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.
Discover Cádiz: Spain’s Oldest City and Its Best-Kept Secrets
Discover Alcalá de los Gazules in Los Alcornocales Park
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…”
The Cities, Towns and Villages of Cádiz
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.
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.
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.
Exploring Medina Sidonia: History, Culture, and Traditions
A Town Steeped in History
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.
Los Barrios in the Campo de Gibraltar
Los Barrios in the Campo de Gibraltar region, offers a blend of history, nature, and modern development. Known for its traditional Andalusian character, it is surrounded by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and the expansive Los Alcornocales Natural Park. The town is also home to Parque Comercial La Marismas, one of Andalusia’s largest shopping centers, making it a hub for both commerce and culture. Its close proximity to Gibraltar and Algeciras makes it an excellent base for exploring southern Spain.