Cádiz, the Oldest City in Western Europe is on our doorstep

Cádiz, the oldest city in Spain, is located on the Costa de la Luz, which is the next portion of coastline heading west from the Costa del Sol. The city was established around 1100 BC by Phoenician traders, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe.

Today, the city offers more than 3,000 years of layered history, from the ruins of ancient Gadir (its former name), and a vast Roman theatre to its 18^th-century golden-domed cathedral, alongside golden beaches, vibrant carnivals, and a culinary scene centred on fresh seafood.

A day or overnight trip to Cádiz combines effortless travel with unparalleled historical depth and coastal luxury. The city’s compact Old Town is easily explored on foot, yet its layers of civilisation promise a world of discoveries around every corner.

Founded as Gadir by seafaring Phoenicians, Cádiz began as a settlement and was used to facilitate trade in metals such as silver and tin. Cádiz predates Rome and Athens, with archaeological layers revealing Carthaginian, Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish influences. Excavations have revealed 9^th-century BC streets and salt-processing facilities beneath today’s Old Town.

In the 1^st century BC, the Romans constructed a vast amphitheatre, seating up to 10,000 spectators on its cavea, which spans over 120 metres in diameter. Its remains lie under the El Pópulo quarter and are interpreted at the nearby museum.

In the 1700s, Cádiz city’s port held a near-monopoly on Spanish trade with the Americas, enriching it with baroque palaces and grand plazas. The resulting wealth is reflected in La Catedral’s gilded tile dome and Baroque-Neoclassical chapels. The Torre Tavira watchtower, built in the same era, offers a working camera obscura and panoramic views over the city grid and sea.

The drive from Marbella to Cádiz follows the A-7 and AP-7 motorways, winding westward along the Costa del Sol, past Estepona’s gardens and Gibraltar’s iconic rock, then skirting whitewashed villages and rolling vineyards before reaching Cádiz’s ancient ramparts. The journey covers roughly 177 km and takes about two hours by car.

Cádiz’s sheltered coves offer crystal-clear water and soft sand just steps from the historic centre.

La Caleta beach.

Nestled between the castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina, this crescent-shaped beach framed by historic fortresses was featured in James Bond’s Die Another Day, in the iconic scene where Halle Berry emerges in slow-motion from the Atlantic waters, much to Pierce Brosnan’s delight.

Playa de la Victoria.

Stretching nearly 3 kilometres along Cádiz’s northern shore, it offers ample sand, beachfront promenades and numerous chiringuitos where you can sip fino and sample grilled sardines.

Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park.

A short drive from the city leads to a protected reserve of marshes and pine groves, ideal for bird-watching, kayaking and quiet seaside retreats.

Seafood takes centre stage in Cádiz’s gastronomy. At Mercado Central, stalls brim with prawns, cuttlefish and razor clams before they are transformed into pescaíto frito, a crispy fried fish platter synonymous with Andalusian coastal culture. Local bars also serve tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters) and salmorejo garnished with jamón ibérico.

Find fresh fish from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and regional specialties such as cheese from the Natural Park in Grazalema, bluefin tuna, local meat and fresh seasonal veggies from Conil de la Frontera, Vejer and Barbate.

Carnival of Cádiz.

Held each February or March, is a hugely cultural event which follows a different theme every year, featuring satirical song troupes known as chirigotas performing in the Gran Teatro Falla and throughout the streets, whilst local wine samples and free food is handed out by the participating restaurants.

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Off-peak seasons

April to June and September to October generally bring milder weather and fewer crowds, with average daytime highs around 20 °C in April and up to 26 °C in October.

An authentic morning

For the local experience, visit the Plaza de Abastos market at first light to see fishermen unloading the day’s catch and enjoy a breakfast of fresh fruit and Andalusian pastries amid the buzz of vendors.

Climb the city’s tallest watchtower

Climb Torre Tavira, glimpse the “camera obscura” and unfurling sea views.

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