The Andalusian city of Cadiz, with more than 7000 metres of white sandy beaches and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most attractive destinations in Andalusia, not only thanks to its beautiful beaches, but also for its rich gastronomy, architecture and the people who are always ready to have a good time. The legendary Carnival of Cadiz is a perfect example of their party spirit. For those of you visiting Cadiz for the first time, we have prepared a mini-guide of the things you can do in Cadiz or the Silver Cup as it affectionately known by the locals.
Essential guide to Cadiz for an enjoyable day
Breakfast of tostadas de manteca colorá. The locals are straightforward people, they like to have a good time and at times this involves getting up a bit later and enjoying a hearty breakfast to keep them going through the day. And, there is nothing heartier than toast with manteca colorá (red lard), which is none other than red coloured pig fat cooked with pork, pepper, oregano and laurel that is of course washed down with a strong white coffee, the perfect way to start your day.
A stroll around Genovés Park. Situated opposite the Atlantic Ocean, on Paseo de Santa Barbara and Avenida Doctor Gómez Ulla, this is the main green zone in Cadiz bordered by the old city walls. There you will be able to contemplate some really exotic flowers and vegetation, and admire the lake with a waterfall where the ducks and geese like to swim.
Caleta beach. One of the best known but more modest beaches in the city given that it is located in the Viña district, mainly a fishing zone, the reason for which there are lots of beach bars where you can sit down and enjoy a recently caught fish from the sea on the terrace whilst admiring the stunning view of the Ocean. You will also be able to watch the fishermen go about their daily routine, who prepare their hand-crafted boats which they use to catch all kinds of marine species living in the coastal waters of Cadiz. Here, it is also very typical for families coming from the Viña district to prepare food and go there for the day as if they were at home.
San Sebastián Castle. If you carry on down Caleta beach you will eventually come across San Sebastián Castle, situated on a small island and connected to the mainland by a pier making for a pleasant walk. This Fort, built in 1706 complete with lighthouse inside, is one of the most attractive points in Cadiz, and one of the places where some James Bond and Alatriste scenes have been filmed.
Victoria beach. Extending over 2,900 metres, this beach is perfect for taking a pleasant stroll thanks to its fine, golden sands and seafront flanked with palm trees and lampposts, in addition to the numerous restaurants and bars with terraces where you can relax and have a drink whilst enjoying the view of the immense Atlantic Ocean. This is a very family beach, surrounded by buildings and where the locals usually gather to carry out celebrations for el Dia de San Juan, marking the beginning of summer.
The Viña district and Plaza de los Flores. The most modest district in Cadiz, but the most attractive thanks to its churches, cobbled-stone streets, and squares with their abundance of bars with terraces, and most of all the freiduras whether they are street stalls or bars. You can buy a cone filled to the brim with all kinds of fish in these fried fish meccas including cuttlefish, small squid, murex (snail), prawns, crab and all kinds of the fish that you can find in Cadiz. The most typical thing to ask for is “Tortilla de camarones” or shrimp omelette, which is the most typical dish of the city. Truly a pleasure for the senses, and remember you have to eat them with your fingers, or at least this is how its done in Cadiz, as well as sit down in a square, on a bench on the seafront, or on the beach itself weather permitting.
El faro restaurant. After you have finished your wanderings around all the beaches in the city such as El Chato, Torregorda, Cortadura, and Santa Maria del Mar, all perfect for taking a pleasant stroll, we recommend that you head down to the Faro restaurant. You can enjoy some really typical tapas in this emblematic restaurant at some very reasonable prices and for a quality that is recognised and appreciated by the locals and culinary experts alike. Here you can try typical dishes such as the best shrimp omelette in the city, as well as the best shellfish and tuna, sausages and cheeses from the region.
Claudia – Marketing Team
