CADIX
Cadix is HISTORICAL: from Roman ruins to the apogée of the Spanish Emprire and with the life in the middle age everything in Cadix tells something about history. Cadix is also amongst the oldest Eurpean cities and its particularity is also to be surrounded by beaches.
PORT
PORT One should not forget that Cadix used to be the main port of Spain in the Atlantic and at the time of the Central and South American Spanish Empire was very prosperous. NOWADAYS the port is more used for building and scrapping vessels.
CAPITAL
CAPITAL Cadix is the capital of Andalucia and is surrounded by the sea which gives it such a charm and light. Cadix is white and so sunny. The vessels used to wait for the sun on the golden bubbles to find their way when approching the port (TAVIRA Tower).
If you like BEACHES you will certainly enjoy La Caleta which is an urban beach with the Club Maritima Gaditano (nautic club).You will certainly take the way (Paseo Fernando Quinones) to go to Castel of San Sebastian. At night you will certainly enjoy the sunset. If not you may go a bit further to Playa de Santa Maria del Mar which is very calm and you will relax while facing the Ocean protected from the sea buy breakwater. Playa de Santa Maria del Mar is surrounded by small shops called « chiringuitos » where you can have some Andalucian specialities (however a bit too oily for me!).
If you want more GREEN and want to avoid the burning sun go to the Botanical Garden (Parc Genoves) on north west of the city. That Genoves parc has a lake and a cascade with birds all around.
If you go on February you will discover Cadix as a fest with the streets all changed with the famous CARNIVAL of Cadix. It’s a worldwide famous Carnival which attracts a lot of people.
OUTSIDE
OUTSIDE Cadix you will discover the Costa de la Luz on the south west side with 260 kilometers of cost with many beaches.
TO DO
HOTEL
I would recommend the Parador rather big and in a way strange, quite recent and vast, with a splendid view on the Atlantic. Not too expensive. Correct Breakfast and nice room if you get one with view and terrace
If not there is a common terrace on the last floor which can be nice for sunset drinks.
In the Morning you may enjoy also BREAKFAST or coffee on the Playa San Juan de Dios with palm trees and the Public House. You may want to see the panorama from Tavira Tower and visit the Cathedral of Cadix: splendid views every where.
At a given Moment you will pass by the Mercado central which is quite unusal and which is surrounded by restaurants and shops.
Nothing special to buy however you need to go to the Cadix MUSEUM which presents some interessant historical pieces and even archeological . Some classical paintings are also on display.
FOOD
The pescado frito is the main dish but it’s not my taste. That traditional meal relates to the fact that fishing is important there.
CAFE
Go to Cafe de levante. Nice atmopshere!
RESTAURANTS
You will enjoy Contrasena very good and light enough but my favorite was Candelaria: Very beautiful atmopshere from last century (Belle Epoque) (quite pricy). You have also Sonanbulo next to Candelaria: Very nice welcome and correct meals .
You may go to Corte Ingles which was a bit of a dispointment but interesting anyhow.
I did not buy anything in Cadix because there is nothing to buy Oh I forgot I bought some small carpets to use for arm chairs but finaly I did not use them.
You will be there just to enjoy the city, the light, the atmopshere and appreciate that all the city is so so clean.
PEOPLE are always very nice.
