Cádiz is an elegant seaport surrounded by endless beaches along the sunny Costa de la Luz in Southern Spain.
Settled by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC, Cádiz is the oldest city in western civilization as well as the launching point for the adventures of Christopher Columbus in the New World.
Today, Cádiz is still one of Spain’s leading ports and has a vibrant cosmopolitan culture. From its palm-lined promenades to its plazas filled with fragrant orange trees, Cádiz has plenty of Mediterranean charm to match its temperate weather. Las Puertas de Tierra (the city gates) guard the ancient center of Cádiz, an enchanting mix of distinct barrios such as La Viña, the old fisherman’s neighborhood; the historic area of El Pópulo; and the gypsy quarter of Santa María (the birthplace of the flamenco song).
From Cádiz, tourists can also explore the beautiful beaches and seaside villages along the Costa de la Luz. More adventurous travelers can head to the nearby port town of Algeciras or Tarifa and embark on an exotic adventure in North Africa.
