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Cadiz

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Welcome to the province that is part of one of the main tourist destinations on the Spanish coastline: Cádiz. Washed by the Atlantic Ocean, this enclave can boast the mildest climate on the Iberian Peninsula. Long, fine-sandy beaches which are not overbuilt and without streams of visitors, plus the countless cultural, sporting and leisure activities explain why this part of southern Spain is worth a visit. If you are looking for comfortable quiet holidays in Spain, choose one of Iberostar’s Cadiz hotels, where you will be taken care of in the best way possible.

This amazing province which lies on the southwestern Spanish coast beside outstanding beaches, allows you to enjoy nature in its purest form. It is enough to mention the Bay of Cadiz Nature Reserve, or the Los Alcornocales or Sierra de Grazalema Natural Parks. The Sierra de Grazalema Park will surprise you not only with its beauty, but also a unique area known as El Pinsapar, which unlike the rest of the province, this zone in the Park is the rainiest in the Peninsula. Thus, Cadiz is a place of great contrasts providing perfect conditions for a successful summer holiday in Spain.

Special offers

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Up to

20 %
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Special deal

Book early, feel great

Booking until 03/31/25 - Stay: from 05/01/25 to 10/31/25
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5 %
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Booking until 04/15/25 - Stay to 04/30/25
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5 %
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WOW Offer | Iberostar Waves Royal Andalus

Booking until 04/15/25 - Stay to 04/11/25
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10 %
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Treat yourself to a spring by the sea at the best price

Booking until 04/30/25 - Stay to 04/30/25
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Up to

20 %
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Limited offer | May in Andalusia with All Inclusive

Booking until 04/30/25 - Stay: from 05/01/25 to 05/31/25
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Kids stay for free at hotels in Europe and the Mediterranean

What to see in Cadiz

The capital of the province, the city of Cadiz, stands out for its magnificent geographical one-of-a-kind location in Spain and due to its extraordinary luminescence it is popularly known as Tacita de Plata (Silver Cup). Surrounded by the Bay of Cadiz to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Cadiz is a real pearl of Andalusia.

Located near the outfall of three rivers, the Guadalete, the Iro and the Salado de Rota, on a coastline dotted with wetlands and full of salt water currents, such as the San Pedro River or the Caño de Sancti Petri, Cádiz has been an important place of interest since time immemorial. In fact, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1100 AC by Phoenicians from Tyre, in modern day Lebanon.

Among the most popular attractions in Cadiz is the Tavira tower. Built in the 18th century to monitor ships arriving to and leaving from the city, nowadays it invites visitors to enjoy exceptional views from the top. Also, do not miss Cadiz Cathedral, a largely baroque-style Roman Catholic Church constructed in two types of stone. Drop by the lively neighbourhood of El Pópulo, in the old town, and pay a visit to the lively Mercado Central (Central Market) or the Genovés Park dating back to the 19th century.

Among all the historical, natural and cultural attractions of the city, the Museum of Cadiz deserves a special mention. Here visitors can admire two impressive sarcophagi dating back to the Phoenician period, Roman statues and works of famous sculptors, such as Francisco de Zurbarán and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

On the other hand, the areas surrounding our hotels in Chiclana de la Frontera offer other, equally attractive options, such as the Church of Saint John the Baptist (Iglesia de San Juan Bautista) completed in 1814, which hosts two paintings by Zurbarán, the Chapel of the Holy Christ of Vera - the oldest religious building in Chiclana, or the imposing castle of Sancti Petri.

Things to do in Cadiz

Cadiz tourism is based not only on the cultural richness of the city; one also has the opportunity to enjoy the numerous leisure options on offer. This well-known spot on the Costa de la Luz is one of the best holiday destinations in Spain thanks to its wonderful beaches. One of the most famous is La Caleta beach. Located between the castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina, it is an ideal place to contemplate the most beautiful sunsets in Andalusia. Another outstanding beach is Playa de la Victoria which is considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe as it is a perfect place for practicing water sports. But those who prefer to spend time relaxing during their holidays in Spain, can find many activities here too; a visit to an open-air theatre, for example, is one option out of many.

Of course, to enjoy the sun or a relaxing swim you do not have to travel to Cadiz, as in Chiclana de la Frontera the beaches are only 7 km from the town centre. Once there, you can choose between Barrosa and Sancti Petri. The first one is a 6 km-long beach divided into two sections: one of them lies next to the Promenade, stretching all the way to the tower called Torre del Puerco and is more secluded and peppered with pine forests. The second, Sancti Petri, is a 2 km long beach separated from Barrosa by cliffs.

And a bit further, in the south of the province, the well-known beaches of Tarifa are waiting for you. These are the best beaches in Spain (and in the whole of Europe) for surfing and kitesurfing. In addition, from here one can take a ferry to the north of Morocco.

Finally, it is important to mention that Chiclana de la Frontera is a great place to play golf in Cadiz. You are more than welcome to use the facilities of the Novo Sancti Petri Golf Club for this purpose.

a large pool of water

The best Cádiz hotels

So that you can experience all the Cadiz attractions in person, we can offer you a couple of the best hotels in Spain. One of them is the Iberostar Royal Andalus - a four-star beachfront hotel with a spa, double and triple sea-view rooms, a gym and a private golf course. Without a doubt, this resort in Chiclana de la Frontera is one of the best family hotels in the Costa de la Luz, as it offers activities for children and has a playground and a swimming pool.

However, if you are looking for even more exclusive accommodation in Cadiz, the Iberostar Selection Andalucía Playa is at your service. Stay at this 5 star hotel with direct access to the beach, a restaurant serving gourmet food and typical Andalusian dishes, a spa (for an additional fee) and a golf course which together will turn your holidays in Spain into a dream.

Check out our hotel deals in Cadiz and get ready for some really exciting and relaxing days on the Costa de la Luz.

The best beaches of Cadiz

The beaches in Cádiz run along 260km and are considered to be the most beautiful in Spain. They are very well kept. The sea and the beauty of the landscape make this area of Costa de la Luz a perfect sun and sea holiday destination and an ideal place to do water sports such as surfing.

Main beaches in Cádiz:

  • Chiclana beaches: La Barrosa and Sancti Petri are two of the most popular beaches in Cádiz. Located in Sancti Petri Nature Park, very close to an old fishing village and surrounded by marshes, they offer a wide range of services and are ideal for couples or families with kids.
  • City of Cádiz beaches: La Victoria, La Caleta and La Cortadura are in the City of Cádiz. They combine the urban landscape with an unspoiled natural environment. In their 6km of fine sand with a moderate swell, they offer all kinds of services for a day in the sun with your family.
  • Conil beaches: The coves of Roche are very well known on the coast of Cádiz. They lie past La Barrosa, next to Nuevo Sancti Petri. They are natural beaches, and most of them are wild: Cala del Pato, Cala Encendida, Cala del Tío Juan de Medina… They are all perfect to lie in the sun with your partner.
  • Tarifa beaches: These windy beaches are chosen by surfers from all over the world when they travel to Southern Spain. Yerbabuena, El Balneario, Bolonia, Los Lances del Norte and Los Lances del Sur are among the best surfing or windsurfing beaches in Cádiz.
a sandy beach next to the ocean

Local festivals in Cadiz

The local festivals in Cádiz are full of colour and joy. Marked by the ironic humour typical of this province in Southern Spain, Cádiz’s feasts and festivals are a good way to get to know the local people, their traditions and the deep essence of Andalusia in this beautiful area of Costa de la Luz.

Major events in Cádiz

  • Carnival in Cádiz: Carnival in Cádiz enjoys international fame. Designated as a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest, it is a special time of year in Cádiz. The nice weather of this province in February invites visitors and locals to get to the streets, the beaches and the theatres. Chirigotas are Carnival second’s name, and La Viña, in Cádiz, their place of residence.
  • Easter: As in other parts of Andalusia, Easter is rooted in religious devotion and passion in all the towns in the province. The official procession in the capital city goes through Plaza de la Candelaria, Montañés Street, Plaza del Palillero, Novena Street and Ancha Street. La Borriquita or La madrugá on Good Friday are two of the most interesting processions during Easter Week.
  • Horse Fair in Jerez: This is one of the main events in the province. Since the Middle Ages, the Horse Fair has witnessed horse parades in the streets, marquees, locally produced wine and food, songs and dances until dawn for seven to nine days. It is held a week after the April Fair in Seville.
  • Feast of El Carmen: Cádiz has a long coastline and the sea is a source of wealth, which is the reason why the Virgin of El Carmen is worshipped in all the coastal towns of the province. Every 16th of July, statues of Our Lady of El Carmen are carried on unforgettable processions at sea.
  • Sanlúcar horseraces: In the second half of August, Sanlúcar de Barrameda holds one of the most famous and singular events in Cádiz: a racehorse on the beach. A show filled with light, colour and energy.
  • Grape harvest festival: A land of vineyards, Cádiz is the province in Andalusia with the largest area covered with vines: 11,000ha producing outstanding wines – fino, manzanilla, oloroso, amontillado, palo cortado and the well-known Pedro Ximénez. The festival takes place in September, and the most attractive celebrations are to be found in Jerez.

Nature in Cadiz

Cádiz is one of the Spanish provinces with the highest number of natural areas. In 7,435.85 km², it has 7 big parks, 2 biosphere reserves, a national park and 24 nature reserves. Cádiz is the sierras and the fabulous beaches, the Corrales de Rota, Punta del Boquerón, the marshes of Sancti Petri, and many other natural wonders.

Natural areas in Cádiz:

  • Sancti Petri Nature Park and La Barrosa. A singular natural area with marshes and beaches like Río San Pedro, in Puerto Real, Camposoto and El Castillo, in San Fernando, and La Barrosa. It has signposted paths, navigable waters and horse trails across a splendid scenery.
  • Bahía de Cádiz Nature Park: Dunes, beaches, vegetation, marshes... The nature park that includes Sancti Petri and Trocadero island offers a good chance to come closer to nature and enjoy active family holidays. Bahía de Cádiz Nature Park spans over 10,500ha of Mediterranean wetlands.
  • Doñana National Park: The natural gem of Southern Spain, designated as a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Doñana is a big natural area notable for its marshlands and scrub woodlands. It is home to resident populations of Iberian lynx and a number of migratory bird species.
  • Sierra de Grazalema: In the area of Serranía de Ronda belonging to Cádiz, designated as a Biosphere Reserve, Sierra de Grazalema is 600 to 1,600m above sea level and is surrounded by valleys, amazing gorges and caves like La Pileta or Cueva del Gato, the biggest in Andalusia.
  • Los Alcornocales: Between Cádiz and Málaga, Los Alcornocales Park extends from the sierra to El Estrecho Nature Park. Water is the main element here, as the park is home to numerous rivers and reservoirs. Active travellers can go hiking in the park.

Curiosities about Cadiz

Cádiz Province has an eventful past; curious facts and stories make it an interesting destination, with a marked southern character and singular traditions. Its capital is the oldest city in the Western world. The Spanish Constitution was signed in Cádiz, a city that is the birthplace of singer Lola Flores and musicians like Camarón de la Isla or Manuel de Falla.

History of Cádiz and curious facts:

  • The oldest city in the Western world: Founded by the Phoenicians as Gadir (a word that meant ‘sacred ground’) in 1100 BC, Cádiz City is more than 3,000 years old.
  • 44 municipalities and 6 regions: Cádiz Province comprises 44 municipalities and 6 regions: Bahía de Cádiz, Costa Noroeste, the Sierras, Campo de Gibraltar, Campiña de Jerez and Janda.
  • Cádiz or ‘the little silver cup’: ‘Little silver cup’ is just one of the many names given to the capital of the province. They say it refers to the silvery colour of the sea beneath the bright sunlight on the coast, in a region that enjoys over 3,200 hours of sunlight a year.
  • The origin of French tortilla: This simple dish, actually an omelette, was prepared in different places, but the name ‘French tortilla’ was coined in Cádiz during the siege by the French troops, when the city ran out of potatoes, an ingredient used to make the traditional Spanish omelette or ‘tortilla’.
  • The oldest fresh food market in Spain: The Cádiz town market is the oldest in Spain selling fresh food of the land.
  • La Cortadura Fort: The people of Cádiz succeeded in stopping the advancement of the French troops by demolishing the homes in the outskirts and building a stronghold named La Cortadura Fort.
  • Birthplace of Camarón de la Isla, Lola Flores and Manuel de Falla. Three big names in the world of Spanish music, each in their own style, were born in Cádiz: flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla, in San Fernando; Lola Flores, in Jerez de la Frontera, and composer Manuel de Falla in Cádiz City.
  • Cradle of motor racing: Jerez de la Frontera, in Cádiz Province, is home to one of the most important speedways in Spain, which every year plays host to the Spanish motor racing GP.
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