Here are a few pointers describing some of the neighborhoods (barrios) in Cádiz city and some ideas on which hotels, apartments or guest houses to stay in. Each barrio has it’s own unique plazas and gardens that are all worth a visit.
Barrio de la Viña
Located close to the Caleta beach, Barrio de la Viña in Cádiz used to be described as a laid back “traditional fishing quarter”. Now it seems to be buzzing with tapas bars, restaurants and a night life (especially flamenco) vibe as well. Seafood, of course is high on the menu!
Every year, vibrant carnival celebrations take place in squares like the Plaza Tío de la Tiza and in the bars along the narrow streets.
Look out for the small park close to the Caleta beach where you can see the famous “Arbol del Mora“, two stunning Australian banyan trees (Ficus macrophylla) that were planted here in 1903.
Accommodation in barrio de la Viña, Cádiz
If you are looking for an apartment for your stay in Cádiz then the Barrio de la Viña is an excellent area located in the older part of the city of Cádiz
Barrio del Mentidero
Situated North of the Barrio la Viña, famous for the Gran Teatro la Falla (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Teatro_Falla) and the Genovés garden park, the Mentidero neighborhood occupies a good part of the historic center of Cádiz. People spend time eating tapas at the bars in the Plaza Falla before and after the shows in the theatre and the nearby Plaza Fragela is also popular for locals.
The Genovés park is the largest “green” space in the city of Cádiz. It was promoted by Gerónimo Genovés i Puig and is close to the Parador Hotel Atlántico, Paseo de Santa Bárbara, Avenida Duque de Nájera and Calle González Tablas (where the main entrance is located.) The gate, located on this side, allows direct access to a large central avenue, divided into three paths via a double row of symmetrical flower beds. There are impressive specimens of Ficus and Araucaria alongside topiary and a mediterranean garden setting influenced by ocean traders. I am sure a lot of the plants that are here were brought back by various important members of trading companies.
Not far away is the Alameda Apodaca. This beautiful garden was designed in the 1920s by Juan Talavera Heredia in a characteristic Andalusian style. This explains the use of colored ceramics and tiles, which decorate both the pavement and the edge of the flower beds. As for the vegetation, a superb specimen of ficus and an araucaria stand out, which were planted at the beginning of the 20th century and provide shade for walks through these gardens. There are also magnificent views of the Bay of Cádiz from the Punta Candelaria
Accommodation in barrio del Mentidero, Cádiz
Highly reccomended is the Parador of Cádiz. Overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean, this ultra-modern hotel is in the Barrio del Mentidero and all major landmarks in Cádiz such as the Genovés park, the Gran Teatro la Falla, Caleta beach and the Cathedral are within easy walking distances.
Barrio del Pópulo
Cádiz is indeed one of the oldest cities in Europe so this makes the barrio del Pópulo one of the oldest settlements in Europe as it has been permanently inhabited by fishermen and merchants for around 3000 years. It’s one of the smaller barrios in Cádiz city at just a kilometre square but still, there is a lot to see. El Pópulo is dominated by the towering, baroque cathedral and the older, Santa Cruz church.
The area is also defined by its narrow streets lined with gift shops, restaurants and tapas bars. The ancient Roman Theatre is now an open air museums, whilst the striking Arco de los Blanco is one of several atmospheric medieval passageways.
The official Andalucia tourist office is located in the street called Avenida Cuatro de Diciembre de 1977. You will also find the Plaza de San Juan de Dios overlooked by shops, restaurants and bars where you can sit and enjoy tapas. In this square you can also see the church of San Giovanni and also the town hall.
Not far away, the Plaza de la Candelaria, a lovely square with gardens is a great place to relax and watch the world go by.
Accommodation in el barrio del Pópulo, Cádiz
The Hotel Patagonia Sur is located in the historic quarter of barrio del Pópulo ideally situated for visiting Roman ruins, medieval arches, buzzing tapas bars and Cádiz cathedral.
Barrio de Santa María
Not far from the train station, the barrio Santa Maria is located by the Puerta de Tierra with narrow almost labyrinthine streets. This is where you will find two interesting museums: The Lithographic Workshop Museum and the Puppet Museum. The convent of Santa María, part of whose façade is decorated with striking tiles in which the Nazarene is represented plays an important role during Holy Week (Semana Santa). The facade was created by the Sevillian artist Andrés de Castillejos at the end of the 17th century.
Flamenco is also very important for the life of this neighborhood. In fact, some of the greats of this art like Enrique El Mellizo, La Perla de Cádiz and Chano Lobato were born here. These and other flamenco artists appear in the names of the streets of the Santa María neighborhood. La Perla de Cádiz is also the name one of the most emblematic clubs in the city where there are performances by some of the best flamenco artists combined with tapas and good wine. The legacy of flamenco artists is also present in the Municipal Center of Flamenco Art , located in the La Merced square. Here, in what was the old neighborhood food market, numerous shows are scheduled throughout the year.
Accommodation in Barrio de Santa María, Cádiz
Apartamento la Goleta is ideally located close to train and bus stations and the main beaches and monuments of Cádiz are within easy walking distance.
Barrio de San Juan
Barrio El Balón
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