Cádiz, Spain: Fall Under the Soothing Spell of Cádiz

Cádiz, Spain boasts a distinguished heritage as Western Europe’s oldest city; indeed, when you stroll along its picturesque streets and listen to the flamenco music floating from a local concert hall, you will feel that time has stopped. The Phoenicians founded the city as a port in 1100 B.C., and it had become renowned for its ships by the time Julius Caesar governed it in 61 B.C. To this day, Cádiz proves an ideal destination for seafood lovers, who will appreciate its succulent shrimp, shark, and squid.

You can spend whole evenings doing nothing but eat in Cádiz, roaming from café to café to sample something at each place and then wash it down with manzanilla, the dry sherry that tapas patrons and bar owners swears tastes best with these mini-meals. Barrio La Viña showcases many of the finest tapas bars in Cádiz, where even if you don’t care for seafood, you will enjoy delectable ham, sausage, salad, and cheese. Enjoying the company of friends amid the mouthwatering aromas comprises the perfect Cádiz experience.

If you’re looking for something to do between meals, go for a swim at La Caleta, the most popular beach in Cádiz. Anyone interested in Spanish culture will value the Museum of Cádiz, which displays Roman and Phoenician objects and intricately crafted puppets. Then there’s Castillo San Sebastián, an island fort that supplies a potent reminder of Spain’s pagan past; some locals believe that the island once held a temple dedicated to Hercules, and that on clear days, you can see its ancient pillars resting on the sea floor. Whether you believe this legend or not, you’re sure to fall under the soothing spell that Cádiz casts on visitors.