From the traditional Spanish pastime of bullfighting to golf, sailing and nature parks, Cadiz is a veritable haven for lovers of the outdoors. Kids will enjoy the sandy beaches that line Cadiz’s coastline while both adults and children will appreciate the natural beauty on offer at Cadiz Bay Natural Park. For a rush of adrenaline, sit back and watch a matador take on a bull at nearby Jerez de la Frontera.

Beaches
Featured in the James Bond movie Die Another Day, Caleta Beach (La Playa de la Caleta) is one of Cadiz’s most popular stretches of sand. Perfect for picnics, lounging and sandcastle building, the beach is highly developed. Alternatively, check out Victoria Beach (La Playa de la Victoria) with its champagne-coloured sands, sun loungers, Paseo Maritimo promenade and chiringuitos (tapas bars). Santa Maria del Mar Beach and La Cortadura Beach are quieter options.

Bullfighting
Considered gory by some, bullfighting is nevertheless an essential aspect of Spanish culture. Watch as a matador dressed in a dazzling embroidered costume takes on a bull. Although there are no bullrings in Cadiz itself, there are a number within easy driving distance at Jerez de la Frontera (30 minutes away), Algeciras and El Puerto de Santa Maria.

Cadiz Bay Natural Park
Spanning 10,000 hectares, Cadiz Bay Natural Park is an ideal daytrip destination for adults and kids alike. Once the site of salt mines in Phoenician times, the land today is used to cultivate prawns, clams and oysters, among other seafood. With a bit of patience, bird-spotters can enjoy sightings of egrets, ducks, vultures, doves, herons, geese and falcons.

Golf
Cadiz has a number of quality golf courses to please golf fans and is host to the Annual Cadiz Golf Cup, attended by representative of many countries. Among the best courses in the area is the 18-hole, sea-facing Alcaidesa Links Golf Course (phone: +34 956 791 040), the only links course in Spain, and the challenging 18-hole Benalup Course in La Janda.

Water Sports
Close to the city are a number of marinas that make the perfect departure point for a sailing trip along the coast. Club Nautico Alcazar (phone: +34 956 260 914) is popular, as is Real Club Nautico de Cadiz (phone: +34 956 213 262). Other water sports available at Cadiz beaches include windsurfing, jet-skiing and scuba diving.

Cultural activities abound in Cadiz, a city with a rich Moorish history to complement its theatres, museums and ubiquitous flamenco. Perhaps the best place to start a cultural tour is Cadiz Museum, home to interesting archaeological and ethnological exhibits. Don’t miss a performance of flamenco at any one of the city’s flamenco venues, with La Cava coming highly recommended. For Andalusian theatre, the Gran Teatro Falla is the venue of choice.

Cadiz Cathedral Museum (Museo de la Catedral)
Complementing the largely Baroque Cadiz Cathedral is this informative museum where religious artworks and an exhibition on the city can be found. While here you may also like to visit the crypt of the acclaimed Gaditano composer, Manuel de Falla. 
Phone: +34 956 259 812

Cadiz Museum (Museo de Cadiz)
Spread across two buildings, one of which was formerly used as a Franciscan convent, this museum is the city’s principal museum. Largely devoted to archaeology and fine art, the museum also features an ethnological collection. Highlights include two Fifth century BC Phoenician sarcophagi, rare Phoenician jewellery and headless Roman statues while artworks include 17th-century paintings by Spanish artist Zurbaran. 
Phone: +34 956 221 788

Flamenco
Flamenco was allegedly born in Cadiz therefore it is no surprise the city has a host of venues where you can experience this passionate dance. Characterised by the clicking of toes and heels and plenty of clapping, finger-snapping and shouting, flamenco is a fundamental element of Andalusian culture that should not be missed. 
Phone: +34 956 211 866 (La Cava)

Gran Teatro Falla
Named after Gaditano composer Manuel de Falla, this Moorish style theatre features a pink brick, Mudejar style facade with arches. Today the reconstructed theatre presents theatre and opera performances year round in its horseshoe-shaped auditorium. 
Phone: +34 956 220 894

Courts Museum (Museo de Las Cortes de Cadiz)
This excellent museum is a great place to gain an overview of the city’s history. Tracing the fascinating events that helped to shape today’s Cadiz, the museum houses a number of interesting artefacts including a detailed mahogany and marble model of 18th-century Cadiz and exhibits detailing the constitutional declaration of 1812. 
Phone: +34 956 221 788

Cadiz has a lively dining scene with something to suit all palates. The old town is the most popular dining venue for visitors and is host to a selection of small but quaint eateries tucked along narrow cobblestoned streets. Plaza Juan de Dios is another busy dining area where you will find authentic cuisine at affordable prices. Aside from Spanish fare, Italian and Portuguese cuisine is popular and widely available.

Authentic Cadiz cuisine relies heavily on seafood and deserves to be tried more than once. Don’t miss the flamenco eggs, stuffed artichokes and sauteed kidneys in sherry or other delicious tapas. Diners on a budget can get the most out of their meal by choosing something from the menu of the day. To complement the food, some restaurants put on live flamenco acts in the evenings.

Shopping is varied in Cadiz, with everything from designer clothes to unique Spanish handicrafts available. Columela and Ancha streets are perhaps the best places to start your souvenir shopping while the old town’s Sunday flea market is ideal for collectors of unusual items. Don’t forget that some smaller shops close in the afternoon for siesta.

For fresh produce, Central Market offers everything from fish and meat to bread and vegetables while you will also find Spanish fans, flamenco crafts and other handmade goods at this popular venue. For a more mainstream shopping experience, head to Spain’s favourite department store, El Corte Ingles. Here you will find all you need under one roof, from toys to electrical goods and clothing.