weber6560

Reading about Cadiz, it seems to have a ton of history, interesting location on the coast, looks to be a great place during Carnival. Any thoughts why it doesn't figure more prominently in forum discussions? Thanks.

ruthruthruth

Well, we were only there for one day on a cruise, but we loved it. It's big enough to have things to do and places to go without being so big that it's intimidating. Mostly, I just wandered around the area near the lighthouse, watching fishermen tending their boats, and took a bus around the city a bit. I found a couple nice parks. Other than that, I don't remember what I did - but we loved it!

CathyM

Cadiz is my personal favorite city in all of Spain. However, I think it doesn't hit the normal tourist radar as it doesn't have alot of "sights". It's a great place for just wondering around. It can feel a little "crumbly" as it's an old port town. In other words it's not as pristene as Sevilla, perse and doesn't have all the well known landmarks. But these are some of the reasons why I love this town. Of course, we should probably try to keep it quiet

kimhe

On this forum, Andalucía themes tend to stay very focused on Sevilla, Córdoba and Granada and the so called "white villages". Brilliant, but all on the most obvious tourist track. As you say, Cádiz has got tons of history (Phoenician Gadir, a major port for the "trade" with the Americas, El Cortes de Cádiz etc).

Apart from all the history, the light is said to be insuperable, the region can rightfully boast the best beaches in the South of Spain, you'll find excellent seafood and wine (Jerez/Manzanilla), it's a hotbed of flamenco and "los gaditanos" is said to be the most light-hearted people in all of Andalucía. The city and the region is on the top of my wish list for the next trip to Southern Spain (yes, I've stayed close to the "tourist track" so far and loved it).

Here's a glimpse of three artists from the Cádiz region that have had a heavy impact on Spanish music and dance in recent times. Icons in each their own way:

The legendary singer Camarón de la Isla (San Fernando), nobody has even been close since he died in 1992 at the age of 41: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5N3T8w4Zvc

The world famous guitarist Paco de Lucía (Algeciras): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oyhlad64-s

And the dancer Sara Baras (Cádiz) who draws a full crowd for months in a row in Madrid. Not the best quality of the video-clip, but here she is in all her greatness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5N3T8w4Zvc

Finally, a fabolous exposure of the Cádiz spirit by two brilliant up and coming homebred flamencos, David Palomar and El Junco: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq4WDTXGtCQ

kimhe

This would be the Sara Baras-link (sorry!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20lc3fwbLks

hanl

Agree with all of the above. We were in Cadiz for a day in June (stayed further down the coast for a week). Am very slowly writing up my trip report but will get there in the end...

Egbert

Don't forget the great singer Nina Pastori!
They say the heart of Flamenco is in Sacromonte, some say Triana but Cadiz has to be in the discussion.

portuense

you need more convincing? have a look at this:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...ool-Cadiz.html