If you’re a sun setter, that’s right, someone who loves sunsets, than Cadiz is the quintessential place to be! Situated on the perfect location where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, Cadiz offers a perineal view of the setting sun every day of the year! Whether it’s by bike or walking along the endless boardwalk, sailing or boating on the open bay or sitting like many do on one of the beautiful white sand beaches, you’ll never tire of this daily occasion.

A sunset over the ocean with a large cloud in the sky, a white pier extending into the water, and a sandy beach with a few people sitting and walking.
A sailboat on the ocean during sunset with an orange sky and the sun near the horizon.
A man fishing along a historic waterfront with city buildings and a large cathedral in the background. Bicycles are in the foreground.
A tall, historic tower with a clock near the top, white and brown brick facade, and a blue sky background, viewed from the street.
A cityscape with white buildings, a church with two bell towers and domes, and an ocean in the background under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
A sign describing the Torre Tavira in Cádiz, Spain. It mentions guided visits to the Camera Oscura, with photos of the interior, and information about the opening hours, ticket prices, and the importance of booking in advance.

It may seem a bit hokey, but climbing up the Torre Tavira tower is actually well worth the small price of admission and the time spent. With an amazing 360 degree view of all of Cadiz, the ocean, the bay and the cities on the other side of the bay it is a vantage point that is impossible to replicate. I wouldn’t spend for the parabolic mirror view, but I would plan to take your time as the sights are spectacular upon reaching the top. Try to schedule it during the off hours on off days so your not hurried.

What makes Cadiz such a rock-n-roller good time are the beaches. Perched on the continents edge, right across from North Africa and between the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans, Cadiz beaches offer the perfect combinations of gentle waves, temperate waters and white sand beaches without rocks that are tough to find in most EU spots. Along with the beach bars and restaurants along a non-stop boardwalk, what more can you ask for? Don’t say that to my wife, she always asks for more!!!

Empty sandy beach with a lifeguard tower, ocean, and buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.
View of a sandy beach with people walking and relaxing, clear blue sky, calm ocean waves, and a stone wall along the shoreline.
Beach with sandy shore, ocean waves, oceanfront walkway, and cityscape in the distance under a clear blue sky.
A cityscape with a mix of historic and modern buildings overlooking the ocean, featuring a large cathedral with domes and towers in the background.
Outdoor dining street scene with tables, chairs, palm trees, and people dining under umbrellas in front of colorful buildings, with a church tower in the background.
City square with historic church, palm trees, and people walking and gathering.

The old town of Cadiz is, well, really really old. It goes all the way back to the Phoenicians, who I think invented rock. Not the music, the stone. It’s the oldest city in the EU and yet it shines with a down to earth vibrance that makes it so fun to be in. And it is large, so you can spend a week discovering it and still find new stuff every day! So bring a lot of cash… for the culinary scene is off the hook! Keep in mind it is traditional Spanish. Sweets and coffer for breakfast, large or small lunch from 1PM till 4PM and then all doors closed until 8PM or later, ending at around Midnight. Yep, that’s the way they roll.

Cadiz is plaza crazy, which means there are a lot of them. Start off with the Plaza San Juan de Dios where city hall is. It’s surrounded by restaurants and bars, is the forefront of old town and is right off the ocean. The Plaza de Espana is a mellow and beautiful plaza marking the hundredth anniversary of the 1812 constitution. Plaza San Antonio is this huge vacant plaza with the church at one end, surrounded by old mansions. The port is on the other side. And our favorite, lush Plaza de Mina which was a convent courtyard and fronts the Museum of Cadiz. It too has many restaurants.

Nighttime view of a city square with palm trees, lampposts, a fountain with water jets, and a historical building in the background.
Pink church with twin towers, decorative facade, arched windows, and several street lamps in front, under a blue sky.
A public park with trees, a lamppost, and a circular seating area. Some trees have purple and green leaves, and there are red umbrellas visible in the background. The sky is blue with some clouds.
A large historical monument featuring statues and sculptures, with a central column topped by a statue and two equestrian statues on either side.
Front view of a historic baroque-style church with two bell towers, intricate architectural details, and a central arched entrance, set against a clear blue sky.
Worn stone steps leading up to a white circular building with a dome, part of a historic site under a clear blue sky.
Historic coastal cityscape with a stone pier, featuring a large cathedral with domes and bell towers, and older multi-story buildings along the shoreline, under a partly cloudy sky.
An ornate church interior with dark wooden pews, a pulpit with sheet music, and a small altar with candles and a red chair.

Here we go with another church and this on is a dozy. The Cadiz Cathedral which took over 100 years to build is visible from just about everywhere. Sitting right of the beach, you can never get lost… or be beyond being saved! It is chuck full of relics from the previous cathedral that some Dutch rapscallions burned down in 1596. Damn Dutch! It also has relics from other cathedrals in Spain and is simply breathtaking inside and out. BTW, right around the corner is the partially unearthed remains of one of the largest Roman theaters dating back to before the movies.

This city is so full of stuff, because it’s been around for like ever, that it may be best to see it from above. Start with the Clock Tower at the Cadiz Cathedral. The views amazing, what more can I say. It’s a tower, you walk up and then walk down. Then go to the nearby Hotel Odom rooftop bar, to drink, think and check of the view. Then head deep into old town towards the dockside to Hotel Las Cortes for great views of the old town, oh, and cocktails! And tapas… And the last two are for those who want to book a hotel room with a rooftop view, either the Senator Cadiz or the Parador Cadiz. Both great, both expensive, so book the one with the cheapest rates.

Outdoor rooftop patio with black chairs and wooden tables, a large palm tree, and historic church towers in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Cityscape view of historic buildings with domed rooftops and bell towers in a Latin American city, with some trees and cloudy sky in the background.
Cityscape with colorful buildings, a street with parked cars, and a waterfront with rocks under a cloudy sky.
Rooftop view of three pools, including a hot tub, with ocean and parking lot in the background.
A wide pathway in a landscaped park with neatly trimmed hedges, tall palm trees, benches, street lamps, and a few birds on the ground.
A paved walkway in a park with lampposts, trees, and greenery on both sides.
Artificial rock formation with waterfalls, a wooden bridge, lush green plants, and a blue sky.

So much to do, so little time! There’s two parks that you should visit, although there’s many more to see. The first is our favorite, on the tip of the bay side called Jardines de Alameda Apodaca. I’m not kidding. It has a great outdoor bar area by the fountain and the park overlooks the bay across to the mainland. The other is the Park Genoves which also hugs the bay side right past the first park. It has waterfalls, fountains, and a small kiosk for drinks but the hotel at the other end is a better bet. Super chill, and cool.