The Port of Cadiz, Spain
ABOUT
Cadiz, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, founded by the Phoenician’s, dates back an incredible 3500 years. It has an incredible history.
Hercules’ presence survives to this day in the city’s coat of arms where he stands between the pillars that announced the end of the world.
Hannibal set off from here in 218BC to travel across the Alps and invade Italy. The city later fell to Romans in 206BC when it prospered with the building of amphitheatres and aqueducts.
Cadiz began to grow from the 14th century onwards, reaching its golden age in the 18th century due to its position as the centre of sea routes and commercial trade. Today, this past is still visible in its architecture; Cadiz reminds us of the typical colonial town: long and narrow streets, sunny squares, and magic gardens.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Cadiz became a fortified town in order to resist the repeated naval attacks perpetrated by the English. It was during this period that Cadiz enjoyed its most fruitful economic growth.
Cadiz bravely resisted the Napoleonic invasion from behind its ancient walls, and it was here that, in the Church of San Felipe Neri, the very first Spanish Constitution was signed. Between the years 1810 and 1813, during the Napoleonic occupation, Cadiz became the capital of Spain.
Today Cadiz is the home of the Spanish Navy and other industries include aeronautics, construction, chemical, metal and of course tourism.
Population in 2024 was estimated at 130,000
Currency is the Euro.
THINGS TO DO
With a city as ancient as Cadiz it is difficult to know what to do first. It is probably easier to suggest what not to miss:
The Old Town, the San Sebastian Castle, The Nature Reserves, beaches and ancient ruins including a the remains of a Roman Amphitheatre.
Torre Tavira – a watchtower in the historic quarter of Cadiz that offers a great view of the city.
There are museums, parks, churches, the Cathedral of Cadiz, the Santa Catalina Castle.
If you don’t want to do that then just stroll through the city streets. You will no doubt be transported back to ancient and medieval times. Its really difficult to predict what you will find around the next corner.
Indeed there is a website called What to see in Cadiz in one day, that may give you some of the options. Self Guided walking tours are also available through companies such as Viator.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
We have visited Cadiz on a number of occasions and really enjoy the city. We have also visited Seville which is well worth a trip.
In September 2024 we again visited, this time on Princess Cruises Sky Princess. As you can see, we were blessed with the weather.
On this occasion we took a walk into the city from the ship. We were docked close by and it is quite an easy stroll. Firstly we headed towards the Plaza San Juan de Dios. At the head of this attractive Plaza is the impressive looking City Hall.
From this point you can easily walk through the streets to reach the central square that contains Cadiz Cathedral.
The Cathedral took 116 years to complete, from 1722 to 1838 and is a mix of Baroque through to neoclassical styles. We have never been inside before and as the queues were not terribly long, we decided to go in. There is an entrance fee which at this time was a very reasonable 7 Euros (less with concessions) and specific opening times. Entrance fee include handsets so you can self guide through the building – these were very good quality. There is also an added option to buy a ticket to go into the bell tower as well.
CATHEDRAL OF CADIZ
The inside of this building is vast and spacious. There is plenty of room to walk around the various chapels, listen to the commentary and take in the story behind each fresco and statue. It is nice to be able to take some time in the central area to sit and take in the views around you. The choir area itself is very interesting and on display an ancient Gregorian Chant book.
Below the ground the Crypt is also open to visitors. It is the burial area of bishops, as well as of the famous musician Manuel de Falla and the writer Jose María Pemán. The floor space here is said to be larger than the Cathedral itself. You usually find that there are de-humidifiers running as this area is so close to the sea. You will find some pictures below.
OUTSIDE OF THE CATHEDRAL
Whether you decide to take a look inside the Cathedral or not, it is worth taking time to go to the rear of this building. Here you will find some beautiful views of the sea – and realise quite how close it comes to the Cathedral and its foundations.
MERCADO CENTRAL
Our wanderings on this day took us further into the city – Lindsey’s always a little cautious as we have been lost in Cadiz on more than one occasion!
However this time we happened on one of the large local markets, Mercado Central and decided it needed closer inspection.
The exterior walls are decorated with murals that made us smile, but we weren’t prepared for the interior. It was highly organised and very clean. Full of local residents buying their fresh meat, fish and vegetables together with charcuterie and cheese.
The stallholders were amenable to having their skills photographed – but please ask first.
All this sightseeing is thirsty work so we stopped at a little Tapas bar near to the Cathedral for a local beer and potato chips (crisps) to rest our weary feet. Our walk back to the ship took us on a slightly different route through some local gardens. Unfortunately past their best but an interesting find none the less.
CADIZ ON QUEEN VICTORIA
In 2024 we visited the city of Cadiz aboard Cunard‘s Queen Victoria.
As always it was a delight to visit the city but this time we were on Queen Victoria for the first time. In addition to that, we were visiting in December.
Well we know that the weather wasn’t going to be terribly good, but we thought we would get an opportunity to see the city dressed for Christmas.
As we had been here only a few months previously, we decided on a walk through the town. We took Paul and Carole of Paul and Carole Love to Travel along with us.
We strolled through the streets and of course, got lost, again! However this time we found a lovely park to stroll through that had some enormous trees. We also found a cathedral, although not the one we originally sought. We even found a beach, but not the one we aimed for.
That being said, we all had a great time and it was really good to stretch our legs.
In fact we built up quite a thirst so once we got back on track and in the right area, we stopped for a drink.
We have been to Montaditoa tapas bar previously, so it seemed only right that we take Paul and Carole in to try it.
All in all a good day in the city yet again.
Cadiz on Fred.Olsen's Borealis
We have sailed into Cadiz on a number of occasions. In fact we did so 3 times in the space of 6 months.
The latest of these was aboard Fred.Olsen’s Borealis.
This visit was slightly different. We arrived as it was getting dark which meant we would be docked overnight.
The gangway was cleared for passengers to disembark if they wished. Some did go ashore independently. Others were on an organised trip to a Flamenco evening.
For us, we enjoyed the view over the darkening city while enjoying speciality dining.
The following morning we were able to fully appreciate where we were docked. The sun was shining, although it was a little chilly. It was February after all.
From the ship we had a good view of the port and a mural that had been painted on the wall of a nearby warehouse. It really cheered up the dockside.
With nothing specific planned we walked through the city to the sea wall and beach area to the rear of Cadiz Cathedral. It was beautiful there and on the way back we managed to catch an unusual glimpse of Borealis sunning herself in the port.
To check out our experiences in Cadiz just click the videos below – and if you enjoy the content simply ‘Like’ and ‘Subscribe’ to see more (subscription is free).