Enjoy Cadiz with Spanish in Cadiz
25 things you can only do in Cádiz
The locals call it ‘Cai’ and place great emphasis on the accent, as if to highlight a unique character that is just as much at home in the winding streets of its white-washed city centre as it is on its miles of sandy beaches. A charm and wit that shines through in their carnival chirigotas and lingers all year round in their beach bars. We’re exploring Cádiz with one goal in mind: to do everything that can only be done in this city and nowhere else.
Perched high above the Atlantic and poised to set foot in North Africa, the curious triangle at the southern tip of the peninsula is bathed in a photogenic light that flatters everyone. And it reveals itself as a surprise gift wrapped in a thousand layers: all the things you can only do in Cádiz.
In general terms
1. You’ll discover the difference between the Levante and the Poniente. It won’t cost you much – just enough to lay your towel on a suspiciously deserted beach and find that you’ve got sand right up to your gums. It’s the Levante wind that stirs everything up. It’s time to take shelter on one of the very tempting terraces and wait for the Poniente, when the beach will no longer be deserted and, come evening, you won’t be able to go out without your little cardigan.
2. You’ll learn to tell the difference between ‘tirillas’ and ‘beduinos’. If you live in the historic centre, they’ll call you a ‘tirilla’ – don’t panic, it’s not an insult, just a way of describing things. If you live beyond the Puertas de Tierra, you’ll be a ‘beduino’. Another version is being from ‘Cai’ (the province) or ‘Cai, Cai’ (the capital). That’s just how it is.
3. You’ll learn to be a Gadita. Yes, those who are Gaditas at heart, or by adoption—those who never miss a single year of the Carnival, know the lyrics to several chirigotas, go to the Carranza Tournament and only set foot on La Caleta Beach.
4. You’ll want to see the tuna being gutted. So you can then stuff yourself with this delicacy. The migratory movements of the tuna towards the Atlantic have meant that, since ancient times, the people of Cádiz have set out their almadrabas – fixed nets – and intercepted their path for the greater glory of the most discerning palates. There are many coastal towns that celebrate this round trip in style, but Zahara de los Atunes is the one with the most evocative name.
5. They’ll make it crystal clear whether you’re a boy or a girl. From the moment you’re born, if you’re a boy you’ll be a ‘pisha’, if you’re a girl, a ‘soso’, and so it goes until you die. Don’t dwell on it, there’s no getting round it.
Cádiz Market
In the city
6. You won’t be able to resist trying the churros from Caseta de Manolo. Freshly made, to kick off the evening or to round it off in style. If you’re too full, try the ones from La Guapa – they’ll have you licking your fingers too.
7. You’ll buy fresh tuna. In the Market Square, nice and early, before the Japanese wholesalers arrive to take it all back to Tokyo. Afterwards, you can take the opportunity to have a proper stroll through the Barrio de la Viña neighbourhood, when it’s not yet packed with people, and your shopping will make you look like a local. Unless you don’t speak clearly.
8. You’ll be amazed by Cádiz ‘in the dark’. In the Camera Obscura at the Torre de Tavira. A giant lens will show you everything happening in the city in real time. It’s also a great excuse to climb the iconic 18th-century tower and learn about the history of Cádiz. Keep an eye on bookings as visits have limited capacity.
9. You’ll enjoy a sunset at La Caleta. But at La Quilla Café, with the best views over this legendary urban beach and the strongest, most aromatic coffee. If you can’t bear to lose your spot right on the beachfront, order some tapas.
10. You’ll live like a local. If you want to make the most of the city’s essence, rent a penthouse in the centre, soak up the magical light of Cádiz, enjoy breakfast on the terrace, head out to sea with a lifelong fisherman, and round off the day with a traditional dinner in a private home. The trend of renting private homes is becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason.
11. You’ll discover our ancestors. The city’s latest archaeological find: the oldest Phoenician remains in the Western world, located beneath the Puppet Theatre on Calle San Miguel. The restoration project has just been honoured at the first edition of the Europa Awards.
12. You’ll have a laugh at the “Piojito”. A street market where you’ll hear a variant of the Cadiz dialect that’s almost impossible to decipher but tremendously effective at lifting your spirits. An anti-stress cure. Remember, Mondays only, to get the week off to a good start.
13. You’ll stroll through the Alameda. And through Celestino Mutis Park, where you’ll be captivated by the greenery, and then your feet won’t be able to stop and you’ll keep wandering through a city that holds a life lesson on every corner. When you’re exhausted, stop for a while in Plaza del Mentidero and discover why it’s called that. If you like a bit of gossip, you’ll be in your element.
14. You’ll find that prawn omelettes aren’t just fried junk food. Better still, have them at the bar at El Faro – they’ll be much cheaper than if you sit down, and they’re just as crispy. And while you’re at it, order some sea anemones. If you like authentic tapas, pop into Casa Lazo and treat yourself to a ham montadito.
15. Don’t miss Taberna La Manzanilla. Or everything that goes on inside, which is a lot. The very essence of Cádiz and plenty of conversations waiting to be had amongst century-old wooden barrels and wines that cloud the senses. So much so that you might think you’re seeing Arturo Pérez Reverte. You are seeing him; he’s a regular.
In the province
16. You’ll be staying in Tarifa. If you love the waves, can’t get enough of the wind ruffling your hair, and want to soak up the Moorish charm of a port steeped in history, the range of hotels here will help you switch off from all the stress. Opt for the elegant Hotel Misiana, the Posada de la Sacristía with its fantastic courtyard, or the Escondite del Viento – just saying the name will put you in a romantic mood. Don’t miss the chance to spruce up your surfer look, and enjoy the beach spectacle as the colourful kite surfers defy logic on their dizzying kites. Afterwards, you can take the chance to tour the coolest terraces along the coast.
17. You’ll bump into the whole of Madrid in Conil. It’s a fact: if you’re from Madrid or have friends from Madrid, it’s very likely you’ll run into them out and about in Conil, preferably in August. The main difference is that here they’re friendlier than ever. Enjoy this popular destination and don’t miss its long nights. You’ll end up dancing in a marquee on Bateles beach. Do remember, though, that exploring the town during the day is also well worth it.
Tarifa from the comfort of a hotel
18. You shall honour the beaches. It would be sacrilegious not to. The secluded coves of Roche Beach, the wild Bolonia Beach, the bohemian charm of Caños de Meca and El Palmar, Zahara de los Atunes Beach, Hierbabuena, Valdevaqueros, Media Legua Beach and Puerto de Santamaría Beach. A real treat. The list is endless, the horizon infinite and the Atlantic the perfect soundtrack; don’t leave without compiling your own personal top ten.
You shall honour the beaches of Cádiz above all else
19. You shall dream in the Jardín del Califa. Book a table in its inner courtyard, light a candle and begin to dream of One Thousand and One Nights. Arab-Spanish fusion cuisine that uses only organic produce and has its own vegetable garden. A delight from the starters right through to the Moorish desserts. Worth a repeat visit.
20. You’ll take a tour of the White Villages. From Arcos de la Frontera to Grazalema, deep in the Sierra, passing through Ubrique (yes, Jesulín’s Ubrique), Algodonales and Zahara de la Sierra, amongst others. You’ll wander in rapture through this border region with Málaga, where time seems to have stood still since the days of Al-Andalus. Make the most of the fine weather and enjoy the immaculate white of its whitewashed houses and the hospitality of its inhabitants.
Arcos de la Frontera
21. You’ll be salivating at La Castillería in Vejer. It’s one of the best steak restaurants in Spain, so get your taste buds ready. Meat with Designation of Origin, and at the helm is Juan Valdés, determined to offer only the very best quality. If you love the rich flavour of charcoal-grilled meat, you’ll be in heaven. To wind down after the feast, enjoy the fantastic village of Vejer – a real treat.
22. You’ll be moved by the monument to Rocío Jurado. The great singer has a touching monument in Chipiona, her hometown. Take the chance to shed a little tear whilst humming ‘Como una ola’ and admit it: you know the whole lyrics by heart.
23. You’ll pop over to Gibraltar. Of course, it’s just a stone’s throw away – who could resist? Snap a photo in a red phone box, buy clothes from brands not sold in Spain, and have a pint to the health of the Empire – the British one, that is.
24. You’ll have a great time in Jerez. If you’re flying in, you’ll definitely pass through Jerez, so make the most of it: take a stroll through its flamenco clubs and go out for tapas. You’ll learn what ‘a la jerezana’ means – that is, seasoning dishes with the legendary wines: Fino, Oloroso, Amontillado or Pedro Ximénez. There’s something for every taste.
25. You’ll admire La Pepa. Yes, Spain’s first Constitution, which is now two hundred years old and defends the freedom of the people, the sole source of sovereignty. Bring it up and any local from Cádiz will give you a brilliant history lesson.
We’d add one more:
26. If you want to learn Spanish at the best school in Andalusia and possibly the best school in Spain ;) and experience first-hand everything we’ve mentioned above, come and meet us and enjoy an unforgettable experience with us at the Spanish in Cadiz International Spanish School.
Wouldn’t you love to learn Spanish at our Spanish school, Spanish in Cadiz, and experience this adventure in our city?
Could you tell us what experiences are unique to your city or country?
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