teatro. Enjoy the illuminated Mudejar-style façade that leaves everyone who looks at it astonished.
What to see and do on the second day?
We continue to recommend you proposals for the best plans in Cadiz. We hope you recharge your batteries, because the second day is also full of new things to see and discover!
What to see and do during the day
White villages
Another alternative plan, and highly recommended, is to visit the white villages. The beauty of the white villages located in the middle of the Cadiz mountain range whose characteristic is the white colour of their facades. To enjoy this plan you will have to get up early, we recommend you to start walking around 8 o’clock in the morning. It is really worth it, and even more if you make this excursion with a guided tour. Discover Arcos de la frontera, Grazalema, Ubrique and fall in love with the Sierra de Cádiz.
- Arcos de la frontera: is the most populated municipality in the sierra. You will be able to see the Peña de Arcos which has a balcony at a high altitude declared a Natural Monument of Andalusia. In addition to the Palacio del Conde de Águila (Count of Águila Palace), the Puerta Matrera, its council dating from the 17th century, etc.
- Grazalema: is located in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, from which it takes its name. Here the rainfall rate is the highest in the southern half of Spain. Meet the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles’ Chapel), Iglesia de San Juan (the Church of San Juan), etc.
- Ubrique: what most characterizes this town in the skin of Ubrique that is recognized worldwide in the sector of leather goods. Here you can see the Roman ruins of the second century, the Castillo de Fátima (Fatimas’ Castle), the Fuente de los Nueve Caños (Fountain of the Nine Spouts), the Tres Cruces (Three Crosses) and its legend, etc.
What to see and do during the afternoon
Castillo de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina Castle)
This is a fortification built in the 16th century at the foot of the Caleta beach. An imposing castle that served to defend itself in the time of Philip II. Today cultural events are held there. The Castle of Santa Catalina is a must on your trip to Cadiz. Enjoy the image that the castle creates with the beach in the background. A real spectacle.
Parque Genovés
A park with a lot of history, no doubt. It was built at the end of the 18th century although it has undergone many reforms. Here you can enjoy the greenest side of Cadiz and walk among cypress and palm trees. The sound of the birds that live in this park will be the soundtrack of your walk. Finish your visit in the famous Gruta: a lake with an artificial waterfall next to the parador.
Beaches of Cádiz
Go to Cadiz and not swim in the sea? No! Cadiz has many beaches, which despite being close together, are very different. The playa de la Victoria (Victoria beach) is considered the best urban beach in Europe.
- The playa de Santa María (beach of Santa María) or “Playita de las Mujeres” is the ideal one if you come to Cádiz with children, or if you want to do some water sports.
- The caleta beach is the most loved by the people of Cadiz. It is the closest to the old town. It is small and charming. The Carthaginians, Christians, Muslims and Romans all landed there.
What to see and do at night
Last moments in Cadiz!
A drink?
And finally, what better than going out for the night? Cadiz always has people on the street. Finish your visit to Cadiz by having a drink in one of its terraces or chiringuitos with views of the beach and chill out music – this is the life!
If you are interested in learning more about the wonderful touristic points and landmarks of Cadiz, click on the following links down below:
