Need to Know About Cadiz
Tucked into the southwest of Spain, Cadiz is the capital of the country’s Costa de la Luz. The city has often been referred to as the most underrated city in the Andalucia region because although it’s small, Cadiz has got a big personality. Located on a peninsula off the mainland of Spain, Cadiz is surrounded on three sides by water. This leads to some gorgeous sea views and scenic beaches. The city is also steeped in history between its castle, cathedral, and the charming old quarter of El Pópulo. The people of Cadiz are extremely welcoming and make visitors feel right at home in their city. They are known for their sense of humour, and many Spaniards consider the people of Cadiz to be the country’s friendliest. In addition to its beaches and history, Cadiz has an impressive food scene for visitors to enjoy. There are markets dotted throughout the city along with lots of traditional tapas bars. Seafood is the specialty in Cadiz due to its seaside location, with some must-try dishes being seafood paella, oysters, and fresh prawns. Once you’ve spent some time in Cadiz, you can continue your road trip to some more of Spain’s hotspots, such as Seville or Malaga. With your campervan, you could even continue your journey west into neighbouring Portugal.
Things to Know About Hiring a Motorhome in Spain
Drivers must be at least 21 years old to hire a campervan in Cadiz, Spain. They must also hold a full driving license and have a clean driving record for the previous year. English-language driving licenses are accepted in Spain, so you don’t need to worry about applying for a separate international driving permit.
Cars drive on the right side of the road in Spain. Another rule to keep in mind is finding somewhere that accepts campervans when you are parking for the night. Acceptable overnight areas include designated campervan parking spaces and campsites as well as some farms and vineyards that welcome campervans.
Reasons to Hire a Campervan in Cadiz
• Travelling by campervan can help you save money compared to travelling by trains and staying in hotels.
• Campervans allow flexibility, giving you the freedom to explore on your terms. You can visit where you want, when you want without having to rely on the timetables of public transport or tour operators. Having a campervan will also give you the freedom to change your plans as you go along without hotel or train bookings locking you into a set schedule.
• You can wake up to a new view every morning, setting you up for a day of adventure.
• You can modify the trip to meet your budget and travel preferences. Travelling by campervan can include just the basics, some luxury, or anything in between based on which campervan you choose and the campsites you stay at.
• Every day travelling through Spain by campervan will feel like a fresh adventure.
Things to Do Around Cadiz
Playa La Caleta
All throughout Cadiz and the surrounding region, there are lots of scenic beaches to visit. Playa La Caleta is one of the most popular among both tourists and locals. This beach has been a prominent spot in Cadiz since the Ancient times when the Ancient Romans and Phoenicians would dock their boats there. Today, Playa La Caleta is a quiet beach that offers a relaxing atmosphere. The view from the beach is pretty special as well, with views of boats sailing past and the Castle of San Sebastián in the distance.
Cadiz Cathedral
The Cadiz Cathedral is a beautiful hybrid of baroque, rococo, and neoclassical architectural styles. The cathedral began construction in 1722 but wasn’t completed until more than 100 years later. When the cathedral was first built, trade was booming between Spain and Central and South America. This led to Cadiz Cathedral being nicknamed the “Cathedral of the Americas.” While visiting the cathedral, visitors can admire its design as well as paintings and artefacts from old cathedrals and monasteries across Spain.
Castle of San Sebastián
This landmark is often considered to be the icon of Cadiz. Located on a peninsula off of the city, the castle was built in 1706 as a way to protect Cadiz. With its peninsula location, the Castle of San Sebastián appears to be sitting directly on the sea, making for an impressive sight. The design of the castle includes thick stone walls and fortifications, evoking thoughts of the Middle Ages although the castle was constructed several centuries later. The Castle of San Sebastián is free to visit. Visitors can walk through the castle grounds and admire the architecture, learn more about its history, and see breathtaking views over the sea and the city.
