One of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia, bathed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and with a lot of history in its streets. In this article, we tell you the best things to do in Cádiz in 1 or 2 days.
The location of Cádiz is unusual in that it is an extension of land joined to the peninsula by an isthmus, surrounded by water.
In two days in Cádiz you can stroll through the historic centre, its castles, beaches in the centre and main monuments. If you have more time, near Cádiz there are many things to do, such as going on a day trip to Tarifa.
Itinerary of Cadiz in 2 days
- Day 1: Streets and squares of the historic centre of Cadiz, Alameda Apodaca, Genovés Garden, Castles and La Caleta beach.
- Day 2: San Juan de Dios square, Cathedral, Tavira Tower, Campo del Sur avenue, Gadir archaeological site, Victoria beach.
Let’s discover the essential things to do in Cádiz in two days.
📷 Book your free tour of Cadiz here. With an expert guide you will tour the main attractions of the city centre.
Day 1: Touring part of the historic centre and the castles of Cádiz
1) Streets and squares in the historic centre of Cádiz
We begin our tour of Cádiz at Punta Candelaria, making a tour of its many mythical squares: Plaza de Mina, Plaza de las Flores, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de la Candelaria, among others.
The squares are ideal for stopping for a drink, and there are plenty of little bars that are packed with people.
You should also stroll through the narrow streets of the historic centre and visit the Monument to the Constitution of 1812.
📷 If you want a tour that tells you all about the city, we recommend you book the guided tour of Cadiz.
2) Alameda Apodaca
This beautiful seaside promenade is located on the city walls, overlooking El Puerto de Santa María. Ideal for relaxing and watching the sea, it has rooms decorated with Sevillian ceramics.
3) Genovés Garden, one of the attractions to visit in Cádiz
The Parque Genovés is a large green space within the historic centre, with a large number and variety of plants, which makes it a real botanical garden.
It’s a great place to escape the heat if you’re in the middle of summer, or to take a break from the city centre. In addition to a large number of plants, there are monuments and the famous Grotto, a small lake with a waterfall. For all these reasons, for us it is a must-see in Cádiz.
4) Santa Catalina Castle
Sent to be built as a defensive fortification by King Felipe II at the end of the 16th century, the castle is in very good condition. It is accessed via a bridge to the parade ground, and inside there are now exhibition rooms and art workshops. From the castle there are very good views of the beach of La Caleta.
5) Things to do in Cádiz, La Caleta beach
Located between the castles of Santa Catalina and San Sebastián, it is one of the most popular beaches in the city and the closest to the historic centre. It has a large sandy area and the sea on this beach is calm, ideal for swimming.
La Caleta beach is famous for its sunsets, a spectacle that must be seen in Cádiz.
📷 Do you want to see the city from a different perspective? Book a boat trip in the bay of Cadiz at sunset.
6) San Sebastian Castle
The castle of San Sebastián, located at one end of La Caleta beach, was originally a Venetian chapel from the mid-15th century. The castle was built later, at the beginning of the 18th century, as a defensive fortification.
Currently, the Castle of San Sebastián is connected to the coast by a breakwater and can be visited free of charge. The site is open every day with extended hours (usually from morning until sunset), although exact times may vary depending on the season and scheduled cultural events, so it is advisable to check them before going.
Day 2: Cádiz Cathedral, Tavira Tower, Gadir archaeological site and Victoria beach.
7) San Juan de Dios Square
One of the main attractions to do in Cádiz is the main square, surrounded by beautiful historic buildings such as the Town Hall, the church of San Juan de Dios and the Casa de los Pazos Miranda, and a large number of bars and restaurants where you can have a drink.
In the centre of the square stands the figure of the Cadiz politician Segismundo Moret. All this is complemented by the beautiful fountains and palm trees, which give the square a special colour.
8) Cádiz Cathedral
Built during the 18th century in baroque and neoclassical style, it has a cross shape and an imposing façade flanked by two towers. The particularity is that the Cathedral is visible from the entire avenue Campos del Sur.
Right next to the Cathedral is the Mirador between Cathedrals, located between the New Cathedral and the Old Cathedral. It is a large terrace with free access, from where you can enjoy breathtaking sea views.
📷 Book your guided tour of Cadiz Cathedral and the Tavira Tower here. Includes entrance to both attractions and guide.
9) Stroll along Campo del Sur Avenue, by the sea.
Cadiz is known as La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), because of its resemblance to the Malecón in Havana. Along this avenue, the scenery is breathtaking with the Cathedral as a backdrop.
10) Tavira Tower
The Tavira Tower is the tallest of all the towers in Cádiz, with a height of 45 metres. For many years, it was the watchtower of the port.
Today, it houses the Camera Obscura and two exhibition halls. In addition, due to its height and location, it offers beautiful views of the entire historic centre of Cádiz.
11) Gadir Archaeological Site
The site of Gadir is one of the oldest Phoenician settlements in the west. A tour of the interior reveals the layout of the ancient streets, dwellings and artefacts from the 9th century BC.
The ancient buildings were made of mud and clay, and the most striking feature is the figure of a Phoenician who died in a fire in the 6th century BC.
Access to the site is free of charge.
12) Victoria Beach
At the height of the station Segunda Aguada de Cercanías, you will find the Victoria beach, a huge sandy beach where you can sunbathe peacefully. The day we visited there was an impressive haze.
After a few hours the mist cleared, the beach returned to normal and we continued to enjoy the sun and water like children.
Things to do around Cádiz
If you have more time, there are many places to see around Cádiz. Some of them are:
- Setenil de las Bodegas
- Jerez de la Frontera
- Olvera
- Arcos de la Frontera
- Ronda
- Vejer de la Frontera
- Zahara de los Atunes
- Tarifa
📷 If you want to get to know the surroundings, we recommend these excursions to do from Cádiz: excursion to Jerez de la Frontera, white villages of Cádiz tour, excursion to Tarifa and Baelo Claudia.
Practical information for your trip to Cádiz
How to get from Jerez de la Frontera to Cádiz if you arrive by plane?
You can go by bus or train, both stations in Jerez are next to each other.
The suburban train connects Jerez de la Frontera with Cádiz in 45 minutes and runs every half hour.
Where to stay in Cádiz?
There are many options for accommodation in Cádiz. It is clear that it is best to sleep in the historic centre, within walking distance of the places to see in Cádiz and the beach.
Below we recommend three places to stay in Cádiz:
- Hotel Patagonia Sur: 200 metres from the Cathedral, it offers a buffet breakfast, comfortable rooms and very good value for money.
- Hotel Casa de las Cuatro Torres: near the Alameda Apodaca occupies a historic building. The elegant details of furniture and decoration in the common areas as well as in the rooms and its excellent breakfast, make it an unbeatable option.
- Hostal Fantoni: is housed in an 18th century building and is one of the cheapest options for accommodation in the city centre. The rooms are small but clean.
🏨 Do you want to look for other options? Find here the best hotels in Cádiz.
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