Cádiz

Why visit Cádiz

Cádiz is Andalucía’s southernmost province, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean at the Strait of Gibraltar and the coast of Morocco is visible on clear days. Its long Costa de la Luz beaches are backed by dunes and pine woods rather than high-rise resorts, and steady winds have made the southern shore a centre for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Inland, white villages climb the limestone ridges of the Sierra de Grazalema, while the sherry towns of Jerez, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda shape the province’s food, horses and flamenco. With an ancient port city, wild beaches and mountain walking close together, it suits travellers who want culture and the outdoors in equal measure.

Main attractions in Cádiz

The city of Cádiz, founded by the Phoenicians, packs its golden-domed cathedral, the Torre Tavira camera obscura and La Caleta beach into a compact old town almost surrounded by sea. Jerez is home to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and many sherry bodegas, and its Feria del Caballo fills the city in May. Arcos and Vejer de la Frontera are among the most striking white towns, while Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema lead into the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, with walks such as the Garganta Verde gorge. On the coast, the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia sit beside the Bolonia dune, Tarifa draws kitesurfers and whale-watching trips into the Strait, and Doñana lies across the Guadalquivir from Sanlúcar. Fried fish, Barbate tuna, manzanilla and the February Carnival complete the picture.

Good to know before you go

The Levante wind can blow hard on the coast between Tarifa and Barbate. It is perfect for kitesurfers but not for a lazy beach day, so check the forecast and keep an inland plan, such as the white villages, up your sleeve.