Cadiz Cruise Port Guide: What to See and Do on a Cruise Stop

LAST UPDATED August 12, 2025 BY Katarina Komazec

Cadiz, in the south of Spain, sits on a narrow peninsula in the Bay of Cadiz and stands out for its mix of Moorish and European heritage.

The city offers rich history, sandy beaches, and easy access to Seville and Jerez de la Frontera. It’s no surprise that many Mediterranean cruise itineraries include Cadiz as a key stop.

I visited Cadiz cruise port many times while working onboard cruise ships, and it quickly became one of my favorite ports, great for shopping, coastal walks, and wandering the historic center.

The cruise terminal is right next to the city center, so you can step off the ship and start exploring right away.

In this guide, I’ll share insider tips on:

• Cadiz cruise terminal, how to get around, and practical info
• The best things to do in Cadiz and top shore excursions from the port, including a day trip to Seville

Cadiz Cruise Port Overview

Cadiz cruise terminal is just a 5–10 minute walk from the historic city center. It’s located along Alfonso XIII pier and features:

• Tourist information and check-in desks
• Free Wi-Fi zones
• Gift shops and luggage storage
• A large parking area for up to 16 tour buses

Taxis and hop-on hop-off buses are available right outside the terminal, perfect for independent sightseeing.

Cadiz is also a major cargo and shipyard port, known for cruise ship drydock refurbishments. It houses a ferry terminal with Trasmediterranea routes to the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and La Palma (up to 2 days one way).

Getting Around Cadiz Cruise Port

🚌 Transportation Options

💶 Money & Practical Info

• Currency: Euro (€) – both cash and credit cards are accepted
• ATMs are easy to find across the city
• Most shops close from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM (siesta time) and on Sundays
• Big department stores stay open all day, usually from 10 AM to 10 or 11 PM
• Museums are typically closed on Mondays

📶 Wi-Fi & Accessibility

Free Wi-Fi is available at the cruise terminal, in most cafés, and in public Wi-Fi zones.

The city is mostly flat and wheelchair-friendly, though some cobbled streets may be tricky for those with mobility issues.

🛍️ Where to Eat, Shop & Stay

Cadiz’s city center is packed with restaurants, tapas bars, and shopping streets just minutes from the port.

👉 Planning to stay overnight? Find top-rated Cadiz hotels here.

📘 Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide

Planning more Mediterranean cruise stops? Don’t miss my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide—it covers 45 ports with insider tips, local highlights, and practical info to help you make the most of every stop.

👉 Get the Guide Here and start planning like a pro!

Plaza de San Juan de Dios

Plaza de San Juan de Dios is Cadiz’s main square, just a 10-minute (700 m) walk from the cruise terminal.

Lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, it’s home to the impressive City Hall (Ayuntamiento de Cádiz) and a convenient spot for banks, a pharmacy, and the tourist office.

👉 Explore Cadiz walking tours here

Plaza de España 

Plaza de España is just a 2–3 minute walk from the cruise terminal—right across the street.

It’s a great starting point for your walk through Cadiz, featuring the massive Monument to the Constitution of 1812, built in the early 20th century to mark 100 years since the constitution was signed.

Cadiz Cathedral & Tower of Poniente

Catedral de Cádiz is one of the city’s main landmarks, just a 12-minute walk (850 m) from the cruise port.

Its golden dome and twin bell towers overlook the sea and the lively Plaza de la Catedral.

Don’t miss the nearby Santa Iglesia Catedral (free to enter) or the panoramic views from the Tower of Poniente.

Mercado Central

Cadiz Central Market is the perfect spot to experience local life and flavors, just 12 minutes (850 m) from the cruise port on Plaza de la Libertad.

This lively market is packed with stalls selling paella, seafood, tapas, cheeses, sherry, and more—great for tasting fresh local specialties at affordable prices.

🍷 Join a Cadiz food tour to discover the best bites with a local guide!

Teatro Romano de Cádiz

Teatro Romano de Cádiz is an ancient Roman theater dating back to the 1st century BC, located near the cathedral, about an 11-minute walk (900 m) from the cruise terminal.

This small archaeological museum showcases the partially excavated remains of a massive theater that once held over 10,000 spectators. Entry is free, and a visit takes around 30–40 minutes.

Torre Tavira with Camera Obscura

Torre Tavira, located near the central market and just 900 m (a 12-minute walk) from the cruise terminal, is one of the highest points in Cadiz.

Built in the 18th century, it offers incredible panoramic views from its rooftop deck.

The highlight is the Camera Obscura, which uses mirrors and lenses to project real-time moving images of the city. The tower also features exhibitions and audiovisual displays

🧭 Nice to See If You Have Extra Time

• Castillo de Santa Catalina – A scenic 17th-century fortress with coastal views and art exhibitions, but it’s about a 25-minute walk from the port, so not essential for a short visit.
• Cadiz Museum – Great for history and art lovers, housed in a historic convent.
• Alameda Apodaca – A small, picturesque park near the port with fountains and sea views. Lovely for a photo stop.
• Park Genovés – Cadiz’s largest park with tropical plants and ocean views.

Best Day Trips from Cadiz Cruise Port

Seville – Capital of Andalusia

Seville is one of the most popular day trips from Cadiz and is often offered as a shore excursion by cruise lines.

Located about 122 km (75 miles) or 1.5 hours by road, it’s best to visit Seville with your cruise line or a trusted tour operator due to time constraints.

🚆 And, if you’re planning to go on your own, check out my day trip to Seville by train for tips on routes, tickets, and what to see.

This stunning Andalusian capital is full of history, energy, and charm. Highlights include the medieval old town, the grand Seville Cathedral and its La Giralda bell tower, the beautiful Plaza de España, and the Royal Alcázar of Seville, a Game of Thrones filming location.

If time allows, stroll the banks of the Guadalquivir River, explore Las Setas for panoramic views, and take in the sounds of flamenco echoing through the city.

👉 Explore Cadiz shore excursions to Seville

Jerez de la Frontera – Sherry, Horses & History

Located just 33 km (20 miles) northeast of Cadiz, about a 35-minute drive, Jerez de la Frontera is a popular shore excursion known for its deep Andalusian roots.

This medieval city is famous for sherry production, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, and its historic old town, a designated artistic heritage site.

Many tours include a visit to the Royal School to see horse-dancing shows and explore the stables and museums.

While in Jerez, you can also visit the impressive 17th-century cathedral, the 11th-century Alcázar, and traditional sherry bodegas where you can learn about (and taste!) local wines.

👉 Visit Jerez de la Frontera from Cadiz cruise port 

Vejer de la Frontera – A Stunning White Village

Vejer de la Frontera is one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia, located about 57 km (35 miles) or a 50-minute drive from Cadiz cruise port. I visited it on a shore excursion and it’s truly one of the most impressive places I’ve seen in Spain.

Perched on a hill, the village features whitewashed houses, cobbled alleys, Moorish architecture, and scenic views of the Andalusian countryside.

It’s full of charm, but due to steep streets and uneven paths, it’s not ideal for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

Want to see more places like this? Check out my article: 20 Cities to Visit on a Cruise to Spain

👉 Explore Vejer de la Frontera tours from Cadiz

❓ Cadiz Cruise Port FAQ

1. Is there luggage storage at the Cadiz cruise terminal?

No, there isn’t a luggage storage facility at the terminal. If you need to store bags, check with your cruise line or look into private services in the city.

2. Where do cruise ships dock in Cadiz?

Ships usually dock at the Alfonso XIII pier, which is right next to the city center. It’s one of the most convenient ports—you can start exploring the old town within minutes of stepping off the ship.

3. Is Cadiz cruise port accessible for people with mobility issues?

Yes, mostly. The terminal itself is accessible, and much of the old town is flat and easy to walk. However, some streets have cobblestones or slight inclines, so it might not be ideal for everyone.

4. What can I find at the cruise terminal?

The terminal has free Wi-Fi, a tourist info desk, restrooms, gift shops, and a few cafés. Taxis and hop-on hop-off buses are available just outside.

5. Can I book shore excursions from the port?

Yes! You can book tours through your cruise line or with reliable independent operators. Popular options include day trips to Seville, Jerez, Vejer de la Frontera, or even Gibraltar—all doable in a day from Cadiz.

Helpful Cruise Planning Resources

🌐 Helpful Resources for Visiting Cadiz