Free Walking Tour Cadiz: How to See History in Spain’s Oldest City

Cadiz Spain

Cadiz plays host to many tourist activities, but the best (and cheapest) is the free Cadiz walking tours! No need to hire a tour operator as you can guide yourself around the beaches and take in the amazing history of Cadiz Spain. What’s so special about these walking trails are they’re actually marked on the streets, with the different routes defined by colors. After a full day of walking it’ll be easy to see these tours are one of the best things to do in Cadiz Spain!

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The History of Cadiz Spain 

While many places lay claim to being Europe’s oldest city, Cadiz has the history and culture to back it up! Before it became Spanish, Cadiz had been home to several legendary civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Moors.

Evidence of each society can be seen through Cadiz’s amazing walking streets, restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere. So take a walk with us through Europe’s oldest city and the fabulous Cadiz Spain beaches… We think you’ll like what you see!

Spanish Seaside Town

Cadiz Walking Tour Tips

1. Make sure to stop by the tourist information center and pick up a map! Here you’ll have all the different routes and learn some Cadiz Spain history along the way! Also, the tourist office is the starting point for all Cadiz walking tours.

2. If you lose your line don’t stress! Some sections are worn down so just continue on, check your map, and you’re bound to bump into your colored line again.

3. Most of the Cadiz tours will take around an hour to complete. This means it’s definitely possible to do more than one of the Cadiz walking tours in a day!

4. You don’t HAVE to stick to one line. Some of the colors actually cross paths, so you can easily hop around from the beautiful architecture to the beaches of Cadiz Spain.

5. The Cadiz walking tours are primarily found in the old town, but don’t let that confine you. Take a trip outside the walls along the water, or explore the more modern sections of Cadiz.

South of Spain

Green Line El Populo and Santa Maria Districts

Our first route of the Cadiz walking tours takes you down the narrow cobble stone streets as you journey through the oldest part of Cadiz! You’ll start off passing through the El Populo and Rosa Arches which will take you into the old medieval section. Here you will find the New Cathedral, and this is where you can climb up the famous Poniente Tower for incredible views of the city.

Next follow the green line towards the Roman Theatre and see the stunning church of Santa Cruz. If you haven’t seen enough Cadiz Spain history yet, the route ends in the Santa Maria District. This goes straight to the city walls at the Puerta de Tierra City Gate!

Cadiz Walking Tours Spain

Orange Line Castles and Bastions 

The second route of the Cadiz walking tours takes you on a stroll around the outer defense walls of the city. This gives you a chance to see some of the beautiful beaches in Cadiz Spain.

As you exit Plaza de Espana, follow the orange line as it borders the 18th Century San Carlos Walls and the Atlantic Ocean. While taking in the picturesque views, make sure not to miss two gorgeous city projects Alemeda de Apodaca Gardens and Genoves Park.

Continue along the water and you’ll soon pass two of the most famous landmarks in Cadiz. The San Sebastian and Santa Catalina Castles are both must visits, and so is the amazing La Caleta Beach which stands in between. Finish your walk by turning onto the lively La Palma street, where you can grab a drink and some delicious local seafood.

Cadiz Tours Spain

Cadiz Spain beaches

Purple Line Golden Age 

Our third route on the Cadiz walking tours gives us another glimpse back in time to 17th and 18th century Spain when the economy was flourishing with new trade routes to the Indies. Before you start down Sopranis Street stop to see Cadiz’s patron saint Our Lady of the Rosary.

After meeting our lady, continue to city hall in the San Juan de Dios Square. From here the purple line takes you back into the El Populo district to see the Admiral’s House and Cathedral Square. Make sure not to miss the flower market in Plaza de las Flores, and the highlight of this route which is coming up next!

At the Central Market you will find delicious drinks and tapas around the outer ring, and on the inside an exciting local fish market. The market was by far one of our favorite things to do in Cadiz Spain! On your way out don’t miss the Tavira Tower, an 18th century watchtower which merchants once used to spot incoming ships.

The purple route ends on Calle Ancha which is a lively epicenter also serving as Cadiz’s main shopping street. If you’re up for a closer examination of Cadiz Spain history, you can also find the cities main museum here as well!

Cadiz Spain Things to do

Cadiz Spain Walking Tours

Blue Line The Constitution

The last stretch of the Cadiz walking tours takes you on yet another stroll through history. In March of 1812, the first Constitution was actually signed right here in Cadiz! Although at the time they were still at war with the French, this monumental moment would forever change the course of Spanish history.

Your first stop will be at Cadiz’s Provincial Council Palace which stands proudly over the Plaza de Espana. In the square you will find a wonderful monument with the names of former Parliament members, and the House of Five Towers (and House of Four Towers). These unique set of houses were once used by traders as a hotel of sorts for a quick stay in Cadiz.

After exploring the square, head back to the San Carlos district and visit Alemeda. This is another gorgeous garden set right on the water near the Cadiz Spain beaches. Follow the garden and it will guide you into Plaza San Antonio.

This is the square where Spain’s constitutional proclamation actually took place! Your last bit of time can be used to see art at the San Felipe Neri Oratory, or grab a last bit of history at the Cadiz Museum of Parliament.

Cadiz Spain history

Cadiz Spain things to do

Did we miss any of the best things to do in Cadiz Spain while breaking down these walking tours? Let us know in the comments below!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar

Where To Stay In Cadiz Spain

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Parador de Cádiz – This fantastic luxury hotel is walking distance to both the historic center and La Caleta Beach. It also features an outdoor pool, tapas bar, and lovely sea views.

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz – For a unique place to stay in the city center look no further! This boutique hotel is actually built inside a 17th century convent with much of the the original stonework still in tact. Close walking distance to all the best restaurants and bars as well.

Hostel Life (Budget) – Summer Cádiz – The Summer Cadiz is the best hostel to meet new friends to enjoy the Cadiz walking tours with! Just a 3 minute walk to the beach, and offers both private rooms and dorms. 

For more places to stay in Cadiz you can explore the latest prices here!

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Spain Travel Guide

Explore Spain

Best of Spain: Costa Del Sol13 Best Drinks  – 11 Cities in Southern Spain  – Visiting in Winter

Granada: Best Tapas  – 15 Fun Things to Do – Alhambra de Granada 

Nerja: 15 Things to do –  Best Tapas7 Beautiful BeachesPlaya BurrianaNerja Caves 

Small Towns: MijasFrigilianaRupit  – Ronda

Gran Canaria: 13 Food & DrinksAgaete Natural PoolsRoute of the TapasVolcano Hike

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Tenerife: 7 Best BeachesPlaya AmarillaMount Teide Volcano DriveBoat Tour

Spain Travel Planning 

 Flights: We always find the best flights using Skyscanner. Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly between cities in Spain than driving or taking the train! 

 Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also,  Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget. 

Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Spain road trip! 

 Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around Spain. You can book a tour of the Madrid Royal Palace, skip the line and explore the Alhambra de Granada, or even jump on a Tenerife Dolphin cruise! 

 Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.

 Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials

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Jake

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