The beautiful beaches of Cadiz are perfect for those that are looking for a bit quieter destination in Spain than Mallorca. Andalusia has some of the finest beaches in the country due to many miles of golden sand. Moreover, the city of Cadiz boasts amazing historic landmarks with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. Cadiz is perhaps one of the most ancient cities in Europe and the oldest city in Spain. It was founded around 1104 BC by Phoenicians.
Cadiz, ©Mitchell Orr on Unsplash
The city of Cadiz is famous for its long sandy beaches that are ideal to spend a family holiday in Spain. Clear shallow water and plenty of attractions nearby the beach make Cadiz a popular destination among many tourists from Europe and beyond. This lively place provides a genuine Spanish experience in the southwest part of the country.
This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. As an Amazon Associate, I get a small commission from qualifying purchases.
✈ How to get to Cadiz from the airport?
Jerez Airport is only 30 minutes drive from Cadiz so you can rent a car and find yourself in the beautiful Old Town within a short time. Alternatively, you can fly to Seville Airport which is 1h 20 minutes away from Cadiz. There are also good bus and train connections between both airports and Cadiz so getting to the city is easy.
🚝 Check train tickets from the airports to Cadiz on Trainline
TOP things to do in Cadiz
1. Visit the best beaches of Cadiz
Playa de La Caleta
Playa de La Caleta, ©Jordi Vich Navarro on Unsplash
Where to stay nearby: Parador de Cadiz (4-star hotel a few minute’s walk from the beach with a swimming pool offering amazing views)
If you are looking for a mix of history, gold sands, and the most beautiful sunsets in Cadiz, look no further than Playa de La Caleta. In the heart of the beach, you will find an interesting white building – the Underwater Archaeology Center Headquarters. La Caleta is surrounded by many historic landmarks such as Castillo de Santa Catalina or Castillo de San Sebastian.
Playa de La Caleta, ©Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash
The castle of San Sebastian is known as a temple of the Greek gods such as Kronos, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hera. Nowadays, is one of the best tourist attractions in Cadiz just 10 minute walk from the beach. Along the Playa de La Caleta, there are many beautiful places to see such as huge Ficus Trees or Juanito Villar Peña Flamenca where you can try traditional Spanish food.
Playa de La Caleta, ©Armando Suárez Cueto on Unsplash
Playa Santa Maria del Mar
The viewpoint of Playa Santa Maria del Mar, ©ukeveryday
Where to stay nearby: Hotel Monte Puertatierra (4-star hotel with a great location near the beach and Cadiz Old Town)
It takes less than 30 minutes to walk along the coast to get from Playa de La Caleta to Playa Santa Maria del Mar. This short hike offers incredible views of the historic town of Cadiz. You can stop at Mirador El Vendaval or Mirador Campo del Sur to take amazing pictures with your backpacking camera.
The viewpoint of Playa Santa Maria del Mar, ©ukeveryday
Playa Santa Maria del Mar is just a few minutes away from Puertas de Tierra. This Old Town of Cadiz is a great place to walk around and admire its amazing architecture. The viewpoint Mirador Playa de las Mujeres or Punic Tombs of the Necropolis of Gadir are some of the best spots to take photos of Cadiz’s coast.
Other beautiful beaches of Cadiz:
- Playa de la Victoria
- Playa de la Cortadura
- Chato Beach
2. Explore the best beaches of Cadiz province
Playa Fuente del Gallo
Playa Fuente del Gallo, ©David Ramírez on Unsplash
Where to stay nearby: Hipotels Flamenco Conil (4-star hotel with three swimming pools offering incredible views)
If you would like to spend a bit of time exploring the surrounding beaches, make sure to visit Playa Fuente del Gallo. This long sandy beach is set in stunning scenery with views of tall cliffs. It takes only 45 minutes to drive to get there which makes it a perfect day trip from Cadiz.
Conil de la Frontera
Conil de la Frontera, ©Valentina Sotnikova on Unsplash
Where to stay nearby: Hotel Fuerte Conil-Resort (4-star beachfront hotel with 3 swimming pools)
Conil de la Frontera has six beautiful beaches among others Playa De Los Bateles or Playa De Roqueo. It takes less than 40 minutes drive to get there from Cadiz. Sandy beaches are next to one of the white towns of Andalusia. Whitewashed houses and plenty of space to relax at the beach attract many visitors every year. During summer this small town gets really busy with Spanish and German tourists.
Other beautiful beaches of Cadiz province:
- Playa de la Ballena (40minutes drive from Cadiz)
- Playa el Pirata (50minutes drive from Cadiz)
- Playa del Faro (55minutes drive from Cadiz)
- Playa Zahara (1h drive from Cadiz)
- Valdevaqueros (1h 10 minutes drive from Cadiz)
- Playa de Bolonia (1h 15minutes drive from Cadiz)
- Playa Los Alemanes (1h 15minutes drive from Cadiz)
3. Admire Catedral de Cadiz
Catedral de Cadiz, ©ukeveryday
Where to stay nearby: Hotel La Catedral (3-star hotel with the views of Catedral de Cadiz from the rooftop swimming pool)
The beautiful cathedral with a gold dome that was built between 1722 and 1838 stands out on the Spanish seafront. 116 years of building work led to many architectural changes from Baroque, and rococo to neoclassical styles. The impressive size of Catedral de Cadiz makes it easy to find in the city.
4. Watch the Flamenco show
Flamenco dancer sculpture in Cadiz, ©ukeveryday
Where to stay nearby: Hostal Colon (a small 1-star hotel in a great location)
In Cadiz city center you will find a beautiful sculpture of a flamenco dancer. This amazing place is the home of Flamenco so during your trip to Andalusia you cannot miss some of the best Flamenco shows in the city. Visit La Cava tavern or Juanito Villar Peña Flamenca to experience one of the most famous traditions of southern Spain.
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, energetic art performances became a phenomenon in Spanish culture. Ladies in red dresses and great music delighted everyone. The name flamenco comes from the Latin word flamma, which means flame. However, sometimes it is also associated with a bird that moves with grace – the flamingo.
5. Try local food
©Dan Burton on Unsplash
🍲 Try tasty food in Cadiz: Local tapas experience
There is no better place to explore authentic local cuisine than in the oldest Spanish city – Cadiz. Some of the best tapas bars include Taberna Casa Manteca or Bar La Tabernita. If you would like to learn a bit more about delicious Spanish food, make sure to book one of the tours with local guides to indulge yourself with amazing local food and wine.
6. Plaza de San Juan de Dios
Plaza de San Juan de Dios, ©ukeveryday
Where to stay nearby: Hostal Colon (a small 1-star hotel in a great location)
A few minutes’ walk from Catedral de Cadiz you will find the beautiful Plaza de San Juan de Dios. It is a great place to stop for a coffee and admire the views of palm trees and historic landmarks. The colorful buildings are home to great restaurants and ice cream shops. In the heart of the Plaza, you will find the Statue of Segismundo Moret.
7. Visit Iglesia de Santiago Apostol
Iglesia de Santiago Apostol, ©ukeveryday
Where to stay nearby: Hotel La Catedral (3-star hotel with the views of Catedral de Cadiz from the rooftop swimming pool)
In Plaza de la Catedral you will see a church that might be not as impressive as Catedral de Cadiz from the outside, but its interior is stunning. All decorations and details will take your breath away. It is a great example of Spanish architecture that you should not miss during your visit to Cadiz.
8. City Hall of Cadiz
City Hall of Cadiz, ©ukeveryday
Where to stay nearby: Casa Caracol (colorful hostel with hammocks in the center of historic Cadiz)
Situated by Plaza de San Juan de Dios next to the catholic church Iglesia de San Juan de Dios, the City Hall of Cadiz is a beautiful building to see. This lively square with the impressive facade of City Hall is the perfect place to wander around, buy some souvenirs or sit outside in one of the cafes and admire amazing Spanish architecture.
9. Iglesia Conventual de Santo Domingo
Iglesia Conventual de Santo Domingo, ©ukeveryday
Where to stay nearby: Hotel Convento Cadiz (unique stay at Baroque style convent hotel)
With so many Catholic churches in Cadiz, you cannot miss this interesting structure. Iglesia Conventual de Santo Domingo is a great example of baroque architecture. It is just a few minutes walk from Port Cadiz and behind the church, you stay in the 17th-century convent hotel. Hotel Convento Cadiz has a beautiful courtyard and there are still monks living in the building.
10. Las Cigarreras de Cadiz
Las Cigarreras de Cadiz, ©ukeveryday
There are many interesting sculptures around the city. One of them is Las Cigarreras de Cadiz which refers to one of the main tobacco factories in Spain. A bit further you can also see another monument – Monumento a La Perla de Cadiz. Both of them are surrounded by beautiful Spanish architecture.
11. Cadiz trees
Cadiz trees, ©ukeveryday
Where to stay nearby: Plaza de la Luz Cadiz (5-minutes walk from the most impressive Ficus trees in Cadiz)
Not only the architecture or beaches of Cadiz will take your breath away, but also the trees. The city boast of gnarled rubber trees with impressive visible roots and unusual shapes. Trees in Cadiz are very old and the biggest Giant Rubber Trees can be found opposite the University of Cadiz and Playa de La Caleta.
FAQ about the beaches of Cadiz:
🏖 Does Cadiz have good beaches?
Beaches in Cadiz province are perfect for windsurfing or swimming in the ocean. The “Coast of Light” offers many family friendly beaches with crystal clear waters and great views.
🌊 Can you swim on the beaches of Cadiz?
Miles of sand and warm water temperatures in summer around 22.3°C make the beaches of Cadiz comfortable for swimming. The best months to visit Cadiz are between June and September if you want to enjoy the summer breeze of the Atlantic Ocean.
If you are looking for more destinations in Spain to visit, make sure to also check out my other articles below.
Top 10 things to do in Mallorca
The best beaches in Fuerteventura
You might also want to learn a bit about Siesta, before visiting Spain.
Siesta habits around the world
Also, don’t forget to take with you travel gear!
Underwater photography with GoPro waterproof Dome
Finally, get ready for a trip!
🌅 Find the perfect holiday package to Cadiz on Ioveholidays
💻 Check out the best attractions in Cadiz on Get Your Guide
🚗 Then, rent a car on Rentalcars and explore the best places in Cadiz
🚲 You can also rent a bike with Bikes Booking