CADIZ los town and Puerto de Santa Maria

Cadiz is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance from one another. Alternatively, you can use public transportation like buses or taxis to get around. An excellent alternative is the “Hop on Hop off” city tour bus. However If you plan to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car might be a good option. Cadiz is brimming with historical and cultural landmarks. Some must-visit places include the Cadiz Cathedral, Torre Tavira (a tower with fantastic panoramic views), Plaza de España, , and the Cadiz Roman Theatre. Playa de La Caleta, is an exceptional beach right in the old town. and due to it being western facing arrive an hour before sundown and watch the amazing sunset.

Indulge in the local culinary delights. Cadiz is known for its fresh seafood, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit Mercado Central de Abastos which was built in 1838, and is Spain’s oldest covered market and was restored mid 2010’s. Keeping its 19th-century ambience, there are nearly 200 stalls selling everything a true gourmet could wish for. At its busiest on Friday or Saturday, the locals consume fried fish and wash it down with well chilled manzanilla (dry fino sherry).

Restaurante El Faro, located in the south-western La Viña district of the old town, is a hidden gem cherished by locals despite its somewhat weathered appearance from the outside. However, once you step inside, you’ll discover why it’s a beloved favourite among the community.
Originally starting as a humble sailors’ tavern, El Faro has undergone a transformation into an elegant and sophisticated restaurant. Its reputation is built on serving exceptional locally caught seafood, with prices for such dishes starting at less than €20. Their specialty, tortillitas de camarones (prawn fritters), is a must-try at a reasonable price.
The interior of the restaurant reflects a grand and charming ambiance. Dark wood furnishings, crisp tablecloths, traditional azulejo tiles, and aged photographs of past patrons add to the overall nostalgic atmosphere. The waiting staff, still wear bow ties and white jackets which further contribute to the restaurant’s timeless charm.
Given its evolution from a simple sailors’ tavern to an upscale dining establishment, Restaurante El Faro offers a unique blend of history and culinary excellence. This combination of authentic character and delicious food has made it a cherished spot among locals and a memorable destination for visitors seeking an authentic taste of the region.

Like many other Spanish cities Cadiz is particularly famed for its vibrant “carnaval parade”. check your calendar as it takes place 6 weeks before Easter. If you time your visit with this event, you will remember it forever. Strolling through the city’s gorgeous narrow streets and squares have something extra magical about them and don’t forget to look around, you may come across a hidden gem or find something that catches your eye, they are definitely one of the reasons to visit Cadiz.

However bear in mind that many shops and businesses close for a few hours in the early afternoon for siesta, especially during the summer months. Plan your activities accordingly, and you’ll find many places reopen later in the day. Respect Local Customs: Like in any foreign country, it’s important to be mindful of local customs and traditions. Greeting people with a handshake or “hola” is common, and it’s polite to say “gracias” (thank you) and “por favor” (please) when interacting with locals. El Puerto de Santa María is a beautiful town on the opposite bank of the river from Cádiz. It has stunning beaches, delicious sea food, and vibrant culture, and is easily reached by taking the regular ferry from Cadiz. Once you’re in El Puerto, you can easily get around the old town on foot. El Puerto is famed for having an abundance of 17th century palaces earning it the nickname of the “city of 100 palaces”. One of the most unique palaces is Casa Palacio de los Leones, which is now a hotel. If you look closely you can see a variety of lion sculptures decorating the exterior, and is the most impressive example of baroque architecture in the entire town. The town is famous for its sherry wine production. Most od the Sherry houses have their local bodegas (wineries and storage) and you are able to sample some of the finest wines. Fish and seafood is King here and you MUST give it a try. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have a delightful and enriching experience exploring the historic city of Cadiz and its captivating surroundings

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HOLIDAY IN THE SUN

CADIZ los town and Puerto de Santa Maria