Cádiz is an ancient port dating back to Phoenician (Gadir) and Roman (Gadas) times although what exists of the historic centre today primarily dates from between the 17th and 19th centuries as this was a prosperous time for trade, particularly with the Americas.
Many tourists only pass through Cádiz on their way to Seville in order to explore the capital of the Andalusia region, it is Seville’s closest port, after all, however, we are content to spend our time in this compact seaside town.
Although keen to explore the centro storico (historic centre), our first priorities this morning are espresso and play. While the espressos hit the spot with little exertion, so much more so it seems when they are ordered in another language and sipped over the counter in the traditional European fashion, the play takes a little more effort.
Fueled with espresso we plunge into the city centre and come across a playground suitable for swinging, climbing and generally expressing some of the consistently pent up energy (that they don’t require espresso to renew!). Then, we do a little exploring of the city taking in the flower stalls, cobbled walkways and shops along the way to the cathedral, behind which are sweeping seaside views.
We round our short morning walk out at one of the main squares, the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, whereby Harley decides he has had enough and I take him back to the ship while Jasper and Jason explore a little more.
When I return from dropping Harley at the kid’s club, Jason and Jasper are looking for somewhere to sit for refreshments. We settle on an excellent little cafe just off the Plaza de la Catedral on Calle Cobos, the Cafetería El Tentenpie.
I order a crepe and coffee with Baileys while the boys have a sandwich and Jason a beer. Close by in the plaza there is music playing and after lunch we find some Spanish dancing happening and pause to watch the extraordinary moves of the dancer with her skirts swirling and turning and the maracas keeping time with her steps.
Then we walk a circuit of medieval Cadiz, some of which overlaps with the historic houses of the 18th Century, significant as they belonged to those rich merchants of the bourgeoisie. Known as the “Cargadores a Indias” they follow a common structure whereby they are organized around a patio while the ground floor is used for storage, the mezzanine for offices whereas the family occupied the main area of the house and the upper floor was reserved for servants. The most unique feature of the houses were, however, their towers, designed such that the inhabitants could use it as a look out, keeping watch on the coastline for would be invaders.
All around there are people enjoying the summer – sipping coffees in cafes, eating tapas on sidewalks, walking the streets, browsing the shops, eating gelato. We round out our walk at the beach.
The water looks inviting and it is tempting to wander down through the sand and dip our toes in. However, we have no bathing suits or towels and the sand is hot! Instead, Jasper finds a playground with views of the sparkling sea whilst Jason wanders down along the esplanade a bit further.
When he returns, we find ourselves back in town with just enough time for a spot of shopping before returning to the ship.
Would I Return?
Yes. Cádiz Is a pretty port with a relaxed feel. While there are a few scattered museums, four or five historic walk circuits and the cathedral, the time might be better spent enjoying a dip in the Mediterranean, sipping coffee or sangria at one of the local cafes or indeed wandering the cobbled streets and popping into a shop or two along the way. If the laid back vibe and charm of Cádiz is not enough to excite you, board the train or book a tour for the thrill of Seville.
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