A 3000 year old Andalusian city
Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in the West. It was founded in 1100 BC. This peninsula has retained its rich heritage over the centuries. You will also find beautiful sandy beaches and generous sunshine, especially from May to September when the temperatures are pleasant despite being in the south of Andalusia. Cadiz can be visited in just 2 days, the peninsula is small and the part on the mainland has little appeal. I suggest you present 2 circuits to do during these 2 days, you can also modify these circuits as you wish depending on your time or take a guide who will help you discover the medieval city.
Unless you prefer a local guide and a walking tour or even for the more athletic a bike tour Let's go on a beautiful trip to the south of Andalusia, your camera slung over your shoulder.
If you arrive by plane from Seville, you can take the train, it takes 1h30 to come to Cadiz. If you come by car, I advise you to park at the Canalejas 1 Av del Puerto car park...You will be 2 steps from the city center.
There are many and very good accommodations in Cádiz that you can consult by clicking on this link But before starting, a small map describing these 2 circuits
Our 2 circuits start from Plaza San Juan de Dios (point A), one goes towards the cathedral and the South, the other goes towards Torre Tavira and the North.
1st day: From the Cathedral to Santa Maria del Mar beach We begin our discovery of Cadiz by visiting the cathedral (point B). From Plaza San de Dios you can already admire it from afar. After having traveled a few hundred meters here we are in front of this imposing and dazzling monument in its white and sand "dress". The new cathedral was built on the ashes of the old one which was destroyed following a fire in 1596. It will have taken 116 years to complete its construction in Baroque style. The cathedral, the museum and the Poniente Tower are open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.) Inside, the white color of the stone still dominates. It has several chapels and a crypt. You can climb to the top of the Poniente Tower via a ramp that is very practical for children or people with reduced mobility. Arrive at the top you discover an exceptional panorama of Cadiz
Let's continue our visit by the Roman Theater located 100m from the cathedral to the south (point C). This Roman theater built in the 1st century BC was discovered in 1980. It is one of the largest in Spain. It measured 120m in diameter and could hold 10,000 spectators. A part still remains under the "Populo" district and has not yet been excavated. It can be seen and visited all year round freely and free of charge, you will discover part of the stands, the annular gallery and the orchestra.
Let's end this day with a well-deserved lazy afternoon on the beach of Santa Maria Del Mar located 800m from the cathedral always towards the South (point D). You will walk along the bay on a largely pedestrian route to get there. Sit on the fine sand and enjoy the view of the ocean (Yes!! it's the Atlantic Ocean and not the Mediterranean...) and at the same time admire the cathedral in the distance. The sweetness of life in Andalusia...
Day 2: From Torre Tavira to San Sebastian Castle Let's start this 2nd day from Plaza San de Dios and head towards Torre Tavira (point B) towards the North. The city has 127 watchtowers, the Tavira Tower is the highest with these 45m above the sea. You will discover a "dark room" that will allow you to fly over Cadiz like a 360° bird using real-time images. At the very top, a terrace will allow you to admire Cadiz and its surroundings as far as the eye can see. Don't worry, you will access the terrace by an elevator...there was a time when you only went up there on foot (173 steps :) ) The Tower is open all year round at the price of 7 euros It is possible to combine the tickets with the visit of the cathedral
Let's now go to the San Felipe Neri Oratory 150m from the Tavira Tower. What is the Oratory Néri? It is a Catholic Apostolic society founded by P. Néri in the 16th century. You will find other Oratories in France for example in (Hyères, Nancy or Lorient...) The one in Cadiz is absolutely beautiful (I'm not saying that the others aren't beautiful :) ), the interior decoration is sublime from the chairs to the ceiling. I think this place is worth spending a few moments there.
Let's go up Calle Sacramento to the emblematic Parador de Cadiz hotel, go behind it and look at the view of the ocean and the Santa Catalina castle. You may be lucky enough to "stumble upon" one of these beautifully crafted doors
100m on your left the Santa Catalina castle. Built in the 17th century, it protected the city on its North West flank. The detour is worth it for the view and these watchtowers from which you can take beautiful photos. It's open all year round and it's free.
On the other side of the beach of Caleta, the castle of San Sebastian which was built in 1706 to also protect the city. Today there is an exhibition space, admission is free.
We will end our visit to Cadiz with a short tour of Caleta beach...An urban beach such as one can find in San Sebastian in the Spanish Basque Country or in St Jean de Luz in the French Basque Country...A good way to rest after 2 days of visit. I hope you enjoyed this little tour of Cadiz and made you want to go there. I wish you a good trip and good souvenir photos