CADIZ

The city of Cádiz, founded by the Phoenicians, is the oldest city in the western hemisphere. It was also occupied by the Cartagenians, Romans, Visigods and Muslims before being conquered by the Christians in the thirteenth century.

Ancient city walls surround the city, which has monuments such as the Roman amphitheatre, the barroque-neoclassic Cathedral, the castles of San Sebastian and Santa Catalina and many fascinating churches and museums.

The temperate climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.6ºC, and 3,200 hours of sunlight a year, makes Cádiz the perfect place to enjoy the 12 km. of golden sand the capital has to offer.

The people from Cádiz, the "gaditanos", are well-known for their friendliness and good humour. This can be seen in their Carnival in February, and in the numerous fairs that take place throughout the province in Spring.

 

It is also worthwhile visiting during Semana Santa (Easter) to witness the striking processions.

Cádiz is a particularly well-located city which you can use as a base to visit all of Andalucía, Gibraltar, Portugal and Africa.

 

The Province

The province of Cádiz is one of the most interesting and varied in Spain. In spite of this, it has not been spoilt by mass tourism.

Along the coast, there are kilometres and kilometres of deserted beaches, and in the Sierra (the mountains), the famous Pueblos Blancos. There are also several nature reserves: Sierra de Grazalema, the Parque de los Alcornocales, and Doñana.

In the nearby cities, like Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa María, you can visit the Bodegas and try the region's wines. These cities are also famous for their seafood and fried fish.

You can also visit the fairs, full of colour, in the towns of the province and see the flamenco shows.

 

Apart from all this, there is a wide variety of sporting activities which you can take part in, like windsurfing, sailing, horse-riding, trekking, and for the more adventurous: bungee-jumping, parascending, hang-gliding, etc...