Things to do in  Cádiz

Located in the northwestern corner of Cadiz, Genovés Park (Parque Genovés) is a lovely green oasis by the sea. Built in the 19th century, it's the largest park in the historic center, and boasts more than 100 species of plants, complex topiary, a man-made lake with a waterfall and grotto, commemorative statues, and an outdoor theater.

El Pópulo is the oldest neighborhood in Cádiz—a walkable tangle of narrow lanes dating back to the 13th century. It’s home to major attractions such as Cádiz Cathedral (Catedral de Cádiz) and the Roman Theater (Teatro Romano) and serves as an appealing place to sip espresso or nibble seafood tapas at a café overlooking the waterfront.

Given that Cadiz is almost entirely surrounded by water, the desire to hit the beach is bound to strike at some point. When it does, the go-to spot is La Caleta, the only proper beach in the Old Town. This sandy stretch lines the western side of the city, nestled inside a natural harbor once used by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans.

Cádiz is ancient—settled by Phoenicians more than 3,000 years ago, it’s often called Europe’s oldest living city. The most spectacular evidence of its distant past is the waterfront Roman Theatre of Cádiz (Teatro Romano de Cádiz), which dates to 70 BC. Its semicircular seating accommodated some 10,000 spectators, and it’s among the earliest and best-preserved Roman theaters anywhere in Spain.

Wrapping around Santa María Square, La Viña is a neighborhood of whitewashed homes and narrow lanes. Once a working-class bastion, the neighborhood now hosts a selection of tapas bars that are among the best in the city. The heart of the action is pretty Calle de la Palma, a cobblestone street lined with café tables, palm trees, and socializing crowds.

The Andalusian city of Jerez de la Frontera is a hotbed of southern Spanish culture. Internationally known for flamenco, horsemanship, and sherry, Jerez is not as popular or touristy as its better known neighbors, Seville and Cordoba, but the city is steeped in rich traditions and offers a variety of sights.

This 18th-century watchtower boasts a panoramic rooftop terrace and a camera obscura, where images of the whitewashed seaside city are projected onto a screen. In addition to having some of the best views of Cadiz, Tavira Tower (Torre Tavira) also has two exhibition halls that explore the history of the camera obscura and Cadiz's trading heritage.