Cadiz for Cruise Passengers

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In this guide I’ll run through some of the main places you might want to explore on a call to Cadiz . I’ve also included an interactive map which you can save onto your phone to help you plan your day and explore ashore in Cadiz.

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Visiting Cadiz from a Cruise Ship

Cadiz always seems to be listed on cruise itineraries as ‘Cadiz for Seville’ or ‘Seville (Cadiz)’. Consequently, many cruise passengers make the mistake of planning their call into Cadiz with a 120 mile or so round trip for a day in Seville. While Seville is beautiful and definitely a location I’d explore further, if it is your first visit to Cadiz, I recommend you explore this wonderful city first before you venture further afield.

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As you know I am a keen advocate for exploring port independently without the need to buy costly shore excursions, and Cadiz (much like A Coruna) is a perfect port to explore on your own. It’s full to the brim beautiful things to see and do and most of it contained in an area not more than a mile from the ship.

Cádiz is a safe destination, but when exploring ashore, take the usual safety precautions; be aware of your surroundings, try to restrict the valuables you take with you, and keep track of your belongings – pickpockets are opportunists

A quick overview of Cadiz

Cadiz lays claim to being the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe – the Phoenicians settled here in 1100 BC. Located on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Cádiz has lots to offer – including rich cultural heritage, well-preserved landmarks (including 100 watchtowers), dramatic architecture and golden beaches.

This wonderful Andalusian city is full of charm and character. As you explore its winding cobbled streets, you’ll come across quaint buildings, a wealth of drinking spots from local taverns to seafront cocktails bars, and restaurants serving delicious tapas and seafood and there’s also plenty of spots to explore with a more tranquil ambiance too.

Perfect gifts to take home from Cadiz include sherry wine and locally made ceramics, or head to the central market to pick up some delicious local produce. There also a chance to buy some last-minute souvenirs in the cruise terminal

Making your way around Cadiz

The cruise terminal is very near all the main spots in Cadiz. The main shopping area and much of the town is easily covered on foot. Right outside the terminal you’ll find the hop on hop off bus and plenty of taxis.

Top things to see and do in Cadiz

I’ve put together an interactive map which gives you an overview of the locations. Bookmark this blogpost on your phone so that you have easy access to the map when you’re in port.

Many of these places are free to visit. Some have a small entrance free. I’ve split the attractions into headings rather than provide you with a rigid itinerary – after all everyone is different and there is nothing more perfect that just wandering and discovering new places for yourself.

If you REALLY do want an itinerary then keep scrolling as I’ve put some links to free walking tours in this guide too.

This guide just gives you some ideas of where you might like to start. If you’d like to see what we visited on a couple of calls to this port, then this video might be helpful and bring things to life a bit more.

Happy exploring, enjoy your time in Cadiz and if there’s anything else you’ve discovered you think might be worth adding to the list let me know in the comments section of the accompanying YouTube video (below).

Historical Landmarks in Cadiz

Torre Tavira

General admission is €7. Built in 1717, this tower – the highest in Cádiz – was traditionally used for spotting ships. It offers great city vistas and has a unique camera obscura. Capacity is limited so it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Cathedral de Cádiz

General admission is €6. This 17th-century Baroque, Neo-Classical and Rococo cathedral, features many holy relics, and its Torre del Reloj has panoramic views. The Cathedral sits on the waterfront and is topped off with a massive golden dome. While it is impressive viewed from the square – head on round to the seafront side for equally impressive photos.

Monument to the Constitution of 1812

Probably the closest attraction on here to where the ship docks. The Monument to the Constitution of 1812 is a monument in Cádiz, Spain that commemorates the centennial of the signing of the Constitution of 1812. The monument was commissioned in 1912 and completed in 1929. It is located in the centre of the beautiful Plaza de España which is wonderful, shaded park to walk around.

Teatro Romano de Cádiz

General admission is free. With a well-hidden entrance, at Calle Mesón, 11-13, The Roman Theatre of Cádiz was built in the 1st century BC and was one of the largest ever built in the Roman empire. The building was abandoned at the end of the 3rd century AD and the remains were discovered in 1980 and are still being excavated. You can see the ruins from the Av. Campo del Sur but as admission to the theatre is free it is worth a proper visit if you have time. Opening times are Mon – Sat: 11:00-17:00. Sun 10:00-14:00

Puertas de Tierra

General admission is free – A bastion-monument built around remnants of the old defensive wall at the entrance to the city of Cadiz. It was intended more as a religious altarpiece than as a military fortification. Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am. to 2:30 pm.

Casa de las 4 torres

Built in 1736 with observation towers on Plaza de España, this is now a refined hotel and worth a photo as you make your way from Plaza de España.

Iglesia del Carmen

Admission is free. This is known as the ‘Old cathedral of Cádiz’, until the construction of the current one. This church is the only colonial-style church in Cádiz. A beautiful pink facade that is wonderful for a photo as you stroll past the Jardines de Alameda Apodaca.

Castillo de Santa Catalina

Built after the 1596 Anglo-Dutch destruction of Cádiz, this Italian-style star-shaped fortress overlooking La Caleta Beach. It once served as a military prison but is now used for cultural events. Admission is free

Cadiz Museum

General admission is €1.5. Located on the beautiful Plaza Mina, Cadiz Museum’s expansive collection spans three floors dedicated to art, archaeology and puppets.

Castillo de San Sebastian

General admission is €FREE (CLOSED AT PRESENT). The Castillo de San Sebastián is located on this small island, it is currently undergoing restoration, so you may not be able to visit, but the walk out to the castle offers an opportunity to enjoy the views of Cadiz and the bay of Caleta.

Gran Teatro Falla

General admission is free. A 19th-century theatre completed in 1905 on the site of the previous Gran Teatro which burned down in 1881. Notable for its richness and colour the exterior of the building has a Moorish-style of alternating red and white archway stones which are called voussoirs

Shopping in Cadiz

The Old Town
Downtown Cádiz is an outdoor shopping centre. Nestled in the maze of busy streets you will find shops of all kinds: shoes, clothing, toys, books, arts and crafts, cosmetics and perfumes, as well stores to get souvenirs. The Tienda – museo de Cadi-Cadi is a must visit location for Cádiz-themed gift ideas and handcrafted items.

In the old town the most commercial streets are, Calle Novena, Calle Ancha, Calle Columela and Calle Compañía

Mercado Central de Abastos
This 19th-century neoclassical market is the oldest in Spain and is full of fresh food and tapas stalls. This is a lively and busy market a great place to buy fresh food products.

Best places for shopping in cadiz — One of the main Shopping Streets in Cadiz

Places to eat and drink in Cadiz

There are many places to eat and drink around the Mercado Central de Abastos plus you’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of Tapas Bars along the Calle Plocia https://w3w.co/infuses.coaster.milkman

Beaches in Cadiz

Playa De La Caleta

La Caleta is located in the historical centre. It is the smallest beach in the city and is isolated from the others. This small, secluded beach is bordered by two stone castles (San Sebastián and Santa Catalina) and has been featured in several Hollywood films such as James Bond – Die Another Day with Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry – (The one where Halle Berry appears from the water).

Playa Santa María del Mar

Playa Santa Maria del Mar is approximately 1.1 km away from the centre of Cadiz located near an urban area. It had a short straight coastline with green water and golden sand, so you don’t need special shoes. Quite popular it can be crowded during the high season.

Parks and Open Spaces in Cadiz

Plaza de Mina

Built in the mid-19th century, on the site of the old vegetable garden of San Francisco convent this square has always been a favourite spot with Cadiz residents of all ages. With pretty wrought iron seats, lush garden and shady trees, this beautiful lively plaza is a pleasant square to relax in. Why not combine this with a visit to the nearby museum of Cadiz.

Jardines de Alameda Apodaca

An elegant seafront promenade lined with eye-catching glazed tiles, colourful flowerbeds and exotic trees.

Plaza de San Antonio

A large and lively plaza with many of restaurants, & shops. A great spot for a drink and people watching.

Plaza de España

The Plaza de España is dominated by the Monument to the Constitution of 1812 (see historical landmarks above)

Parque Genovés

Relax in this tranquil oasis of a park, the largest in Cadiz’s old town, with elegantly trimmed hedges, exotic trees, leafy avenues and quirky waterfall. This is one not to miss on your visit to Cadiz. The park has tree and plant specimens from all over the world including the Dragon tree, which is 100 years old, an Iron Heart tree from New Zealand and a Monkey Puzzle Tree – some trees reach up to 50m tall.

Plaza de San Juan de Dios

While Cádiz doesn’t exactly have a main square the Plaza de San Juan de Dios is a major meeting point. The grand plaza opens out onto the harbour and is home to the city hall (a fine neoclassical building), a large fountain and palm trees.

Cadiz for Cruise Passengers — Plaza de San Juan de Dios

Free Walking guides in Cadiz

Surprising Cadiz: Complete city walk guide (11.7 km – 2.5 hours – Medium)
Cadiz Introduction Walk (7.2km – 1.5 hours – Medium)

Useful information

Currency: Euro (EUR)
Emergency services: 112
Police station: National Police station, Av. Andalucía, 28. Tel: +34 956 29 75 00
Tourist information office: Av. Cuatro de Diciembre de 1977. Tel: +34 956 20 31 91

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