Is Cadiz Worth Visiting? 8 Reasons to Love the Spanish City

Is Cadiz worth visiting? I’m glad you asked! I almost skipped out on this city, and I was so happy I didn’t. If you’re traveling through southern Spain by public transportation (or even by car), it may seem like too much of an effort to get to Cadiz, but I promise you it’s worth it.

It’s pretty impossible not to fall in love with it, and I hope these reasons will convince you to see it with your own eyes.

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IS CADIZ WORTH VISITING? ALL THE REASONS WHY THE ANSWER IS ‘YES’

IT’S THE OLDEST CITY IN WESTERN EUROPE

Founded in the 12th century BC, Cadiz is the oldest city in Western Europe, and some even claim that it’s the oldest city in the entire continent of Europe.

From its founding by the Phoenicians to the Roman rule to the Moorish rule to the Reconquista, Cadiz was continuously inhabited throughout the years, so it’s more than a privilege to visit such a piece of history.

Fun fact: On two of his four expeditions, Christopher Columbus embarked from Cadiz.

ITS HISTORIC CENTER’S STREETS AND SQUARES ARE IRRESISTIBLE

Who doesn’t love old towns/historic centers? And Cadiz is where you’ll find an extremely charming one. It includes a few small neighborhoods like El Pópulo and La Viña and is the main area travelers explore when visiting the city.

Wandering through Spanish old towns is always a fun thing to do, but the Andalusian city’s gorgeous narrow streets and squares have something extra charming about them that I can’t put into words. They’re definitely one of the reasons to visit Cadiz, and I just know they’ll win your heart.

A few unmissable spots are Plaza de las Flores, Plaza de San Juan de Dios, and Calle Virgen de la Palma, but you’ll have to discover the rest on your own.

ITS LANDMARKS ARE UNIQUE

While I can’t describe Cadiz as a city for sightseeing lovers, it’s so steeped in history that it’s only logical to find at least a few visit-worthy landmarks.

From the 16th-century star-shaped Castle of Santa Catalina to the beautiful 18th-century Cadiz Cathedral to the 18th-century Torre Tavira (the best viewpoint in the city), there are more than enough historical spots in Cadiz.

You can also visit the Roman Theatre, wander through the regal Genovés Park (an 18th-century botanical garden), explore the historic Central Market, and more.

IT’S HOME TO AMAZING RESTAURANTS

If food is not a good enough reason to travel somewhere, I don’t know what is.

Serving regional dishes and seafood, you’ll find plenty of traditional (and modern) restaurants in Cadiz that will make you want to stay there forever. Try Taberna Casa Manteca, Restaurante El Faro de Cádiz, and Balandro – you’ll thank me later.

Of course, Cadiz has more to offer, and you’ll also find high-end restaurants, tapas bars, cozy cafes, and a lot more.

ITS BEACHES ARE NOT MEDITERRANEAN

Southern Spain is known for its incredible Mediterranean coastline, and to enjoy the country’s ocean beaches, most people usually head to the north.

But if you’re already traveling through Andalusia, why not soak up the sun on some Atlantic Ocean beaches in Cadiz like La Caleta, Playa de Santa Maria del Mar, and Playa de la Victoria?

THE CITY IS CONTAGIOUSLY FULL OF LIFE

It’s is something I tend to say about many places in Spain, but Cadiz truly is a vibrant city. It has that perfect balance between being lively and bustling yet not too loud and unpleasant, and it can easily make you feel welcome and at home.

YOU CAN ENJOY ITS HIGHLIGHTS IN ONE OR TWO DAYS

I’m all for slow travel and spending as much time as you can in one place to fully enjoy it, but in reality, most of us can only plan a relatively short trip.

Whether you have full three weeks in Andalusia or just seven days, it’s worth dedicating a day or two to Cadiz, which will allow you to see its top landmarks and get a taste of why it’s such a special city.

IT’S A GREAT BASE TO EXPLORE THE ENTIRE PROVINCE

While many Andalusia itineraries focus on the central part of the region, you could plan a trip dedicated solely to the Province of Cadiz (and its surroundings) and base yourself in the city.

Day trips from Cadiz include Jerez de la Frontera, Doñana National Park (get there by car or with a guided day tour), and Vejer de la Frontera, a few of the places I wish I hadn’t missed in Andalusia.

Read more about Andalusia and Spain:

• Reasons to visit Cordoba
• Hidden gems in Spain
• Famous Spanish landmarks
• Best road trips in Spain
• Spain travel tips
• Novels set in Spain
• Gifts for Spain lovers
• Spain travel quotes
• Virtual tours of Spain

So is Cadiz worth a visit? Tell me if I’ve convinced you in the comments!