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Hotels in Cadiz at the Lowest Price Guaranteed We have 122 Hotels in Cadiz Province Offers on hotels of 1, 2, 3, 4 y 5 stars in Cadiz Province
The Province of Cadiz comprises the southern tip of Spain, stretching from its eastern border with Malaga Province – where it shares some sections of the Costa del Sol – round the base of the Iberian Peninsula, past Gibraltar and stretching westward, until it reaches the Province of Huelva, the last province until you reach Portugal’s Algarve. Inland, the Province of Seville forms its northern border.
Such a variety of landscapes, a lengthy coastline and an extreme geographical location makes the Province of Cadiz one of the most enduring and inviting tourist destinations in all of Spain. While its section of the Costa del Sol may be relatively small, Cadiz boasts its very own Costa de La Luz (Coast of Light), where sweeping Atlantic beaches backed by sand dunes stretch for as far as the eye can see, with sun-drenched horizons and ‘end of the world’ views making these beaches some of the finest in Spain.
There is an impressive diversity to the Province of Cadiz. It has some of Spain’s most densely populated areas, some of its most deserted beaches and one of its most important wetlands and nature reserves. There are three main cities in the province – Cadiz – the capital; Jerez – the largest; and Algeciras – the busiest port in Spain (and 16th busiest in the world). The province is also home to some of Spain’s newest purpose-built coastal resorts too, including Novo Sancti Petri and Conil de la Frontera.
Throw in the windiest town in Europe, sweeping hills dotted with thousands of wind turbines, exceptional views of Morocco and easy access to the British Territory of Gibraltar and you have many reasons to visit the province any time of the year.
The Donana National Park is situated in the extreme west of the Province of Cadiz, bordering the Atlantic and forming the delta for the Guadalquiver River, which flows toward the shore via Seville, a few hundred kilometres north. This protected wetlands is one of the most important of its kind anywhere in Europe, covering 543 square kilometres, of which 135 square kilometres is protected, and restricted to visitors.
The park’s unique biodiversity is almost straight out of Africa – indeed, much of the birds that call the park their temporary home are African natives. The park’s close proximity to the northern coast of Africa makes it an essential and easily-reached resting place and hunting ground for a number of Africa’s larger birds, such as flamingos, eagles and kites. Donana is also home to thousands of red deer, wild boar, European badger and the extremely rare Egyptian mongoose, and is also the only place in Europe where the lynx roams freely – although their numbers are extremely low. There are a number of other natural parks in Cadiz, including the Straits of Gibraltar Natural Park, which has one of the highest concentrations of dolphins in Europe, and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, an area of limestone caves, ravines and a magnificent array of wildlife.
The town and resort of Tarifa is a major attraction in the province. Located just west of Algeciras on the extreme southern tip of Spain – and the most southern area of mainland Europe – Tarifa is a uniquely beguiling place that can feel like the end of the world, and appears to be throwing a party every night in preparation for it. In summer, the delightful old town comes alive with tapas bars, restaurants, nightclubs and shops selling all manner of beach-oriented equipment, including wall-to-wall windsurfing gear, for Tarifa is the windsurfing capital of Europe.
Visit the town, or the surrounding beaches, and you will soon understand why Tarifa is such a haven for windsurfers. As the windiest place in Europe – and one of the windiest in the world – conditions are nearly always perfect for windsurfing. A windless day in Tarifa is met with incredulity by the locals. The town’s geographic location between the Rock of Gibraltar and the Rift Mountains in Morocco – combined with the low pressure created by the warm sea of the Mediterranean coming together with the cooler temperatures of the Atlantic – creates a funnelling effect that produces almost constant gusts, travelling either south easterly (the Levante), or westerly (the Poniente).
Indeed, such is the strength and unrelenting power of the wind, and the town’s relative emptiness in the winter months, Tarifa also has the unwanted - and this is possibly an urban legend - distinction of being Europe’s suicide capital. While the unremitting wind may be ideal while out in the bay on your board, in town, where normal life must go on, the constant gusts can soon become rather tiresome, where even relaxing on the beach or outside with a drink can quickly become a constant battle against the elements.
The urban centres of the province of Cadiz are some of the most beautiful in Spain. The city of Cadiz is the oldest permanently inhabited city in Spain and possibly all of southeast Europe, and is uniquely positioned on a narrow spit of land, with the Atlantic Ocean on its south side and the Bay of Cadiz lapping idly at the north side. The maze of tight pedestrianised streets in the old town are a delight to explore any time of the year, while the vast stretch of beach that runs alongside the city is a wonderful spot for sunbathing and catching some breathtaking sunsets: as the sun seemingly sinks into the Atlantic horizon at dusk, it is a humbling feeling to think that the dying light is on its way across the ocean to wake up North America, and you were some of the last Europeans to see it. Until tomorrow, of course.
Boasting the Costa de La Luz, many places in Cadiz Province enjoy up to 14 hours of sunshine a day, particularly in summer. Even in winter, days can be bright, clear and sunny. Winter and summer temperatures are cooler on the Atlantic side, the wind helping to regulate a pleasant climate during the summer months, when temperatures can rise above 40c in July and August. On the Mediterranean side, mild winters and hot summer are enjoyed, while inland areas are exceptionally hot and dry in summer, and cooler in winter. Rainfall is steady and among the highest in Spain, with the wettest months occuring in early Spring.
The entire Province of Cadiz is growing in popularity with both Spanish and European tourists. There really is something for everybody here, all year-round too, thanks to its mild climate and many hours of sunshine and fine weather.
Some of the finest beaches in Europe can be found along Cadiz’s Costa de La Luz. The cooler waters of the Atlantic are ideal for swimming in, perfectly clean, dazzlingly turquoise and attractively juxtaposed with the soft white sands that comprise most beaches along this stretch of coast.
While the wind can be a problem for some, a good windbreaker should suffice, or you could simply choose to embrace nature’s hairdryer and try your hand at surfing and windsurfing. Also, the cooling effect of the wind means that even in the height of summer, temperatures never feel too stifling. Beaches of note include a gorgeous one at Zaraha de Los Atunes, the popular beach at Novo Sancti Petri and Tarifa beach, which is a haven for windsurfers. For something a little different, the Mediterranean beaches are smaller and less windswept, and are perhaps better for families with small children.
Technically not in Cadiz – it is not even part of Spain – but Gibraltar is well-worth a visit when in the region, if only to take advantage of its tax-free shopping. Situated a couple of kilometres from Algeciras, and bordered by the forgettable town of La Linea, Gibraltar is an interesting mixture of British architecture, traditions, culture and laws, combined with Mediterranean sunshine, a tangible Spanish attitude and breathtaking scenery. Thousands of Spaniards cross the border daily to stock up on cigarettes, tobacco, alcohol, perfumes and electrical goods – all of which are often 1/3 the price you would expect to pay in Spain. Additionally, for British holidaymakers seeking some home comforts, Gibraltar also boasts a large Morrisons supermarket that stocks everything you would find back in the UK, while there are also some traditional English pubs too.
With three large cities and plenty of modern beach resorts, you could be forgiven for thinking that Cadiz has little to offer lovers of the great outdoors. Nothing could be farther from the truth. From the stunning wetlands of the Donana National Park to the stark Endrinal Mountains found in Grazalema, all manner of landscapes can be enjoyed in Cadiz, whether on foot, on two wheels, or on horseback.
The Bahia de Cadiz Natural Park is a 110 square kilometre area of marshland, sand dunes, reed ponds and beaches, and is a great place for birdwatching, swimming, sailing, horse riding, windsurfing and trekking. For something more dramatic, the La Brena y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park is ideal, comprising jagged sea cliffs, pine forests, sand dunes and some delightfully secluded coves and caves. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is a mountainous area that is ideal for climbers, cavers, hikers and bird watchers.
What once made Cadiz a glorious, wealthy and easily defended city is now hindering its future and causing a population drain – its geography. The bulk of the city is located on a small archipelago of land that runs parallel to the mainland and is connected to it by a narrow spit. Densely built upon, the ancient city walls, tight streets and maze of squares, churches and cathedrals create a magnificent vista and atmosphere, making the city a firm favourite for tourists.
However, there is no land for new building projects, and the old buildings are unsuitable for urban renewal. Hence, many youngsters seeking work or suitable housing are being forced to leave, creating a population imbalance. For the visitor, this might not seem noticeable at first, and the city certainly still has a thriving nightlife scene, but the signs of youth withdrawal are becoming more apparent by the day.
Attractions in the city are mainly centred around the dense old town, where the imposing cathedral, the impressive Plaza de San Antonio and the Plaza de Candelaria are all located. Additional sights and places of interest include the Gran Teatro Falla, the Tavira Tower and the city walls, while the La Caleta beach which runs the length of the city is understandably popular for much of the year.
There is a wealth of accommodation options in the city of Cadiz. Smaller and more traditional hotels are generally located in the old town area, and these are a good option for travellers who hope to explore the cultural heart of the city on foot – the three-star Hotel Las Cortes De Cadiz is a perfect example of this type. The larger and more luxurious hotels in the city are invariably situated on the narrow spit of the city, and provide more services and act as a good base in which to explore both the old town and the surrounding areas. Try the four-star Hotel Tryp La Caleta if you fancy beach access, an easy walk to the old town and top-quality services and facilities.
The city of Jerez has a population of over 200,000, making it the largest city in the province and the fifth biggest in Andalucia. Situated a short drive north from Cadiz, this beautiful and richly historic city has a distinct culture that has made its mark on Spain in a number of ways. Firstly, the city is home to Flamenco, the passionate dance art that is renowned around the world. It is also the world-capital of sherry production, boasting a large number of traditional sherry bodegas throughout its delightful streets and plazas. Thirdly, the city is the base of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, and was a pioneer in horse training, dancing and equestrian expertise; sending this artform all around the world.
Such a passionate city boasts an intoxicating and highly addictive atmosphere that is sure to leave an indelible impression on many guests. Hence, a traditional hotel near the city’s thriving heart is an excellent idea, with the three-star Hotel Serit delivering the perfect balance of affordability, convenience, comfort and charm. For something much more luxurious, the five-star Hotel Barcelo Montecastillo Resort on the city’s outskirts is one of the finest hotels in Spain.
Although Chiclana de La Frontera is a vibrant, modern beach resort, it also boasts an important Natural Park area of wetlands, sand dunes and pine forests, perfectly capturing the entire province’s easy juxtaposition of large-scale tourism combined with the conservation and enjoyment of natural beauty.
In town, the long promenade, delightful beaches and array of shops, restaurants, bars and nearby golf-courses make this a haven for the holidaymaker. Hotels have plenty of space, and so are invariably of the large, complex-kind, with the four-star Club Hotel Riu Chiclana and the four-star Hotel Iberostar Royal Andalus both coming highly recommended, although all hotels in the resort are modern, luxurious and well-facilitated.
