The city of Cadiz

Cádiz is a wonderful old Spanish city which is a great destination for travelers. The oldest Western city was founded in a strategic location between Europe and Africa. It was originally settled by the Phoenicians about 1000 B.C.E. If tourists don’t want to spend a lot of time getting from place to place as they go through Spain, they can stay in Cádiz City and experience much of Spanish history without leaving the environs.

Old Town rests on the tip of the peninsula, dotted with beautiful plazas filled with the colorful life of the city. The New Town surrounds this area with a modern, elegant metropolis edged with exquisite beaches.

The port of Cádiz has grand avenues, beautiful squares, and a variety of gardens visitors can tour enjoying the city’s ambiance. Several historic castles built through various periods of the past reside in the city: Puerta Tierra; San Sebastián Castle built as a fort on a small island off La Caleta Beach; Santa Catalina Castle used as a concert hall and exhibition center; and Torre Tavira which provides an exquisite view of the surrounding scenery from its upper level location.

Cathedrals and churches dot the city streets. The old Cathedral (Barrio del Pópulo) was destroyed several times throughout history leaving only the entrance and vault. The church of Oratorio de San Felipe Neri served as Cadiz’s parliament building during the Napoleonic War. In 1812, within its walls, the first constitution was drawn up.

Museums in Cadiz include the Archeological Museum, Real Academia de Bellas Artes Museum housing a collection of Phoenician and Roman art, the Municipal museum revealing the city’s local history, and Cadiz Museum containing three sections: Archeology, Bellas Artes and Ethnology.

Parque Genovés Park was expanded in the 19th century to include many plant species from America. Wine, cheese, sherry, olive oil, and cold meats are popular items in the markets of Cadiz. Ceramics, furniture, blankets and ponchos are also popular craftwork for souvenirs.

Cádiz’s weather is not too hot in summer or too cold in winter, but can be very windy any time of the year. The city has become a popular holiday destination for families wanting the benefits of Spanish beaches without the crowds on the Costa del Sol. Service industries have increased greatly over the past few years. The standard of these new services are excellent, providing guests with the wonderful experience they expect from the welcoming people of Spain.

The province of Cadiz

The Andalucía area of southern Spain contains windswept beaches, scenic whitewashed villages and sherry that are celebrated throughout the world. One of the rainiest regions in Spain, the Sierra de Grazalema National Park, is within its borders; along with fishing ports that date back to Romans, Greeks, and Phoenicians. The Cadiz Coast draws everyone from birdwatchers to windsurfers and those who prefer its wild shoreline.

Cadiz City rests on a peninsula that juts into the bay. It is almost completely surrounded by the sea. It began as a Phoenician trade center in 1100 B.C.E. Spain’s first Constitution was declared in Cadiz in 1812. The old quarter of Cadiz is famous for its charming buildings reflecting the overseas history. The provincial government resided in the Cathedral and churches of the city in defiance of Napoleon’s siege. Cadiz reflects its Moorish heritage through narrow cobbled streets and small squares. An hour’s walk takes visitors around the old town, through verdant parks and provides scenic views of the bay.

In Cadiz Province, the dramatic rock of Gibraltar, famous worldwide, is strategically located at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. A narrow isthmus links it to Spain as the rock overlooks the Straits of Gibraltar.

Also part of Andalucía is Seville, its largest city, set on the banks of the Guadalquivir and one of the largest historical centers in Europe. The city merges much of Spain’s history, containing one of Christendom’s largest Cathedrals: La Giralda, and the Moorish Alcázar Palace. The city is the capital of Andalucía and has hosted two international exhibitions in 1929 and 1992. Maria Luisa Park and the riverside walks represent the beauties of this city.

Malaga, Spain—the second largest city in Andalucía—lies on the Costa del Sol. West of the Cathedral tourists find the old town market area. Its market hall has an impressive marble entrance door leading to displays of seafood, fresh vegetables, and flowers from the region. In the nearby streets local restaurants serve area specialties centered on homegrown meats, fish and produce. Nowhere will guests receive a better taste of Spain.