Cadiz Cruise Port – What To See in Cadiz in One Day

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Cádiz is a historic coastal city in southern Spain, surrounded by the Atlantic and packed with reminders of its nearly 3,000-year history. Its historic centre combines grand monuments and centuries-old streets with lively plazas, gardens and beaches along the Atlantic.

For cruise passengers, our list of the best places to see in Cádiz and one-day walking route from the cruise port make it easy to experience the city’s highlights.

Is Cadiz Worth Visiting?

Yes, definitely!  Cádiz is worth visiting.

Many visitors arrive in Cádiz by cruise ship.  The city is a major stop on transatlantic cruises between the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas.  Some cruise ship passengers opt for shore excursions to Seville or the White Villages (+1 hour by bus one-way).  I believe that discovering all the city of Cádiz has to offer is a better way to spend a day in port. 

Let me introduce you to the city of Cádiz, the oldest, continuously-inhabited city in Spain.  A number of places throughout the city showcase its history, beginning with the Phoenicians close to 3000 years ago.  The city’s museums present both the history of the area in general and some of its unique highlights.

Not really into museums?  Cádiz sits on a slice of land surrounded by the ocean.  Wander through public gardens with seaside paths, along beaches and the lovely streets of the city.  Enjoy a day in Cádiz, at a nice easy pace, with time to enjoy the cafés along the way.

Cadiz Map of Attactions

What To Do in Cadiz Spain?

These are the 16 Best Things to do in Cádiz.

1. See the Constitution of 1812 Monument in the charming square, Plaza de España.
2. Explore Plaza de San Juan de Dios, the town square, enjoying the cafes and architecture of City Hall and the Church of San Juan.
3. Discover the ancient history of the Roman Theatre of Cádiz.
4. Tour the Cathedral of Cádiz and be awed by its grandeur.
5. Climb the cathedral’s Levante Clock Tower for panoramic city views.
6. See the Cathedral Museum’s religious artifacts and artwork.
7. Enjoy the baroque architecture of the nearby Santa Cruz Parish Church.
8. Stroll through the colourful Plaza de las Flores, a charming square filled with flower vendors.
9. Indulge in the fresh produce and a snack at the Central Market of Cádiz.
10. Climb the 17^th-century Tavira Tower.
11. Enjoy the beauty of Gran Teatro Falla, a stunning opera house.
12. Walk along the sea and sand at Caleta Beach.
13. Discover the San Sebastian Castle and Santa Catalina Castle.
14. Wander through Parque Genovés’ tranquil gardens.
15. Stroll the walkways of the Alameda Apodaca Gardens.
16. Learn about Cádiz’ archaeological sites and history at the Museum of Cádiz.

Cadiz Cruise Port

Cruise ships dock along the Alfonso XIII pier.  City maps are available at the tourist information desks inside the passenger terminal.

The stop for the Hop-On Hop-Off Buses is just outside the gates of the cruise port.  These bus tours are an option for those that want a quick look around town.

Instead of a bus tour, we believe walking the Old Town is a better idea.  The great thing about the Port of Cádiz is that the city centre is really close.  An easy 5-minute walk brings you to the Old Town with its historical buildings, shops and restaurants.

Cádiz is a very walkable city.  It’s not hilly and the pedestrian streets are easy to navigate.  Our self-guided, walking tour will help you get the most out of your time in Cádiz.

Cadiz Walking Tour

We walked this route in 6 hours.  We saw historic Old Town, the entire seafront promenade, its castles and the old city walls.

Don’t let the length of the walk stop you.  If you need to, shorten the walk and cover just the main sites.  Be sure to visit the Cathedral and the Central Market before turning around and returning to the Port.

So let’s get started!

Exit the Cruise Port and walk around the monument at the port, called Torches of Freedom and through to the first plaza directly east of it.

Plaza de Espana – Constitution of 1812 Monument

The Monumento a la Constitución de 1812 stands in the beautifully designed park, the Spanish Plaza, as a tribute to the signing of Spain’s first constitution.  The monument was completed in 1929, more than a century after the signing of the historic document.  It symbolizes the importance of constitutional rights and freedoms and the democratic spirit of Spain. 

The square is surrounded by interesting architecture including the Casa de las 4 Torres and the Casa de las 5 Torres.  The late 18^th-century, baroque House of 5 Towers is five separate properties, built to appear as one.  Each property is 4-storey house with a tower.

On the square’s south side, the Diputacion Palace, the 18^th-century headquarters of the Regency, often holds exhibitions.

Walk south along the Fourth of December 1977 Avenue. 

For a quick look at a pretty church, walk down Rubio y Díaz Street to Saint Augustin Church.  This 17^th-century baroque temple was part of the Saint Augustin convent.

Return to the Fourth of December 1977 Avenue and continue walking.  Eventually the Tourist Office of Cádiz will be on the right, if you want more information about the city.

It’s just a few more steps to arrive in the main plaza of historic Cádiz.

Plaza de San Juan de Dios

This long, narrow pedestrian plaza is lined by cafés, restaurants and ice cream shops and anchored by city hall at its western end.  The plaza was updated in 2012 celebrating the 200^th anniversary of the 1812 Spanish Constitution.  This was once a narrow inlet leading from the sea to the gate of the city.  By the 16^th century, the inlet was backfilled and an active market existed between the port and the town hall. 

At the western end of the plaza are two impressive buildings, the San Juan de Dios Church (Iglesia de San Juan de Dios) and Cádiz City Hall (Ayuntamiento de Cádiz). 

The first versions of these buildings were built in the 16^th century.  The church tower was added in the 1760’s.  The 16^th-century town hall was replaced in the early 1800s.  The church exterior was renovated at the same time.  

City Hall is richly decorated with marble, stucco and frescoes, all dating from the mid-19^th century.  A magnificent Baroque altarpiece is within the church. 

Walk south on Calle San Antonio Abad, the street which runs along the west wall of City Hall.  Turn left at the end of the street and continue.  The entrance to the ruins of the Roman Theatre is the last building on the left before the street turns.

Roman Theatre of Cadiz

The interpretation centre, on the main level, provides a great introduction to Cádiz in the first century BCE.  It was the rapidly expanding Roman city of Gades.  Both an amphitheatre and a theatre were built in this area around 70 BCE.  The remains of the theatre were discovered in 1980.

Detailed studies by archaeologists and historians have determined that its use as a theatre stopped in the 3^rd century CE.  It was used for other purposes (stables, warehouses) until the Middle Ages when its foundations were incorporated into a Moorish castle.

Walk down the stairs to the barrel-vaulted walkway which extends under the curved seating area of the theatre.  Several exits lead out to the open-air museum in the excavated ruins.

Back on the street, continue on Meson Street, past the Casa Palacio del Almirante (Admiral’s House) on the right at the top of the street.  Built in the 17^th century for the admiral of the Indies fleet, it has two watchtowers and spectacular marble doorways.  It is typical of houses built for merchants who traded with the Indies.  Turn left down Calle Obispo José María Rancés and walk to Plaza Frey Félix.

Cathedral Museum (at La Casa de la Contaduria)

The Museo Catedralicio covers two floors of the 16^th-century Casa de la Contaduría (Accounting Office) and includes a Patio Mujedar where Roman structures and an excavated medieval street are visible.

The museum contains paintings, ivories and sculptures.  There are tabernacles, chalices and other important religious pieces of gold and silver work, from the 15^th to 20^th centuries.

The central jar in the Patio Mujedar is illustrated with hagiographic themes and maps depicting 16^th-century Cádiz.

Next door is the former Cathedral, Parroquia de Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Parish Church

This site has held religious buildings for centuries.  The first was a mosque.  It was replaced in the 13^th century by the first Christian church and cathedral built in Cádiz.  During the capture of the city by the English in 1596 this cathedral was severely damaged by fire and had to be abandoned. 

The current building was consecrated in 1602.  See the beautiful decorations, vaulted ceilings and arches and the gilded, Baroque main altarpiece.  In the 17^th century, Cádiz grew in size and importance and outgrew this small cathedral. 

Return to the top of the street and the Admiral’s House.  Turn left, walk through the Rose Arch (named after a former hermitage of the Virgin of the Rose), and enter the Plaza de la Catedral. 

Cathedral of Cadiz

Construction of the New Cathedral or Santa Cruz sobre el Mar (Holy Cross over the Sea) began in 1722.  Six architects supervised the building of the cathedral over 116 years.  Its design began as Baroque but changed as each architect put his own mark on the building.  Today, the exterior façade, the two towers and domes are neoclassical as is much of the interior.  It is an impressive building and one of the largest cathedrals in Spain.

Inside, there are 16 chapels, a huge crypt and a stunning wood-carved choir.  Tickets are required to visit the interior of the cathedral and include entry to the Cathedral Museum and climbing the Levante Clock Tower.  We recommend taking the time to tour at least the cathedral.  We visited all three.

Levante Clock Tower

Climb the spiral ramp of the cathedral’s bell tower, Torre del Reloj de Levante.  The climb is worth it for great views of the city, the cathedral’s dome and the many 18^th-century watchtowers.  Be prepared.  The huge bells rang while we were at the top. 

Exit the plaza, walking on the right side of the Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol, a 17^th-century Jesuit church.  In several blocks, enter Flower Square.

The triangular Plaza de las Flores has a number of flower vendors.  Their colourful products brighten up the area.  Grab a drink at a nearby café and enjoy the atmosphere.  The big building at the west end of the plaza is the city’s 1930’s main post office.

Exit Flower Plaza to the left of the post office and enter Plaza de la Libertad.  The big building in the centre is the Mercado Central de Abastos.

Central Market of Cadiz

The Central Market offers a vibrant and authentic taste of local life.  Over 150 vendors enthusiastically sell fresh seafood, colourful produce, aromatic spices, meats, cheeses and delectable treats, creating a lively atmosphere.

Pick up a snack at one of the vendors or enjoy one of the nearby tapas bars!

This was the location of a convent orchard until the 1830s when the first market set up.  The central buildings were added 100 years later and renovated in 2009.  It is open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. 

Walk north from the market, back through the Plaza de la Libertad and the Flower Plaza on the right to Calle Sacramento.

Walk a block. Turn right onto Calle San Miguel. 

The Gadir Archaeological Site Museum is one block north.  The modern city of Cádiz sits on top of the ancient Phoenician city of Gadir which dates to at least 750 BCE.  It is one of the oldest Phoenician settlements in the western Mediterranean.  The museum displays artifacts and parts of preserved dwellings of the vanished Phoenician culture.

Return to Calle Sacramento, turn right and walk a block to the square watchtower.

Tavira Tower

This 18^th-century watchtower was the highest point in Cádiz and sat in the core of the Old Town.  Originally, there were 160 city watchtowers used to watch for hostile ships of pirates or foreign powers.  Typical towers were square and 2-storeys tall.

Enjoy the Camera Obscura, the small museum and the view of the city from the top.  We did not visit this tower as we had climbed the cathedral’s Levante Clock Tower for a view of the city.

Continue on Calle Sacramento for 3 blocks and turn right at Calle San José.  The Oratory Church of San Felipe de Neri, is on the right, before the next intersection.  The interior of this 18^th-century church is elliptical and has no columns.  Seven chapels ring the sanctuary.  Its lack of columns created the perfect space for the Cádiz Parliament sessions. 

While Spain was occupied by Napoleonic forces (1808 and 1813), Cádiz became the base for the deposed Spanish government.  Members of parliament from around the country met in the Oratory Church for over 1400 sessions drafting the first constitution.  It returned King Ferdinand VII to power when Napoleon was forced back across the Spain/France border in late 1813.

In 1912, in celebration of the centennial of the first constitution, the Cádiz Parliament Museum (Museo de las Cortes de Cádiz) opened next door to the Oratory.  At the museum, learn the local history of Cádiz focusing on the Cádiz Parliament.  A highlight is a 1770s model of the city made in mahogany, silver and ivory.

Back on Calle Sacramento, walk 4 blocks to the back of the beautiful, Mudéjar-style, performing arts theatre.

Gran Teatro Falla

This beautiful building was constructed between 1885 and 1910.  Its exposed bricks are decorated with horseshoe arches.  All types of performance art (theatre, opera, music, dance and more) are staged throughout the year, including the Official Contest of Carnival Groups of Cádiz.

Walk southwest (left off Calle Sacramento) through the La Viña neighbourhood, an area known for vibrant Carnival celebrations. 

Walk past the huge Ficus trees to beautiful Playa de La Caleta on a protected cove of the Atlantic Ocean.  

Caleta Beach

Its golden sand and crystal-clear waters lure visitors to swim, sunbathe or just enjoy the seaside in sight of the two castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina.  Caleta Beach is conveniently located near downtown.  It is just one of many great beaches in Cádiz.

This area has the greatest number of underwater archaeological sites on the Cádiz coast as it was the natural marine access point to the Bay of Cádiz from the ocean.  Ships continued by a canal (no longer visible) between the current coastal area and the port of Cádiz.

Appropriately, the beautiful, white building on the beach is the Andalusian Centre for Underwater Archaeology.  The building, built in 1926, began as the Spa of La Palma replacing traditional Royal Baths. 

The castle to the south is San Sebastian.

San Sebastian Castle

The castle sits on an island which, over time, held several different types of buildings.  The first was an ancient Phoenician temple.  At some point a lighthouse was added. The wood from it was used in the mid-15^th century by Venetians to build a chapel.  A 17^th-century watchtower was the first defensive structure on the island. 

The castle was built in the early 18^th century.  A low wall surrounded most of the island.  It was upgraded in the mid-19^th century when the pier connecting to the city was added.

Today, the pier is called Canal Bridge (Puente Canal).  To walk out to the castle, access Canal Bridge through the Cove Gate or from Caleta Beach.  

We took in the great views of the castle from Plaza Canal de Ponce and then continued north to the next castle.

Santa Catalina Castle

This 17^th-century, star-shaped fortress, built as a result of the 1596 Anglo-Dutch capture of the city, has changed little over 400+ years.  Enjoy the panoramic views from the triangular bastions that rest on the beach facing the ocean.  Visit the tiny chapel.  A number of areas of the fortress are used as multipurpose cultural space for holding temporary exhibits, workshops, concerts and summer activities.

After exiting the castle, walk to the left along Calle Campo de las Balas, behind the Parador de Cádiz and on to the treed park.

Parque Genoves

This beautiful botanical park, along the western seashore, has over 100 different species of shrubs and trees.  Be sure to see La Gruta whose pond and waterfall date from the last remodelling of the park in 1892.  They are a popular spot for water fowl.  Take the path over the top for a great vantage point of the southern end of the garden.

Enjoy a stroll down the long tree-lined central promenade, which was part of the original park design.

Exit the park, and continue north.  Walk by the Espacio de Cultura Contemporánea de Cádiz.  It occasionally has temporary art exhibits.

Continue to the end of Avenida Dr. Gómez Ulla and the Candelaria Bastion.  The 17^th-century fortress was built to protect the western side of the city from naval attacks.  Today it is a concert venue.

Around the corner, on the right side of Alameda Hermanas Carvia Bernal, is the 18^th-century Carmen Church (Iglesia del Carmen).  In 1812 a special mass was held celebrating the completion of the Constitution.  Its front wall is an excellent example of the Baroque style popular in Cádiz in the 17^th century.

Walk into the park between the street and the water.

Alameda Apodaca Gardens

The first gardens were created in this area in the 17^th century.  These stunning gardens with walkways, iron railings and lampposts are from a re-imagining of the space in 1926.  This is a very popular strolling area for local residents and visitors alike.

An open promenade runs along the sea on top of the old sea wall marking the northeastern edge.  The garden is a series of flowerbeds and small squares linked by walkways.  The squares and walkways are tiled with colourful ceramics.  Fountains and sculptures are tucked throughout the garden.  It’s all shaded by monumental trees, many a century old, of ficus, Indian laurels, dragon trees and palm trees.

At the end of the gardens, turn south on Calle Buenes Aires and left on Calderón de la Barca towards Mina Square.  The square was the orchard of a Franciscan Convent until it was turned over to the city becoming a public space in the mid-19^th century.  It is surrounded by homes built for the Cádiz wealthy in the 1800s.  One of them is the Casa Pinillos, which became part of Museum of Cádiz in the early 2000s.

Museum of Cadiz

The museum, created by combining the old (a convent) with the modern (Casa Pinillos), is one of the province’s best museums.  Its ground floor is focused on archaeology and traces the history of the province.  Exhibits and artifacts showcase prehistory, the early Phoenician city Gadir, and the Roman cities of Gades and Baelo Claudia.  The upper floor has a fine arts collection with works from the 16^th to the 20^th centuries.  This floor was under renovation during our visit but the ground floor exhibits were worth the visit alone.

After exiting the museum, walk to Calle Antonio López, the street on the north side of the square.  Turn right.  

Depending on the amount of time you have, turn right at the first street, a small street which leads Plaza San Francisco or continue along Antonio López to Plaza de España, our first stop on the walk, and then back to the cruise ship port.

Plaza San Francisco has beautiful cafés, a great place for a drink or a restaurant meal.  From the plaza, take any of the streets heading east back the port.

Take the Cadiz Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Not looking for a walking tour?  The Cádiz Hop-on Hop-off Bus is a great option.  This bus ride is perfect for those wanting the ease and convenience of quickly seeing the major sites of the city. 

For cruise passengers, with limited time in port, this can be especially important to reach some of the city highlights.  Purchase your ticket before you arrive in port.

Cadiz Museums

The Museum of Cádiz is a “must-see”.  With additional time, visit some of these best museums in Cádiz.

Museum	Known For
Cádiz Museum	Showcases a diverse collection of archaeology, history and art.
Roman Theatre of Cadiz	Archaeological site of ruins of Roman theatre built in the late 1st century BCE
Cathedral Museum	Houses religious artifacts and artworks associated with the cathedral.
Gadir Archaeological Site Museum	Displays artifacts and exhibits on ancient Phoenician culture and civilization.
Museum of the Cádiz Parliament	Contains articles from Napoleon’s siege of the city and the signing of the first Spanish Constitution.
Lithographic Workshop Museum	Explores the history and evolution of printing, through lithographic machines and prints from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Puppetry Museum	Explains this traditional form of entertainment, locally and internationally.

Cadiz Beaches

Many visitors come to the Cádiz area to bask in the warm sunshine on its amazing beaches.  Two of these beaches are conveniently located in the city: La Caleta and Santa María del Mar.

These are the Top 8 Beaches in the Cádiz area and their distance from the Cádiz port.

Beach	Distance	Known For
Playa de La Caleta	1.4 km	Well-known beach with views of two castles
Playa de Santa María del Mar	1.1 km	Close to Old Town.  Great beach with shallow water and rentals
Playa de la Victoria	4 km	Lively urban beach with bars along a boardwalk
Playa De Las Redes	26 km	Great spot for sunsets
Playa de la Barrosa	32 km	6 km of golden sand
Playa de la Cortadura	6 km	Gold-sand beach with dunes
Playa de la Calita	26 km	Secluded and serene.  Good water quality
Playa de la Casería (San Fernando)	17 km	Scenic beach with dunes

Best Restaurants in Cadiz

This is a selection of some of the most popular restaurants and tapas bars in Old Town Cádiz.

Name	Known For
Restaurante El Faro de Cádiz	High end seafood restaurant
Restaurante Balandro	Local fare such as seafood and meat dishes, plus great sea views
La Candela	Lively tapas bar with creative Spanish fusion cuisine
Restaurante La Isleta de la Viña	Relaxed venue with outdoor tables, known for their tapas, fish and vegan dishes
Restaurante Café Royalty	Opulent 1912 room setting for classic Spanish cuisine
Casa Lazo	Old-fashioned eatery with classic tapas
Taberna El tío de La Tiza	Often considered the best fish Restaurant in Cádiz, with dishes such as grilled squid, clams and fried fish.
Confusione Pizza & Bar	Casual Italian restaurant for handmade pizza and pasta

Hotels in Cadiz

Looking for accommodation in Cádiz?

Make Cádiz your home base while exploring the historic town and surrounding area.  Check out these great options.

• Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz – Fabulous.  Former 17^th-century convent in the centre of Cádiz.
• Soho Boutique Cádiz – Great hotel.  Centrally located near Plaza de San Juan de Dios.

Here are other great hotels in Cádiz.