Cadiz is possibly the oldest city in Europe. Phoenecian traders arrived there around 800BC. I’m glad they did, it is a great place to visit. It has beautiful beaches, lovely streets to wander in, good shopping and restaurants – what more could you want?
Plaza San Juan de Dios
The old city is squeezed on to a headland jutting out into the sea. It is quite small and compact and easy to get around. Plaza San Juan de Dios is a good place to begin your visit to old Cadiz. It is the orignal town square and has been the centre of activity since the 16th century. After the discovery of America, this square was the setting for the markets that sold the multitude of exotic products brought from the New World. I can imagine the excitement when a ship came in.
the beautiful coastline
the beach is very popular
the sand is clean, the water blue and the sun is hot
The yellow domed cathedral you can see in the photos was planned in 1716, but wasn’t finished until 1838, so it is a bit of a mix in design. The golden dome would have shone in the sun to welcome home the sailors.
the lovely golden dome
a mix of styles
an interesting roof line
from the front
We walked all along the coast enjoying the glorious weather.
pretty coloured houses along the seafront
another popular beach
an interesting bathing shed?
the entrance to the pier
and the next one
very nautical
We stopped at a bar beside the pier for a drink and found a very cute flamenco stage.
flamenco stage
another look at that bathing shed
waiting for the tide to come in
look at the size of that seagull
Castillo de Santa Catalina
the little church inside the fort
inside the fort
the gardens beside the sea
by the sea
We had a delicious dinner at El Aljibe near the main square.
El Aljibe
inside the restaurant
We stayed at Hospederia Las Cortes de Cadiz in Calle San Francisco. It is a great hotel in a 1850s mansion. Each room is named after a famous Spaniard. The young man at the front desk was particularly friendly and helpful.
Las Cortes de Cadiz
our room
the internal balconies
Cadiz rooftops from the rooftop terrace
Cadiz also shines at night.
Plaza San Juan de Dios at night
I love these palm trees
the entrance to old Cadiz
I suggest you go in.