So you’ve decided to venture south into the toasty climate of Andalucía, where the wine is cheaper than water and consonants are swallowed just quickly as the tapas. Well you’ve come to the right place, because apart from the southwest’s popular cities of Granada and Sevilla, the coastal region of Cádiz is a treasure trove of beautiful beaches and sparkling hill-town villages that make for the perfect day trip. Here is an ongoing list of places to see and explore while youre venturing through la Costa de la Luz…
Cadiz
El Mercado Central
Basically the Andaluz version of Madrids Mercado San Miguel, except since the south is gifted with 365 days of rays, everything is open-air. With great food and a good ambiance, this is a perfect place to spend a Saturday morning in between window shopping and alleyway wandering.
Para Tapear: Barrio la Viña
For a more authentic tapas experience, check out this neighborhood which attracts crowds of locals for its great prices and quality food. Try the queso frito con miel at the Isleta de la Vina for something savory and sweet to prep your palate for all of their other scrumptious noms.
Para Tapear: Calle Plocia
Only a couple minutes walk from the ferry and train station is a small street full of tapas bars that gets bumping around 11pm. Even though Calle Plocia caters to a more touristy crowd, it isnt to say that the food quality is lacking. On the contrary you can find some really special dishes if youre open to it, by checking out what food they have off-menu at the bar. When we sat at the bar they kept bringing out giant squid, octopus, mixed salad, and pickled veggies, so ask the bartender whats what and dont be afraid to try something on the fly!
Beach Lounging and Surfing: Playa de Santa Maria del Mar
If its warm enough, this beach is the go-to spot to catch some rays. With white sands as soft as powdered sugar and the view of the cathedral in the background, its the perfect playa for lounging around. Plus, if youre lucky and a swell hits, you can even rent a board and go surfing!
Day Trippin’
Ranging from 1-3 days, these are some good little getaways close to Cadiz
Weekend Trip 1: The Coastal Route
EL PALMAR Surfers Paradise! I could totally imagine a Gidget beach dance party happening here. Also at one of the local bars they play live reggae Sunday nightsa perfect after surf dive.
ZAHARA DE LOS ATUNES
PLAYA BOLONIA Explore the Roman ruins and the dunes on the beach that make you feel like youre in the Sahara!
TARIFA Amazing nightlife and cute but expensive boutiques! Popular for kite surfing and famous for its beautiful seascape with the Mediterranean on one side and the Atlantic on the other.
Weekend Trip 2: Los Pueblos Blancos
ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA The most famous of los pueblos blancos.
SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS Famous for its cave houses this one is not to be missed!
OLVERA
UBRIQUE
Flamenco
Day Trip: Sevilla
Flamenco for Free: La Carboneria
If you want to see some down and dirty flamenco without paying a fortune, head over to La Carboneria. Although it seems to be high on the tourism list, it doesnt feel too touristy once you get there, as there seem to be the regular locals performing and having a caña on the weekend nights. Ive been one night where it was super crowded and lively, and other nights where its completely dead, so definitely research the best night to go.
Pampering and Moroccan Tea: El Aire
When you feel like spoiling yourself with a day of luxury relaxation definitely book reserve a spot at El Aire Baños Arabes. I booked a 2 for 1 deal for a 30 minute massage for two and entrance into the baths for 43 euro each. If you dont want to spring for the bath house, definitely check out their tea room in the afternoon/evening to unwind over their extensive menu of therapeutic herbs.
Catalina Casa de ComidasSupreme Eating: Catalina Casa de Comidas
Im still drooling from my meal at Catalina Casa de Comidas. Although its a bit on the pricier side, its well worth it for the quality and quantity of food. We were one of two groups dining there at the time, but dont let the absence of a crowd fool youits definitely worth a try!
El Puerto
Day Trip: El Puerto de Santa Maria
Tio Pepe
If you cant get a morning appointment try an evening tasting and tour at Tio Pepe in Jerez.
Bodegas Are the New Brunch
In place of a Sunday brunch picture yourself in an ornate winery boasting impressive grounds with green gardens and vine-wrapped barrels. El Puerto is famous as a wine mecca in Andalucia, producing most of the wine and sherry (along with Jerez). The wineries here are called bodegas and a wine tasting is called a cata. Osbourne, Caballero, Gonzales Obregon, and La Siete Esquinas are just some of the bodegas that line El Puertos streets, with Osbourne being the most renowned. Wine tours and tastings are in the mornings and popular on the weekends. Most require an appointment, and many of them offer tours of the grounds which educate you about the wine making process.
Good Old Fashioned Pool and Flamenco
Feel like playing a round of billiards with some brews while listening to local flamenco? Sala Rodeo has flamenco on Friday nights, usually starting after midnight. A typical saloon-type bar with a pool table and darts and all beers for 3 euro, its a great place to start the night.
Still Want More Flamenco?
El Puerto has some good peñas around where groups go to sing/play/dance for free. Check out each bars website for info on when groups perform.
Comments are closed.
