Founded by the Phoenicians and believed to be the oldest continually inhabited settlement in Europe, Cádiz is a marvel for heritage aficionados. It’s also a beautiful seaside city, fringed by sandy beaches and crumbling ocean walls. Brilliant for summer beach holidays as well as cultural explorations, this Andalucían gem boasts a wide range of accommodation options fit for various tastes and budgets. Whether contemporary or more rustic, the best places to stay in Cádiz are close to the city centre — ideal for couples, friends and families alike.
The city’s iconic domed Catedral de Cádiz is the starting point for many a visitor, towering over the white-washed shops and houses of the old town. For a sense of the city’s storied past, see the Museo de Cádiz or take a guided walking tour past the grand Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, the Puerta de Teirra and the Iglesia de Santa Cruz, amongst other monuments. The Teatro Romano is also impressive. Join thronging crowds at the Mercado Central de Abastos — Spain’s oldest covered market — or kick back on the sands of Playa de la Victoria or Playa La Caleta. Cádiz’s fortified sea walls, lapped by the Atlantic Ocean, reveal small yet inviting beaches; journey towards the newer part of town for longer stretches of golden sand.
Come evening, catch a performance at the landmark Gran Teatro Falla, a 19th-century concert hall, or tuck in to fresh seafood at the Plaza de San Juan de Dios. Hear live music wafting on the evening breeze as you wander back to your room at one of the best places to stay in Cádiz.