Cadiz

Cadiz, founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC as Gadir, is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the West. Located on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, it is almost entirely surrounded by the sea and linked to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The light of Cadiz —so celebrated by poets and painters— and its compact historic centre make it a destination with a personality of its own, away from the hustle of major capitals.

Cadiz Cathedral, built between the 18th and 19th centuries, blends Baroque and Neoclassicism and dominates the city skyline. From the Torre de Poniente you get views over the ocean and the rooftops. The Roman Theatre, the Oratorio de la Santa Cueva and the Museum of Cadiz complete the monumental offer. The La Viña quarter is the heart of Carnival: narrow streets, bars and peñas where chirigotas and comparsas prepare the satirical songs that make Cadiz the capital of humour and verse criticism.

The Carnival of Cadiz is one of the most original festivals in Spain. For two weeks, the streets fill with costumes, music and satirical lyrics sung by groups (chirigotas, comparsas, choirs). It is a Festival of International Tourist Interest and attracts thousands of visitors. Outside Carnival, Cadiz offers urban beaches like La Caleta —between the castles of Santa Catalina and San Sebastián— and La Victoria, and a promenade that runs along much of the coast.

Cadiz gastronomy is all about the sea: fried fish (cazón, adobo, acedía), shrimp fritters (tortillitas de camarones), urta a la roteña, mackerel and tuna. Central bars serve tapas and raciones in a relaxed atmosphere. Manzanilla from Sanlúcar and fino are the local wines. Cadiz has a Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influence; the levante wind can be strong but the sun shines most of the year. The city is well connected by train to Seville and Jerez; it has no airport of its own.

Cadiz is an ideal getaway for those seeking history, Carnival, beach and gastronomy without crowds. Two or three days are enough to see the centre, the beaches and a town in the bay like El Puerto de Santa María or San Fernando. Avoid August if you don't like heat; spring and autumn are the best seasons. Holy Week and Carnival (February or March) are very busy but unique.