I've been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don't pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Cádiz, with its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, is a favorite stop for cruise ships. Whether you’re planning your first visit or are a seasoned traveler, there are always questions about making the most of your time in this beautiful Spanish city. In this guide, we’ve compiled and answered the top 10 questions from cruise ship visitors to help you navigate Cádiz with ease and confidence. From transportation tips to must-see landmarks, our answers will ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable experience in this enchanting port city.
Listen to the podcast about visiting Cádiz from a cruise ship
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Cádiz is Europe’s oldest city and a standout destination in Andalucía, where ancient history, vibrant culture, fresh seafood, and ocean views come together on Spain’s Atlantic coast.
Despite its rich past and coastal charm, it’s often overlooked by travelers heading to Seville or Granada. But Cádiz offers something unique—walkable streets packed with character, golden beaches, and a deep connection to Spain’s maritime history.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Located in the heart of Cádiz province, within the region of La Janda, and nestled within the spectacular natural setting of Parque Natural de los Alcornocales lies Alcalá de los Gazules. This town boasts an unmatched beauty, typifying the unique character of southern Spain.
Its architecture, narrow and steep streets, and bright, open squares bring to life the Andalusian charm described by Federico García Lorca, who wrote: “I, who am Andalusian through and through, yearn for Málaga, for Córdoba, for Sanlúcar la Mayor, for Algeciras, for authentic and vibrant Cádiz, for Alcalá de los Gazules, for that which is intimately Andalusian…”
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
The Province of Cádiz is divided into 6 comarcas (regions) that include a total of 44 municipalities, with the famous city of Cádiz as its capital. Other important cities in the province include Jerez de la Frontera and Algeciras.
Population of Cádiz
The population of Cádiz Province is approximately 1,255,164 inhabitants. Of these, around 600,000 live in the metropolitan area of the Bay of Cádiz, which includes Cádiz city and nearby towns like Chiclana, El Puerto de Santa María, Puerto Real, and San Fernando. This makes Cádiz one of the most densely populated areas within Andalusia.
The province spans an area of 7,435.85 km², with a population density of 158.80 inhabitants per km². Cádiz shares borders to the north with the provinces of Seville and Huelva, to the east with Málaga, to the southwest with the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast with the Mediterranean Sea, and to the south with the Strait of Gibraltar and the British territory of Gibraltar.
Coasts and mountains
The municipalities of Cádiz can be broadly divided based on their location within the province, highlighting a variety of coastal towns known for their pristine beaches—many of which remain untouched—and inland municipalities renowned for their cultural richness and vast green landscapes.
Among the coastal towns, notable ones include Conil de la Frontera, Vejer de la Frontera with its well-known hamlet of El Palmar, Barbate with Zahara de los Atunes, and Tarifa with the beach area of Bolonia.
Caleta beach in the city of Cádiz.
For the inland towns, those bordering the Los Alcornocales Natural Park stand out. Alcalá de los Gazules, known as the western gateway to the park, and Jimena de la Frontera, known as the eastern gateway, are especially notable.
Further north in the province are the famous white towns (pueblos blancos), named for their whitewashed houses. Here, within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, we find remarkable villages like El Bosque, Zahara de la Sierra, Villaluenga del Rosario and Grazalema itself.
Grazalema, one of the most famous and beautiful villages in the province of Cádiz.
From A to Z: The cities, towns and villages of Cádiz
Here are all the cities, towns and villages in the province of Cádiz (in alphabetical order.) Just click the links to find out more in depth information about each place.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Medina Sidonia is one of Spain’s oldest towns, with a history that dates back to the late Neolithic period. Over the centuries, it has been home to various civilizations, each leaving their mark on the town’s archaeological sites.
The Phoenicians were the first to arrive by sea from the East, followed by the Romans, who contributed significantly to Medina’s development. Later, the Visigoths, Byzantines, Muslims, and eventually the Christians shaped the town’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
