Cadiz does deserve the label historic Cadiz because Cadiz dates back to the 12th century BC so is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western world with a traceable history. It is a natural harbour taken by Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. Cadiz is easy to navigate and walk around, but a long walk if you get lost, see the guide film made for us by Jean Heard. It is a destination where city bus tours might not be required.

Go up any street toward the market and adjacent flower market. The watchtower is a block or so to the right, the Cathedral is further on to the other coast of this narrow piece of land. The puppet museum is left from the port to the City wall, and is inside the walls by the gate – if you walk that way, walking around the coast will take you to the Cathedral and churches, further on is one of two castles which has long been closed but the walkout on the causeway is worth it. Cadiz was the home of the Spanish Navy and exploration ships and boomed in the 16th-century. It has more than 100 watchtowers, including the Torre Tavira, which gives better views from the top than you would expect standing at the bottom looking at it which is because it is built on high ground.

The view from the top of the 18th-century cathedral (El Nueva) is worth the long climb up its internal stairs, but of the three churches in the square it is the only one with a fee and the others are also amazing.

Houses are a mix, some Moorish-style houses with flower-decked balconies above small shops and tapas bars that are very cheap.

 

NEARBY CITIES

• Seville is a fantastic day out, with its history of the mercenary El Cid who fought for both the Muslims and Christians as the purse paid. It has a history of Muslims and Jews, all driven away in the 1700s.
• Jerez is another option, where you will see the dancing Andalusian horses being trained or on show, and visit Sherry makers. Sherry is thought to be a British mispronunciation of Jerez.

ATTRACTIONS IN CADIZ

1. Torre Tavira, which was traditionally used for spotting ships.
2. 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral, and other churches in the square
3. Castle of Santa Catalina declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1993.
4. Museum of Cadiz, founded in 1970 in a merger with the Museum of Fine Arts + Museum of Archaeology.
5. Roman theatre is free, entrance is around the back from the coast road.
6. Genovés Parkland botanical gardens with playparks.
7. Plaza de Las Flores and market – see film.
8. Puppet Museum in the city walls by the gate – it is all in Spanish so take sheets – see a separate film.

 FRED OLSEN GREEK CRUISE MARELLA EAST MED CRUISE P&O MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE SAGA new ships in MEDITERRANEAN

BEACHES

1. La Caleta is between the castles.
2. A huge beach stretches for miles from near the Cathedral.
3. Victoria beach, one of the best-preserved on the Costa de la Luz with golden sand and calm water, is about a 15-minute brisk walk away or 5 euros in a taxi.

TRIPS OFFERED MAY INCLUDE and may be similar to these

1. A Taste of El Bosqueño Cheese – Duration: 5 hours
2. A Trail of 2 Cities – Duration: 5½ hours- Jerez and Cadiz
3. Andalusia Drive – Duration: 4 hours
4. Arcos de la Frontera and Tavira Tower – Duration: 6 hours

Cadiz Cuisine – Duration: 4 hours- Indulge in the tastes of Andalusia including a visit to the Fish Market. This tour is conducted entirely on foot. Children are not permitted on this tour.

PORT GUIDES – WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN MENU OF DESTINATION GUIDESPORT GUIDES – EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN MENU OF DESTINATION GUIDES