Western Europe's oldest city sits on an almost-island on Spain's Costa de la Luz – and it's brilliant. Cadiz delivers 3,000 years of history, golden beaches, wild carnival vibes, and some of the best tapas in Andalusia aaand it's way less crowded than some of the other big Spanish cities. Get in!
Why Visit Cadiz? 🏛️🌊
Destination Highlights ✨
🏛️ 3,000+ years of history – Western Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city with stunning architecture
🎭 Spain's biggest carnival – 10 days of outrageous street parties, music, and costumes every February
🏖️ Gorgeous beaches – 4km of golden sand connecting to the mainland, plus La Caleta (featured in Bond film!)
🦞 Proper Andalusian food scene – fried fish, sherry, and tapas bars packed with locals
Good to Know 💡
The Essentials 📍
Weather: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (26-28°C) and mild winters (13-16°C). June to September is peak sunshine time with barely any rain. Sea temps hit a lush 20-23°C summer through early autumn.
Price Guide: A pint runs around €2-3, with a proper tapas meal at a local bar about €15-20 per person. Fried fish joints and market stalls offer brilliant value – this is still authentic Andalusia, not overpriced tourist traps.
Getting Around: The old town's compact and walkable – you'll wander cobbled streets surrounded by sea on three sides. Buses are dead cheap (around €1.10) for reaching the longer beaches like Playa de la Victoria.
Fun Fact: Cadiz was allegedly the island of Erytheia in Greek mythology – where Hercules completed his tenth labour by defeating the three-headed King Geryon. The city's been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years, making it Europe's oldest!
Top Hotels in Cadiz 🏨
For Beach Lovers 🏖️
Hotel Spa Cadiz Plaza
Right on Playa de la Victoria Beach with brilliant views. Spa centre with Turkish bath, jacuzzi, and treatment rooms – proper relaxation after a day on the sand. Just 2.8km from the old town centre, so you get beach access plus easy reach to all the culture and tapas bars.
TRYP Cadiz La Caleta Hotel
Perched right by the beach in the heart of the Cadiz headland – sleek and stylish with rooms in fresh neutral tones. Choice of dining options and perfect for couples, families, and groups wanting to be near the action.
For Old Town Stays 🏛️
Parador de Cadiz Atlántico
On the seafront just 200m from La Caleta Beach with panoramic ocean views. Outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, à la carte restaurant, tapas bar, and spa area with indoor whirlpools and sauna. Perfect if you want luxury with old town proximity.
Spa Senator Cadiz
In the historic centre, short distance from shops, bars, and restaurants. Themed heated swimming pool with jets, Turkish bath with eucalyptus and chromotherapy. Great for explorers who want to be in the thick of it all – just 2km from beaches.
What to Do in Cadiz 🎯
For History Buffs 🏛️📜
Torre Tavira – highest watchtower in the old town with Camera Obscura (Spain's first!) projecting live city images
Cadiz Cathedral – stunning golden-domed baroque and neoclassical mix; climb the tower for cracking views
Roman Theatre – 1st century BCE theatre for 10,000 spectators, partially excavated with modern buildings on top
Old town barrios – wander narrow cobbled streets through El Pópulo (oldest neighbourhood), Plaza San Juan de Dios, and atmospheric lanes
For Beach Bums 🏖️☀️
La Caleta Beach – iconic small beach between two castles, featured in James Bond film Die Another Day
Playa de la Victoria – nearly 3km of broad golden sand with promenade, beach bars, and all facilities
Playa de Santa Maria del Mar – quieter northern beach, less touristy and perfect for escaping crowds
Playa de la Cortadura – massive 4km stretch to the south, loads of space even in peak season
For Foodies 🦞🍷
Fried fish (pescaíto frito) – Cadiz speciality served in joints down cobbled streets and at the vibrant Mercado Central
Tapas bars packed with locals – try Chicharrones de Cadiz (slow-roasted pork belly) and shrimp fritters
Manzanilla sherry – locally produced in the province, absolute must-try whether you're a wine buff or just fancy a tipple
Fresh seafood everywhere – langoustines from Sanlúcar, sole from San Fernando, all caught locally
For Culture Vultures 🎭🎨
Carnival of Cadiz (February) – Spain's biggest, 10 days of colour, music, comedy, parades, and pure madness
Parque Genovés – gorgeous park with Andalusian tilework, fountains, and bougainvillea
Flamenco bars – soulful performances in the old town, proper authentic southern Spain vibes
Day trips – Jerez de la Frontera for sherry tours, white villages of Andalusia, or Seville (90 minutes away)
When to Visit Cadiz 📅
Peak Season (July-August) 🌡️🔥
Hottest time with temps around 26-28°C and beach season in full swing. Old town gets busier but never quite as busy as the Costa del Sol resorts. Sea temps at their warmest (22-23°C).
What's On:
Beach bars and BBQs lining the shores all summer long
Live music and festivals throughout – proper buzzing atmosphere
Perfect weather for exploring both beaches and historic sites
Shoulder Season (May-June & September-October) 🍃☀️
Brilliant time to visit with gorgeous weather (20-25°C) and fewer crowds. September's particularly lush – still warm for beach days but peak season tourists have cleared off. Prices drop and you'll get better hotel availability.
What's On:
Semana Santa (Holy Week) – famous Easter processions in spring
Harvest season (autumn) – perfect time for Jerez sherry tours nearby
Mild temperatures ideal for old town wandering without sweating
Winter (November-February) ❄️🎭
Mild with temps around 13-16°C – chilly for swimming but brilliant for exploring. Occasional rain but nothing major. Perfect if you want proper local atmosphere and lower prices.
What's On:
Carnival of Cadiz (February)
– MASSIVE 10-day festival, one of Spain's biggest (book well ahead!)
Quieter streets
perfect for tapas bar hopping and getting the real Cadiz experience
Christmas decorations
and ice skating rink in the city centre
Top Tip: Bring layers in winter for carnival – it can get chilly at night, but you'll warm up dancing in the streets!
Popular Cadiz hotels
More Cadiz hotelsWeather in Cadiz
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Cadiz enjoys a mild and temperate Mediterranean climate. The best time to explore the city and make the most of its beaches is during the summer, when the climate is dry and temperatures reach the high 20s (°C). Rarely reaching sweltering highs, temperatures stay warm and comfortable throughout high season, ideal for both beach lounging and urban exploration.
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FAQs
How far is Cadiz from Seville?
How far is Cadiz from Seville?
About 120km – roughly 90 minutes by car or train. Perfect for a day trip if you're exploring Andalusia, though Cadiz deserves at least a couple of days to do it justice.
When is Carnival?
When is Carnival?
Usually late February, starting the weekend before Ash Wednesday and lasting 10 days. It's Spain's biggest carnival with street processions, concerts, comedians, and puppet shows. Book accommodation months in advance!
Are the beaches sandy?
Are the beaches sandy?
Yes! Gorgeous golden sand on all the main beaches. La Caleta is small but iconic, while Playa de la Victoria stretches for nearly 3km.
Is Cadiz touristy?
Is Cadiz touristy?
It's got a brilliant mix – popular enough to have great facilities and atmosphere, but still maintains its authentic Andalusian character. You'll find gaditanos (locals) filling the tapas bars alongside visitors. February carnival brings crowds from all over Spain, but the rest of the year it feels genuinely local.
What's the food like?
What's the food like?
Absolutely cracking! Cadiz is famous for fried fish (pescaíto frito), fresh seafood from the Atlantic, and traditional tapas. The Mercado Central is brilliant for market stalls, and you'll find hole-in-the-wall joints serving authentic local grub at proper prices.
How do I get from the airport to Cadiz?
How do I get from the airport to Cadiz?
Flights from the UK and Ireland take around 3 hours to Jerez Airport (45km away), Seville Airport (130km), or Gibraltar (120km). From Jerez, buses run regularly, or if you don't fancy lugging your cases around, a taxi takes about 40 minutes direct. And just to make life easier for you 😉 we can sort your transfer when you book with us, so it's all included in your ATOL protection.
What's La Caleta Beach famous for?
What's La Caleta Beach famous for?
It's the iconic beach between two castles (Santa Catalina and San Sebastián) that featured in the James Bond film Die Another Day with Halle Berry. Smallest beach in the centre but absolutely gorgeous for sunset watching.
Is Cadiz good for families?
Is Cadiz good for families?
Proper brilliant! The beaches are safe with gentle waves, old town is compact for wandering, and locals are dead friendly. Hotels like Hotel Spa Cadiz Plaza and TRYP La Caleta work well for families wanting beach access.
Is Cadiz accessible for wheelchair users?
Is Cadiz accessible for wheelchair users?
The newer beaches like Playa de la Victoria have accessible promenades and facilities. Old town has cobbled streets which can be challenging, though many restaurants and main attractions have ramp access. If accessibility is important for your jollies, you can filter for disabled-friendly hotels using our search bar to find the perfect place to stay.