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Perched on a narrow peninsula, Cadiz presents itself as Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city, a place steeped in maritime history and a distinctive Andalusian spirit. Its ancient roots are evident in the labyrinthine streets of the old town, a captivating network that opens onto sun-drenched squares and views of the Atlantic. The city is renowned for its lively carnival, a spectacle of music and satire, and its influential role in the Spanish constitution, signed here in 1812.
Among its notable sites, the grand Cathedral, with its golden dome dominating the skyline, offers panoramic vistas from its tower. The Tavira Tower, housing the 'Camera Obscura', provides a fascinating real-time perspective of the city's rooftops and daily life. Visitors often enjoy the bustling Central Market, a hub for fresh local produce and seafood, and the atmospheric La Caleta beach, nestled between two ancient castles.
For most visitors, the Old Town of Cadiz is the preferred area for booking accommodation, offering a real sense of the city’s history and character within its narrow, winding streets.
Within the Old Town, you’ll find an array of hotels, from boutique establishments in renovated historic buildings to more modest guesthouses. Areas like El Pópulo, the oldest quarter, are particularly atmospheric, close to the Cathedral and the Roman Theatre. The La Viña district, known for its lively flamenco bars and proximity to La Caleta Beach, offers a more traditional Andalusian experience, with many apartment rentals and smaller hotels. For those seeking a quieter stay yet still central, areas around Parque Genovés provide easy access to the seafront and attractions like the Castle of Santa Catalina, with several hotels boasting views of the Atlantic. Dining options are plentiful across the Old Town, from tapas bars in Plaza de las Flores to seafood restaurants lining the waterfront.
Beyond the historic core, the New Town or Puerta Tierra offers a different accommodation experience. This area is more residential and modern, with larger hotels, often closer to the expansive city beaches like Playa Victoria. While lacking the ancient charm of the Old Town, these hotels can provide contemporary amenities and are well-connected by public transport. The main shopping thoroughfares are found here, along with a wider selection of modern eateries and fewer tourists, providing a more local feel.
When considering hotel bookings, Cadiz is well-served by its local train station, Cádiz railway station, which connects to major Spanish cities. For air travel, Jerez Airport (XRY) is the closest, with a direct train service from Cadiz taking around an hour. Alternatively, Seville Airport (SVQ) offers more international connections, accessible via a comfortable train journey to Santa Justa station, making both the Old Town and New Town hotels relatively straightforward to reach.
When planning a trip to Cadiz and looking to make your budget stretch further, timing your visit carefully can lead to significant savings on accommodation. Hotels are generally more expensive during the warmer months, with July and August seeing the highest prices due to peak summer holidays. The city's famous Carnival, typically in February or March, also causes a sharp increase in rates and reduced availability, so booking well in advance or avoiding this period is advisable if budget is a primary concern.
For more affordable stays, consider travelling in the shoulder months or during the quieter off-season. November to February typically offers the best value, excluding the Carnival period, as demand is much lower. Even late autumn, such as October, can provide a good balance of pleasant weather and reduced hotel costs compared to the summer. Booking directly with hotels rather than through third-party sites can sometimes secure a better deal, and always compare prices across a few different platforms.