Cádiz is considered the oldest inhabited settlement in Europe. The history of Cadiz, Spain, shows that it was founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC and was initially named “Gadir,” which means “walled stronghold.” The Berbers then changed it to “Agadir” or “walls” until Hercules named it “Gadeira.” Upon the rule of the Moors, the city’s name was changed yet again. It was named “Qadis,” and this remains to this day.
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Where is Cadiz in Spain
It is in the southwestern part of Andalusia near Gibraltar. Its ideal location in the southwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula made it an international trade route linking Europe, America, and Africa. Cadiz is also the only legal center permitted to administer the Spanish monopoly of trade with America. There are a lot of watchtowers in town, and the official watchtower of Cadiz is Tavira Tower which is 45 meters above sea level.
This ancient port of Cadiz, Spain city in Andalusia, welcomes travelers to many beautiful attractions to explore. While most people seeking a serene coastal island go to Malaga, the Cadiz, Spain beaches are also to die for. There are many beaches in Cadiz, Spain, perfect for a family holiday or those who want to have a few days to relax. Some of the best beaches in Cadiz include Bolonia, Cala de Roche, and Playa de la Barrosa.
Before you visit – check out my top helpful travel resources
Here are a few of my recommendations for travel assistance and sites I use when traveling myself. For more on these and why I choose to recommend them, check out my full disclosure page.
- Book your travel insurance with Insured Nomads if you are from the US or Worldwide Insure for European visitors.
- Find the best flights with Skyscanner.
- Get great prices on Rental Cars from Discover Cars.
- Travel throughout Spain and Europe via train. Book your tickets with the Trainline.
- Find affordable accommodations on Booking.com
- Search tours from GetYourGuide or Civitis
- Check your visa requirement on iVisa
What to do in Cadiz?
What to do in Cadiz aside from dipping into the sandy beaches? The city is lined up with remarkable must-see monuments and fascinating museums. Begin your holidays in Cadiz, Spain, by walking through the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, and you’ll immediately see two beautiful attractions: the town hall and the church of San Juan De Dios. Other spectacular monuments include the Cadiz Roman theater, Cadiz Cathedral, San Sebastian Castle, and the Tavira Tower. Your Spain, Cadiz holidays wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Museo De Cadiz, Museo Catedralicio, Museo Taller Litográfico, and other museums in town.
Cadiz boasts a delightful gastronomic experience that is a product of its rich cultural background. Seafood specialties are the town’s favorite. You can sample dishes like Abaja de Pescado or a fish stew, Gambas al ajillo or garlic fried prawns, and Pescadito Frito or Cadiz-style fried fish in any of the numerous Cadiz restaurants. Michelin-starred restaurants in Cadiz, Spain, like Aponiente and Alevante, are some of the city’s pride.
When it comes to nightlife, Cadiz will not disappoint. There are plenty of tapas bars, discos, pubs, and even chiringuitos or beach bars you can drop by. Chiringuitos are popular during summer, while the bars in the old town Cadiz are the top choices on colder days. Towns in Cadiz produce sherry and brandy; that is why these drinks are the locals’ favorites.
Cadiz Weather
The climate in Cadiz is generally Mediterranean. Summer is warm and dry, while winter is mildly cool. The hottest months are July and August, wherein the temperature can go as high as 24.9°C (77°F). If you’re looking forward to hot weather in Cadiz, Spain, better go by late June or before September. On the other hand, the coldest month is usually January, wherein the temperature can drop to 12.7°C (55°F). Visiting Cadiz, Spain, during winter is a good idea because you can enjoy outdoor activities while you relish the cool weather. Avoid scheduling your Cadiz, Spain holidays during September to October as these are the months when tropical monsoons typically hit the city.
Related Articles: A City Guide to Cadiz, Spain
Where to Stay in Cadiz, Spain?
Are you booking a holiday to Cadiz, Spain? Here are some recommended accommodations for every price point.
Hip Boutique Hotels
Santa María 12 Boutique Apartamentos
This 18th-century building was remodelled in 2014 as one of the charming boutique hotels in Cadiz, Spain. All the air-conditioned units have either one or two single beds, a seating area, and a bathroom with toiletries and other amenities. A mini kitchen with basic equipment is also available. The property is a minute away from Cadiz Cathedral and just 700 meters (0.4 miles) from Santa Maria Beach.
Casa Patio del Panadero
One of the Cadiz boutique hotels set in a 19th-century building is the Casa Patio del Panadero. This accommodation in the city center offers rooms and apartments complete with a living room, sofa bed, and TV. Wi-Fi access is free. Plaza San Antonio is just 150 meters away from this property.
Plaza de la Luz Cádiz
Offering cozy accommodations in Cadiz is the Plaza de la Luz Cádiz. This boutique hotel has air-conditioned rooms with basic amenities and a kitchenette. Wi-Fi access is also available. The hotel’s location in the La Viña district gives guests easy access to plenty of bars and restaurants. If you’re still thinking of what to do in Cadiz, Spain, you can go to Baluarte de los Mártires, as well as San Sebastián and Santa Catalina Castles. These attractions are just a few minutes away from this boutique hotel.
5-Star Hotels
Hotel Casa Palacio María Luisa
One of the best hotels in Cadiz City is the Casa Palacio María Luisa. This 5-star grand luxury hotel used to be a stately house from the 19th century. The property then underwent meticulous rehabilitation work to be the hotel that it is today. The elegant rooms are outfitted with bright décor and opulent amenities. Some have access to a private terrace or garden. Furthermore, having a bar, restaurant, and a solarium pool makes it one of the superior Cadiz luxury hotels.
Gran Meliá Sancti Petri
Another Cadiz 5-star hotels worth staying at is the Gran Meliá Sancti Petri. If you’re looking for Cadiz beach hotels, this is the perfect choice as it offers direct access to La Barrosa Beach. All suites come with warm colors and picturesque views of nature. They even have a suite exclusive for adults only, which is perfect for honeymooners. The hotel has a spa, a large outdoor pool, and one of five golf courses in Cadiz, Spain, for the guests’ leisure needs. A pool bar, beach club, and restaurant are also available at the hotel.
Hipotels Barrosa Palace & Spa
Do you want to visit Playa la Barrosa? Have easy access to this beach by staying at one of the top 5-star hotels in Cadiz, the Hipotels Barrosa Palace & Spa. It offers majestic suites with complete facilities and dazzling scenery. Because it is one of the Cadiz hotels with a pool, both indoor and outdoor, travelers will have no problem with their desire to swim. Guests can also dip in the nearby Playa de la Barrosa. The hotel also provides guests with special packages to golf Cadiz, Spain courses in the area. Other hotel features include a spa, sauna, beach bar, and an à la carte restaurant.
4-Star Hotels
Parador de Cádiz
The Parador de Cádiz is one of the stylish luxury hotels in Cadiz, ideally located ten minutes away from the city’s historic center. The airy guest rooms are equipped with a satellite TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom. Some units even have sea or city views. Aside from providing guests with chic accommodation in Cadiz, Spain, this modern hotel also has extensive function rooms, a spa, and an à la carte restaurant on site. Staying at this hotel can easily bring you to attractions like La Caleta Beach or San Sebastián Castle.
Hotel Monte Puertatierra
One of the 4-star Cadiz hotels on the beach worth booking is the Hotel Monte Puertatierra. This classic hotel is 100 meters away from Santa María del Mar Beach. The tastefully decorated rooms come with contemporary facilities and furniture. The entire hotel has free Wi-Fi access. It also has an on-site gym, garage, Bar-Café, and meeting rooms. This is also an ideal choice for those looking for hotels in Cadiz Old Town.
Hotel Cádiz Paseo del Mar
Hotel Cádiz Paseo del Mar is also one of those hotels in Cadiz, Spain, on the beach that offers deluxe accommodations. It is set on Victoria Beach and is near the city’s historic center and main attractions. All the rooms have a simple yet elegant style. They are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, a minibar, a hairdryer, and more. Guests start the day with an international breakfast buffet at the hotel’s restaurant bar. Shopping in Cadiz, Spain’s main center and visiting the popular night spots near this hotel are also popular activities for vacationers.
3-Star Hotels
Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas
What used to be a former manor house is now one of the trendy hotels in Cadiz, Spain. Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas is a family house converted into a hotel situated in the heart of Cadiz. The interior design is a mix of ancient and present-day styles. Aside from basic amenities, the rooms have Baroque-style heads, antique dressers, beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, and Devon & Devon bathtubs. Some suites have a terrace and balcony. Vacationers at this hotel can savor unique Cadiz cuisine at the on-site restaurant. And because this is one of the Cadiz hotels in Old Town, guests can quickly go to the city’s best restaurants and shopping centers.
Hotel Las Cortes De Cádiz
Are you looking for the best hotels in Cadiz, Spain’s old town? Hotel Las Cortes De Cádiz is a top choice. It used to be a 19th-century house palace. After a meticulous restoration, it became the first themed hotel in Cadiz. Every room is designed with a particular important personality from the time of Las Cortes De Cádiz in 1812. Of course, essential amenities such as flat-screen TV, as well as a private bathroom with a hairdryer, are available. Guests can fill up with the continental breakfast in the café and traditional Andalusian specialties in the restaurant on site.
Hotel de Francia y París
For a guaranteed cozy stay in Cadiz, choose Hotel de Francia y París. The city awarded this hotel with a Silver medal because of its professionalism, thus, making it one of the top places to stay in Cadiz. The property was built in the early 20th century with a neoclassical architectural style. All rooms are made sure to look pleasant and cater to the basic needs of the guests. Wi-Fi access is free in the rooms and throughout the hotel’s public areas. The hotel also has a cafeteria bar for easy access to snacks and drinks. Other hotel features include 24-hour reception, laundry service, and a baggage room.
Hostels
Planeta Cadiz Hostel
Apart from cheap hotels in Cadiz, travelers can opt to stay in a hostel like Planeta Cadiz. It is a former 19th-century manor house converted to offer Cadiz visitors a unique experience. The rates may be low, but the entire property and facilities are all of the highest quality. All air-conditioned units have a private bathroom with a shower. Guests can make new friends at the hostel’s communal kitchen, audiovisual room, or game room. Computers in the common areas can also be used for free.
Casa Caracol
Casa Caracol is a vibrant hostel in Cadiz, Spain, 400 meters (0.2 miles) away from Cadiz Cathedral. It has a couple of rooms that have a private bathroom. All of these units are cleaned daily. It has a reception kitchen common area with lots of seats. The hostel serves complimentary tea and coffee. Another standard room is the La Cola, where guests can book massages or watch movies. Travelers staying here can quickly go to Cadiz Harbour and Plaza España Square, which are close to this property.
Summer Cádiz
Are you planning to spend a coastal holiday in Cadiz, Spain? Summer Cádiz makes for an ideal place to stay. The property is just a 10-minute walk away from Playa la Caleta Beach. The rooms are straightforward and come with single or bunk beds. Each unit has a fan, lock, and private bathroom. The hostel also provides guests with bed linens and towels. The accommodation comes with breakfast, but you can also prepare your meals in the communal kitchen. The hostel’s rooftop is a perfect venue for vacationers to get to know each other. The hostel’s staff can arrange surfing in Cadiz lessons and other activities for guests upon request.