What to see in Cádiz in one day
Cádiz’s history goes back to the ninth century BC. That was when the Phoenicians from Tyre landed here, on three islands located at the mouth of the river Guadalete: Erytheia, Kotinoussa and Antipolis. There, the newcomers decided to establish their bases for trade between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coastal area.
Nowadays, on a visit to the Gadir archaeological site, we can appreciate the vital role the establishment of that trading port played in the development and history of the city. And we can also have fun trying to picture the Phoenician port located at the edge of La Caleta beach. By the way, you only have to stroll through the neighbouring district of La Viña to be left spellbound by its authentic atmosphere and the seafood-based cuisine served in its bars and restaurants. Because (good) food plays an all-important role in the day-to-day life of Cádiz.
La Viña’s nerve centre is Calle Virgen de la Palma, which is packed with terrace bars from the moment the good weather arrives. There, set into the wall of one of the houses, is a shrine marking the point reached by the waters from the tsunami triggered by the Lisbon earthquake in 1755.
Are you ready to get the best out of a day in Cádiz? So let’s get started!
Itinerary day 1
09.00-10.00
Mercado Central [Central Market]
By entering Cádiz’s Central Market, you will be stepping foot into one of the finest culinary centres in Andalusia, owing to the quality of its products (particularly the fish caught in the Bay and in the Strait of Gibraltar), and its fantastic atmospheric buzz. If you’re looking to enjoy typical Cádiz food there and then, you can do this in the stalls of the Rincón Gastronómico [Gourmet Corner].
10.30-13.30
The Cathedral and the historic quarter
The Cathedral, the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, the Iglesia de la Santa Cruz (old cathedral), the Plaza de la Mina, the Plaza de la Candelaria and, of course, the 1812 Constitution monument are some of the landmarks to visit in the historic centre of Cádiz. We also recommend visiting the Puertas de Tierra, which separate the old town from the newer part of the city.
14.00-15.30
Jamar Gastrobar
Come enjoy gourmet-style tapas at this laid-back, contemporary restaurant. The exquisite oxtail parmentier with foie and the savoury smoked sardine tosta with Arzúa cheese and tomato marmalade are just two examples of the delicacies prepared here. Wine aficionados will be delighted at the wine list – it boasts a wonderful selection of Spanish wines.
16.00-17.00
Yacimiento arqueológico Gadir
A visit to this complex, lying underneath the Teatro del Títere, is crucial in order to gain an in-depth understanding of Cádiz’s history and particular topography. This is much more than a standard visit; here, expert guides use cutting-edge technology when giving explanations to visitors.
17.30-20.30
La Viña neighbourhood and La Caleta beach
The neighbourhood with the most personality of Cádiz’s historic quarter—and also the most popular—is undoubtedly La Viña. Whether it’s hot or cold, we recommend paying a visit to La Caleta beach, which is its biggest attraction. You should then skirt around the edge of the neighbourhood towards the Campo del Sur: a coastal path that offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Cádiz.
21.00-23.00
Salicornia
This restaurant is specialised in delicious, quality-cut, aged meats. Helmed by former-biologist-turned-chef Juan Höhr, it also surprises and delights with other top-quality products, such as Russian caviar and Japenese Wagyu.