Are you planning to spend several days visiting Andalusia and its charms? Here’s our selection of places to stay in Cadiz!
Located in southwestern Spain, Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, and is home to 3,100-year-old ancient remains. The pearl of Andalusia’s tourist destinations, Cádiz had a population of 124,892 in 2011, and boasts a historical heritage that is unique in Europe. The city is built on an isthmus opening onto the Atlantic Ocean and linked to the mainland by two bridges and a narrow strip of land in the eponymous bay. Founded in 1104 B.C. by the Phoenicians, Cádiz has been subjected to many influences and civilizations over the course of its history: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Vikings and Spaniards.
Cadiz is nicknamed « Tacita de plata » – the little silver cup – by the Gaditans. To find a place to stay in Cádiz, we recommend aiming for the old city center, as is often the case in ancient cities. Here’s where to stay in Cadiz, to make the most of your stay.
The old town
Photo credit: WikiMedia -Wayne77
Nicknamed the Barrio del populo (the people’s quarter), the old city center is a maze of alleyways with multiple architectural influences and a colourful atmosphere, reminiscent of the old Cuban city of Havana. In fact, it’s also nicknamed « la pequña Habana » (Little Havana). Cadiz is a fishing town, a shipbuilding center and a major Spanish seaport: in fact, it was from here that Christopher Columbus’s caraques and caravels set sail to colonize (and plunder) the New World. Criss-crossed by narrow, winding streets, the old town is a veritable labyrinth, offering visitors a feast for the eyes in every nook and cranny: Callejones, San Juan, La Laguna, Candelaria are just some of the small quarters of the old town to explore.
Don’t forget to book a room in Cádiz, so you can enjoy all the charms of Cádiz on foot as you should: the Cathedral of Cádiz – a prodigious and majestic architectural marvel – the beach of La Caleta, the Tavira Tower, the parks(Parque Genovés, Jardines de Alameda Apodaca), the many small squares, the catacombs(Catacombas del Beaterio), the walls of San Carlos, the Roman theater, etc.., are just a few of the district’s not-to-be-missed attractions. In addition to cultural visits, there’s also a dense concentration of bars and restaurants where you can sample, for example, succulent and typical Spanish tapas.
Find a hotel in Cadiz old town
South of downtown
Photo credit: WikiMedia – Luis Carlos Gargallo
The south of Cádiz is bordered by a very long strip of sand, from the Santa Maria district to La Cortadura and up to the corniche where the Castle of San Lorenzo del Puntal is located. If you choose to stay in the southern areas of Cadiz, you’ll be able to stay in newer, less crowded neighborhoods and enjoy the beaches: La Victoria beach (3 kilometers) or Cortadura beach (3.9 kilometers) are great places to get away from it all. On the seafront, you’ll find numerous bars, restaurants and accommodation in Cadiz.
Find a hotel south of downtown
Map of hotels and accommodation – Cadiz,es