Cádiz is easily seen in a day. Almost surrounded by sea on a narrow peninsula, its old town is compact and walked from square to square. This route covers the essentials of the oldest city in the West without rushing.
Getting there
By train from Seville in 1h 40min and from Jerez in 40 min. The station is right by the old town. It's an easy day trip from Seville or a great base for the province (Jerez, Tarifa, the Costa de la Luz beaches).
The one-day route
Start at the Cathedral facing the Atlantic and climb the Clock Tower to see the city ringed by sea. Continue through the medieval El Pópulo quarter and climb Torre Tavira (the tallest, with a camera obscura) to grasp the city's layout. Stroll the squares (San Antonio, Mina, Flores) and finish at La Caleta beach, between the castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina, for sunset.
Where to eat
Fried fish and shrimp fritters at the Central Market and the fry shops of La Viña quarter. Avoid the more touristy terraces by the Cathedral.
What we don't recommend
- Seeing it only in passing from Seville. Sunset at La Caleta is worth staying for.
- Skipping the watchtowers. They're the best way to understand the city.
- Eating away from the market and La Viña. That's where the real fried fish is.
In one sentence
Cádiz in a day is light, sea on all sides and Cádiz wit. With more time, Jerez (wine and horses) and Tarifa are a step away.