The New York Times lists our city as a top destination
It seems that The New York Times has named our city as one of the top destinations for 2019. Personally, we think it’s taken them a while to discover the magic of our little corner of the world, our cuisine and, above all, our way of life, but as the saying goes, better late than never. And although they’ve already given you plenty of reasons to come and visit us, here are a few more that you really ought to experience for yourselves.
When it comes to gastronomy, people never fail to mention the best-known restaurants, such as Aponiente, run by Michelin-starred chef Ángel León, or the legendary El Faro. But we’re going to recommend places that don’t usually get a mention – they’re hidden gems in Cádiz where you’ll have a brilliant time. On Calle de La Palma, we have La Tabernita, a bar serving very affordable, delicious tapas, where Rafa will give you a first-class welcome. If you’d rather have a beer in the sun after visiting the Cathedral, we’d take you to Ajolá – yes, you read that right, not ‘ojalá’ but ‘ajolá’. It’s a small bar in the Campo del Sur where you can soak up the sun whilst having a beer and a few nibbles. If you’re vegan, vegetarian or still think we eat too much fried food… well, you’ve got the perfect option: La Veganesa, right in the heart of the Pópulo neighbourhood. Healthy food and a treat for the senses. We could go on listing places, but we don’t want to make your mouth water.
And since we’re the oldest city in Europe, a visit to the museum to see the Phoenician sarcophagi or the Gadir archaeological site could be a great start to a morning in the city, strolling through its narrow and sometimes labyrinthine streets (according to some students whose point of reference is always the Cathedral), exploring the Pópulo district, the oldest one, and then head to the small beach in the centre, La Caleta, also known as one of the best urban beaches in Spain and where Halle Berry emerged from the waters to meet James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) in Die Another Day. And if, after cooling off and soaking up the sun, you start to feel peckish, pop into Club Caleta and enjoy a plate of marinated mackerel, seasoned chips and a nice cold beer to wash it down. That’s what you call lunch with a sea view. If the heat is getting to you but you don’t fancy a swim, pop into one of the ice-cream parlours you’ll find around town; there are plenty of excellent ones, but if you’re after the authentic experience, head to Los Italianos and try the classic Topolino – a biscuit cone filled with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate. An absolute treat. Stroll down Calle Ancha, admire the building façades—former palatial mansions—and why not? Go shopping. You’ve always got to treat yourself to something. We recommend Calvichi’s, a brand by a Cadiz-based illustrator who sees ‘characters’ in a ‘different’ and very amusing way, and on the same street, José del Toro, there’s a place to find special souvenirs of the city. You’re here, so if you already know you’re going to miss our city, there’s nothing like buying a survival kit with some of the beach sand included.
La Caleta, one of Spain’s best urban beaches, where Halle Berry once walked
Take a stroll along the southern promenade, that spot they say is like the Cuban Malecón. We’ve never been to Cuba, but judging by the photos, yes indeed, it’s very similar. And if evening is drawing in, settle down and enjoy a sunset in marvellous colours. You’ll never forget it. Promise.
And as dinner time approaches, we can recommend various places. If you fancy Iberian pork, ham and cheese, there’s nothing like Cumbres Mayores, a restaurant and tapas bar (you have options to choose from, i.e. eating standing up or sitting down) where the quality, service and price are unbeatable. You won’t be disappointed. If you prefer fish, try our summer staple, mackerel with piriñaca, in Plaza del Tío de la Tiza or on Calle de La Palma. There’s no doubt about it. You’ll love the food and the atmosphere.
To work off your meal, take a little stroll – the night doesn’t end that early. You can’t leave without visiting the Alameda de Apodaca, a magical spot where you’ll discover two enormous ficus trees over 100 years old. And in that park you’ll find La Colonial, a place for drinks and cocktails, a terrace surrounded by trees where you can enjoy conversation, laughter and the summer night breeze in the city.
For us, that would be the perfect summer’s day; another time, we’ll tell you about winter. You know the drill: come and learn Spanish at Spanish in Cadiz, and now that you know a little about our city, we’re sure we’ve convinced you that “You don’t need a reason”.
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