There is the much-used expression, “Life’s a beach.” But truly it is in Cadiz. Cadiz boasts of having some of the best beaches in Spain. Cadiz City lies on a peninsula that is part of the Costa de la Luz facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is almost completely surrounded by water except for a narrow strip of land whch connects it to the mainland. Cadiz enjoys white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Aside from being the perfect venue for a suntan, Cadiz beaches offer a myriad of water adventures such as sailing, scuba diving, wind surfing, jet skiing and whale watching. Swimming with the dolphins and whales in the Strait of Gibraltar is a unique and unforgettable experience.

When the sun goes down, the beaches in Cadiz throb with a different energy. Nightlife in the beaches of Cadiz is so much fun. Summers see locals and tourists flock to the beach bars for nights of tapas and drinks. Others simply laze on the beach as the crashing waves lull them to sleep. Yet others go on rejuvenating walks along the seafront promenades.

La Playa de la Caleta (Caleta Beach) is located near the extreme western edge of the Old Town close to Barrio La Vina thus it is called “Bano de la Vina”. It is relatively narrow and surrounded by rocky shoals at low tide. It is only about 450 metres long and 50 metres wide. Known as a “natural beach” because of the absence of changing booths or public toilets, La Playa de la Caleta, is nestled between two castles – the San Sebastian Castle and the Santa Catalina Castle. It has been awarded with a Blue Flag. Access to this beach is free anytime of the day or night.

La Playa de la Victoria (Victoria Beach) is another popular beach destination. Beachcombers frequent its wide open spaces and sun-drenched sands. The lovely Paseo Maritimo is the main promenade that stretches from one end of the city to another. La Playa de la Victoria is dotted with chiringuitos (beach bars) where beach lovers can partake of drinks and tapas. At night, arc lights illuminate the beach thus making it an ideal venue for all-night partying. It is a proud recipient of a “Blue Flag” beach award.

La Playa de la Cortadura (Cortadura Beach) is the longest beach in Cadiz stretching almost 4000 metres long and 60 metres wide. It is located on the southern part of Cadiz between Torregorda and Cortadura. Visitors will find this unspoiled beach very inviting what with its powdery-gold sand glittering against the sunlight.

La Playa de Santa Maria del Mar (Santa Maria del Mar Beach) is a small intimate beach only 400 metres long situated in the northernmost end of Cadiz. It is nestled between the Caleta Beach and the Victoria Beach. It is also known as Playita de las Mujeres because of its small size. The beach shrouds the ancient walls of Cadiz and provides astonishing views of neighboring Cortadura, Caleta and Victoria Beach.

Imagine the melodious music of the flamenco, the inviting aroma of Andalusian cooking, the impressive colonial buildings and plazas steeped in history and architecture? Cadiz is all these and much more. It is a beautiful old port city that has retained its old-world charm amidst modernity. Experience the sights, the sounds, the smell and get to know the fun-loving people of Cadiz, truly the best of Cadiz.

What makes Cadiz special is its people. Gaditanos as the locals are called are warm and friendly. A holiday in Cadiz is made more enjoyable by the welcoming smiles of the Gaditanos. They also have a great sense of humour coupled with a fun-loving nature. This is made more evident during Carnival time when the Gaditanos engage in riotous laughter, song and cheer.

Cadiz is a visual experience with its magnificent examples of Spanish architecture. There are Moorish-style houses and buildings characterised by flat roofs and turrets. Gothic cathedrals boast of soaring roofs and impressive altar pieces but with simple ornaments. There are Renaissance-inspired gardens and parks distinguished by graceful courtyards, columns, fountains and winding paths.

The exceptional location of Cadiz affords visitors to venture beyond the city boundaries and explore the unspoilt coastline of Costa de la Luz. A short hop to the north of Cadiz is Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its sherry and horse races. At the western end of the Cadiz coast lies Sanlucar de Barrameda famed for its manzanilla and is one of the entry points to the Donana Natural Park, a World Heritage Site. Not far away, is the “Sherry Triangle”, an imaginary boundary between Jerez, Santa Maria and Sanlucar, home of the oldest vineyards in Europe.
A stroll through the Old Town passing by the plazas and narrow alleyways is a journey back in time. The main plaza (square), Plaza San Juan de Dios, is home to the Ayuntamiento (town hall). In the Plaza de Espana stands the Palace of the Provincial Government. Plaza de Mina is the site of the Museo de Cadiz. Another landmark square is Plaza de San Francisco surrounded by quaint white and yellow town houses.
Come summer, locals and tourists hie off to the beaches of Cadiz which are among the most beautiful beaches in the region. Endless stretches of aquamarine waters and gold sand await beach lovers in the Playa de la Caleta, Playa de la Victoria, Playa Cortadura and Playa de Santa Maria del Mar.

Culinary delights on offer in Cadiz are simply savoury. Cadiz provides an extraordinary array of authentic Andaluisan cuisine in diverse settings ranging form tapas bars, freidurias (fried fish shops) to elegant restaurants. Sample churros (Spanish pastries) dipped in hot cups of chocolate. Meander through the city streets while eating pescado frito from a cartucho (paper funnel). Sip intoxicating sherry from Jerez de la Frontera.

Cadiz City is a maze of old alleyways, modern arcades and walkways. Here, shoppers will find a plethora of shops selling the usual souvenirs, handicrafts, high fashion, streetwear, luxury items and bargains.

Best buys in Cadiz include one-of-a-kind handicrafts and local products that are great reminders of trips to ancient Cadiz. A fan is part of a traditional Spanish lady’s must-have accessories. Cadiz makes some of the finest fans in the world. Flamenco products such as costumes, accessories, guitars and flamenco dolls are popular purchases. Flamenco craft is an important industry in Cadiz. It captures the flavour and spirit of Cadiz.

Most visitors remark on the exceptional quality of Cadiz wine and sherry and the yummy Iberian ham and cheeses. These local food and wine products are great to take home. Other good buys made in Cadiz are pottery, palm and wicker products, blankets, ponchos, textiles, woodworks and ceramics.

Cadiz has numerous shops that sell all these products and more. A good starting point to look for great finds is at the Plaza San Juan de Dios. The streets that connect to this plaza are brimming with shops. The main shopping streets are Calle Ancha and Calle Columela. These traditional shopping areas include clothing stores, bookstores, furniture shops, cafes and other outlets.

Belle Epoque in Antonio Lopez is the best place to go for Andalusian artisan’s crafts such as ceramics, wicker and antique furniture. Tucked away in a corner of Plaza Candelaria, Hecho, sells food products like honey, wine, cheese, olive oils and processed meats especially chorizos (sausages). For a more modern shopping experience, cheque out El Corte Ingles, Spain’s most popular shopping centre. The Cadiz branch is located in the New Town at Avenida Cortes de Cadiz 1 near the port. El Corte Ingles carries electronics, books, musical items, clothes and a complete supermarket.

Around Cadiz, there are a number of markets. The Central Market near Plaza de las Flores is a covered market that sells fresh produce, fresh meat and the freshest catch from the sea. Non-food items are also available here. Every Sunday morning, a flea market is set up near the Central Market. For your flower needs or simply to take your fill of flowers galore, head off to Plaza de las Flores.

When shopping, take into consideration siesta time. Small shops may be closed from 2:30 pm to around 5:30 pm. However, some big stores remain open during siesta time.