Perched on a slender strip of land encircled by the Atlantic Ocean is Cádiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe that one expat in Spain is encouraging travellers to visit. The capital of the Province of Cádiz, within the autonomous community of Andalusia, the city boasts more than 3,000 years of history and is dotted with remarkable, ancient structures overlooking the breathtaking blue waters that embrace it.
New Zealand expat James and his Spanish wife Yoly, who both reside in Spain, have dedicated themselves to helping others discover a richer experience of Spain through the travel guides they post on their YouTube channel @spainrevealed. They spotlighted the magnificent city of Cádiz as their “number one place to visit” on a journey to Spain, reports the Express.
“You see this city deep in the southwest of Spain on this impossibly small spit of land is the most magical city in Spain according to me,” said James.
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Indeed, the expat cherished the region so deeply he has harboured dreams of living there for a period over the years. He even suggests that it would be a “crime to visit Spain without seeing Cádiz”, something Yoly also supports as being “unforgivable”.
James places the rich history at the top of his list of favourite aspects about the city, with remnants of it visible at every turn.
“There’s almost a sense that Cádiz has so much history that it can’t keep up it can’t keep it in check and all of these historic buildings are being beaten by the weather that comes off the Atlantic so it’s a challenge to keep these buildings in a state of good repair,” he said.
“And for better or worse what that does mean is that these historic parts of Cádiz have this gritty authenticity to them.”
Ancient structures and narrow streets can be discovered throughout the city’s different quarters, referred to in Spain as barrios, including El Pópulo, La Viña, and Santa María. El Pópulo stands as the city’s most ancient district, situated at the gateway to the historic core, positioned between the Town Hall and the Cathedral.
This area is recognised as the genuine medieval heart of the city, with origins stretching back to the 13th century.
The seafront promenade represents another essential destination, where visitors can stroll leisurely while absorbing the city’s stunning vistas, including the shimmering golden dome of the cathedral.
The Cathedral ranks among Cádiz’s most renowned landmarks, blending baroque and neoclassical architectural elements.
Visitors can also experience guided tours to frequently overlooked sections of the cathedral, such as the crypts.
Plaza de las Flores offers a charming square surrounded by numerous cafés dishing up regional specialities like churros and fried fish, while Mercado Central features rows of stalls offering locally-sourced produce.
While the city’s millennia-old heritage forms a significant part of Cádiz’s rich fabric, the city has also welcomed the modern age, as evidenced by the sleek, contemporary Parador de Cádiz.
The hotel opened its doors in 2013 and boasts a stunning outdoor swimming pool set against a breathtaking Atlantic backdrop.
