Cadiz: sights of the oldest city

Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Europe and, according to historians, the oldest city in Spain, founded by the Phoenicians over 3,000 years ago. It is located on a narrow peninsula on the Atlantic coast and has played an important role as a commercial and maritime centre in Andalusia for centuries.

Today, Cadiz attracts travellers with its unique atmosphere: here, ancient heritage, medieval quarters, fortresses, cathedrals and picturesque beaches intertwine. The historic city centre is compact and ideal for walking, and many of Cadiz's main attractions are within walking distance of each other.

In this article, you’ll discover the must-see sights of Cadiz, the most interesting places in the old part of the city, and how to best plan your walk to experience the spirit of one of the most distinctive cities in southern Spain.

History of Cadiz 

The history of Cadiz begins with its founding by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC. Thanks to its strategic location on the Atlantic coast, the city quickly became an important trading centre. The earliest archaeological finds date back to the 8th century BC.

At various times, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims settled here. In 206 BC, the city, then known as Gades, became part of the Roman Empire and flourished under the name ‘Augusta Urbs Julia Gaditana’.

Cadiz gained particular importance in the 15th and 16th centuries, when it became one of the key ports of the Age of Discovery. It was from here that Christopher Columbus set sail on his expeditions, and in 1500, settlers from Cadiz founded Nueva Cadiz, the first Spanish city in America.

In the 18th century, the city experienced a new economic boom after the transfer in 1717 of the Casa de la Contratación de Indias, which regulated trade with the New World.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Cádiz withstood a siege by Napoleon's troops and became the political centre of the country. From 1810 to 1813, it was the temporary capital of Spain, and in 1812, the first Spanish constitution was adopted here.

Today, Cádiz remains an important seaport in Spain and a popular tourist destination, attracting travellers with its history, architecture and the atmosphere of southern Andalusia.

What to see in Cadiz: an itinerary of the 10 main attractions

The best place to start your walk around Cádiz is the historic centre, where most of the city's main attractions are concentrated. The old town is compact and ideal for a leisurely walking tour.

Of course, the specific route may depend on how you get to Cadiz and where you are staying. For example, we parked our car near the railway station and set off on foot, so the first stop on our route was the Puerta de Tierra gate, the symbolic entrance to the old part of the city.

💡 Important: to ensure that your holiday is not marred by unpleasant surprises, do not leave your car in unauthorised places and familiarise yourself with the parking rules in Spain in advance.

1. Puerta de Tierra Gate

Puerta de Tierra is the Spanish name for the main entrance to the historic centre of Cádiz, which for centuries served as the boundary between the old town and the new part of the city.

The gate was built in the 18th century as part of a powerful fortified wall that protected the city from attacks from land. At that time, Cadiz was essentially a fortified city on an island, and Puerta de Tierra played a key role in its defence.

Today, the Puerta de Tierra gate remains an important historical landmark and a logical starting point for exploring Cadiz. It is a convenient place to begin a walk through the old town and venture deeper into its narrow streets and squares.

The next stop on the route is Cadiz City Hall Square, located just a few minutes' walk away.

2. Cadiz City Hall (Ayuntamiento) and San Juan de Dios Square

The Cadiz City Hall and the square next to it, San Juan de Dios, is one of the main and liveliest spots in the historic centre of the city. It's a place where everyday life in Cadiz mixes with its history.

The city council building is designed in a neoclassical style and stands out for its massive columns and elegant arches. It symbolises the political and administrative role that Cadiz has played over the centuries, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries.

San Juan de Dios Square is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. It is home to cafés and restaurants, hosts city events, and throughout the day is filled with movement, sounds and the characteristic atmosphere of a southern Andalusian city.

From the town hall square, the route continues deeper into the old town to the Roman Theatre, which is also just a few minutes' walk away.

3. Roman Theatre — Teatro Romano

The historic centre of Cádiz hides one of the city's most unexpected archaeological finds: an ancient Roman theatre, discovered by chance in the 1980s.

The theatre is considered one of the largest structures of the Roman era in Spain and dates back to the 1st century BC. Although only part of the structure has survived to this day, the scale of the building is still evident even now.

Visiting the Roman Theatre is free, which makes it a particularly attractive stop on the itinerary for history and archaeology enthusiasts. The tour does not take long and fits conveniently into a walk through the old town.

4. Cadiz Cathedral — Catedral de Cádiz

The Cathedral of Cádiz is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. Its golden dome can be seen from different parts of Cádiz and has long been its architectural symbol.

The cathedral's construction took over a hundred years, so its appearance harmoniously combines elements of Baroque and Neoclassical styles. The building has two façades: one faces the city, the other faces the ocean, emphasising Cadiz's maritime character.

The cathedral's interior is filled with light, which effectively highlights the architectural details and high arches. Be sure to climb the bell tower, which offers panoramic views of the old town, the Atlantic Ocean and the coast.

Entrance to the cathedral costs around €10 (prices may vary). Guided tour tickets are also available, allowing visitors to learn more about the history and architecture of this outstanding monument.

5. Central Market — Mercado Central

The Central Market of Cádiz, or Mercado Central, is one of the oldest covered markets in Spain. Built in 1838, it remains the centre of city life and attracts both locals and tourists.

Today, it offers a wide selection of fresh fish, seafood, meat, vegetables and fruit. For visitors, the market is a great opportunity to get acquainted with Andalusian cuisine, try traditional and modern tapas, and wash them down with refreshing drinks.

The area around the market is often used for city events and celebrations, including the famous Cadiz Carnival. This place perfectly showcases the lively atmosphere of the city and its cultural traditions.

The next stop on the route is the Tavira Tower, which offers the best panoramic view of the old town and the Atlantic Ocean.

6. Tavira Tower — Torre Tavira

The Tavira Tower is one of the few remaining watchtowers in Cadiz and the tallest watchtower in the historic city centre. It rises approximately 33 metres above ground level and 45 metres above sea level.

Inside the tower, you can climb up to the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of the old town and the Atlantic coast. The cost of visiting the tower is about €5. You can also combine your visit with a camera obscura, a unique optical device that displays what is happening outside on a horizontal screen in a dark room.
The cost of a combined ticket is €8, and up to 10 people are allowed in one session.

From the Tavira Tower, the route continues to the castles of San Sebastian and Santa Catalina, which are located on the coast and once played a key role in the defence of the city.

7. San Sebastián Castle and Santa Catalina Castle

Cadiz is surrounded by Spanish fortresses, of which San Sebastian Castle and Santa Catalina Castle are considered the most famous and easily accessible for walks.

Both structures are located on the Atlantic coast and are connected to the city by picturesque promenades. San Sebastian Castle is located on a small island, and walking across the long stone bridge to it turns into a real little adventure.

Although these are primarily fortifications rather than classic castles, they are well worth a visit — they give an idea of the strategic importance of Cadiz and offer magnificent views of the sea and the old town.

After the castles, the route continues to Genoa Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city.

8. Genovés Park — Parque Genovés

In the heart of Cadiz lies the picturesque Genovés Park with its rich collection of plants and trees. The park is distinguished by its well-maintained grounds, neatly trimmed thuja and cypress trees, and clean walking paths.

The park's charm is enhanced by a pond with a small waterfall and a grotto that you can walk through. Sculptures dot the paths, including the famous statue of children under an umbrella — one of the park's most photogenic attractions.

The next stop on the route is Plaza de España, where the walk through the old town ends and views of Cadiz's architectural gems open up.

9. Spain Square — Plaza de España

Plaza de España is one of the most important squares in Cádiz. It was created after the demolition of the wall of Plaza del Carbón and the expansion of the area in honour of the centenary of the 1812 Constitution and the French siege.

The square features some remarkable buildings: the House of Four Towers, the Customs House (now the provincial council headquarters) and the 1812 Constitution Monument, which attracts tourists and is a popular spot for photos.

From here, it is convenient to finish your walk through the old town or head to the promenade and beaches to enjoy the sea air and panoramic views of the Atlantic.

10. Beaches and promenade

One cannot talk about the sights of Cadiz without mentioning its beaches. La Caleta Beach is small but picturesque, surrounded by stone fortresses, and ideal for a walk at sunset.

The long beach of Playa de la Victoria will delight lovers of active recreation and water sports. Along the 4.5 km promenade, there are numerous cafés, bars and restaurants where you can sample traditional cuisine of Andalusia.

A stroll along the waterfront will not only allow you to enjoy the sea air, but also to see the city from a new perspective — the combination of beaches, historic architecture and city life creates the unique atmosphere of Cadiz.

After such an eventful walk, it's time to move on to some useful travel tips to make your visit to Cadiz as comfortable as possible.

Useful tips for tourists in Cadiz

Transport: Cadiz is a compact city, and the best way to explore it is on foot. This will allow you to soak up the atmosphere of the narrow streets, historic squares and lively waterfronts. For trips outside the city, it is convenient to use buses or a rental car.

Gastronomy: The city is famous for its seafood. Be sure to try the local tapas, tuna dishes, fresh paella and grilled fish. The Mercado Central market is a great place for authentic tastings and an introduction to Andalusian cuisine.

Holidays and events: If possible, visit the Carnival in Cadiz, one of Spain's most vibrant and famous carnivals, with music, costumes and traditional performances. In addition to the carnival, check out the local festivals on the waterfront and in Plaza de España.

Tours: To learn more about the hidden corners of the old town, consider organised tours with professional guides. They will show you historical secrets, little-known courtyards and unusual monuments that are easy to miss when walking on your own.

Lifestyle: Spaniards prefer a leisurely pace of life. Enjoy evening siestas, long dinners in tapas bars and walks along the promenade at sunset.

Unusual ideas:

• Take a stroll through the streets of the old town with your camera — in Cadiz, almost every door, balcony and street is photogenic.
• Look for small cafés that serve pescaito frito, fried small fish prepared according to a local recipe.
• Take a short trip by ferry or boat around the historic peninsula — beautiful views of Cadiz from the water open up unexpectedly.
• Visit small workshops and souvenir shops, where you can find unique items made of leather, ceramics, and local glass.