Start your journey by ferry to Cadiz, a legendary town in Andalusia with undeniable charm, rich in archaeological wealth and with monuments of great interest.
The town of Cadiz is the capital of the province of Cadiz in Andalusia, in southwestern Spain. It is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe and is rich in history and cultural heritage. The city's role was crucial as during Spain's colonial period its port served trade with the Americas. Today it remains mainly a commercial port for both exports and imports of products.
In addition to its commercial role, the port of Cadiz also serves as a hub for coastal connections with the Canary Islands, such as La Palma, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
Cadiz is a unique city with well preserved historical monuments with its ancient center, the old town (Casco Antiguo), almost entirely surrounded by water and impressive with its narrow winding streets and squares. There is also the more modern part of the city with large avenues and newer buildings. A lively city known for its festivals and especially for its famous carnival.
There are many reasons to visit Cadiz, this narrow peninsula on the homonymous bay bordering the Atlantic Ocean and experience a magical city with a rich historical interest but also wonderful beaches and cheerful restaurants that will satisfy all tastes!
Ferry connections from Cadiz
There are several ferry connections from Cadiz to Las Palmas, Lanzarote (Arrecife), Santa Cruz de La Palma, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto del Rosario.
- Ferry from Cadiz to Las Palmas: The connection is usually twice a week and the journey time is approximately 33 hours and 52 minutes
- Ferry from Cadiz to Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The connection is usually twice a week and the journey time is approximately 38 hours
- Ferry from Cadiz to Santa Cruz de La Palma: The connection is once a week and the duration of the trip is approximately 56 hours
- Ferry from Cadiz to Lanzarote (Arrecife): The route is operated once a week throughout the year and the journey time is approximately 26 hours
- Ferry from Cadiz to Fuerteventura (Puerto del Rosario): Usually, there is a weekly service from Cadiz to Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura and the journey takes about 28 hours
As far as the possibility of traveling from Cádiz to Morocco by ferry is concerned, there are currently no direct ferry services. The only way is for passengers to travel by road or public transport to one of the nearby ports such as Algeciras, Tarifa and Barcelona where there are several ferry connections to Morocco.
We would recommend that you check the timetables before planning your trip as times and frequency may vary depending on the season and demand.
Ferry types from Cadiz to Canary islands
The ferry types operating on the ferry connection from Cadiz to the Canary Islands are conventional ferries, as there are no high speed ferries available for this route.
More specifically, the ferries operating from Cadiz are the following:
- Conventional ferries: These ferries are slower but give travelers the opportunity to enjoy an unparalleled travel experience compared to the faster ferries. From the decks of conventional ships, travelers have a view of the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea joining the vast Atlantic Ocean. Due to their size, these ships have many on-board facilities such as comfortable cabins, restaurants and cafeterias
Getting around Cadiz
Upon arrival in Cadiz the visitor will find that due to its compact size, getting around the city of Cadiz is very easy.
Many are those who prefer to walk it since most of the attractions are located very close to each other.
Let's take a closer look at the options that visitors have to get to know this fascinating city:
- Walking: It is the main way of getting around since all the sights are very close to each other while the tour in the narrow streets of the Old Town offers unique experiences and the opportunity to see the local architecture
- Public buses: The public bus network is reliable and efficient and allows access to areas outside the central area of Cádiz, to beaches or parks. Tickets can be purchased inside the bus or at the bus stops
- Tourist bus: Gives the visitor the opportunity to have a guide and see the city and its sights from the double-decker bus. The disadvantage is the long wait for the next bus
- Taxis: A fast and comfortable way to get around Cadiz even to places you can't get to by bus. They are available all over the city and you can call them on the street or find them at designated taxi stands
- Rent a bicycle: Renting a bicycle is an ideal solution for touring Cadiz as the flat terrain and scenic coastal paths offer unforgettable experiences to the traveler. There are many bike rental companies in the city that offer hourly or daily rates and you can also book a bike rental online in advance
Best things to do in Cadiz
This enchanting port city is a travel experience whether you have a few days at your disposal or just one day to explore it!
Cadiz with its rich history and culture, surrounded by the Atlantic and Mediterranean waves, enchants the visitor with its beautiful golden beaches, wonderful white villages, flamenco dances, beautiful wineries founded centuries ago and the famous carnivals that are considered the most important in Andalusia.
Let's look at the main attractions of Cadiz:
- Explore the historic sites: Cadiz has important historical monuments such as the Cadiz Cathedral, an iconic structure that showcases a mix of baroque and neoclassical architecture. Also an important sight to visit in Cadiz is the Roman Theatre, which dates back to the 1st century BC and is an example of the city's Roman heritage
- Visit Tavira Tower: This tower is a historical watchtower that offers an excellent view of the city. The climb involves 173 steps but the view you will experience will be rewarding
- Stroll through El Pópulo neighborhood: This neighborhood is the oldest part of Cadiz, characterized by narrow streets and medieval architecture. Walking around this area you can appreciate the local life, visit quaint shops and enjoy picturesque squares such as the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, where you can admire beautiful buildings, including the Town Hall
- Relax at La Caleta Beach: A visit to Cádiz is not complete if the traveler does not visit La Caleta Beach. It is a charming beach ideal for a leisurely walk along the coastal road but also for enjoying the best sunset in the city
- Discover local cuisine at Central Market: This Market (Mercado Central) is a great place for the visitor to enjoy fresh seafood dishes and shop for fresh produce and is considered a culinary center to try local delicacies
- Make day trips to nearby attractions: An excellent opportunity is the possibility of day trips to nearby towns such as Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its sherry bodegas, but also exploring picturesque white towns such as Arcos de la Frontera and Ronda. These locations offer stunning scenery and cultural experiences
- Experience Local Festivals: In case your visit coincides with local festivals such as Carnival or Semana Santa (Holy Week), attending these events can provide deep cultural insights into Cádiz's rich history, culture, beautiful landscapes and the delicious food
Cádiz offers amazing beaches ideal for swimming and sunbathing, beautiful landscapes and exotic plants, remarkable historical monuments with a history of more than 3,000 years, wonderful gastronomy with traditional Andalusian dishes and cultural events throughout the year with culminating in the famous February carnival.
