Welcome to Cadiz cruise port, tucked in the Bay of Cadiz, in southern Spain. The medieval city of Cadiz is located on a peninsula and boasts rich Moorish and Western European cultural and historic heritage, great shopping, beautiful beaches, and a variety of things to do.
Due to its attractive geographical position and proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar and the Andalusian cities of Seville and Jerez de la Frontera, the port of Cadiz is one of the most visited and popular ones in Mediterranean cruise itineraries.
In this article, I share with you insider information on:
- Cadiz cruise port (Cadiz cruise terminal, getting around, helpful info)
- The best shore excursions and 15 best things to do in the port of Cadiz
Visit our cruise port guides for Gibraltar, Bilbao, Vigo, Valencia, La Coruna, Cartagena, Malaga
Cadiz Cruise Port
Cadiz cruise terminal is located within a 5-10 minute walk from the city center and its highlights.
The cruise terminal is situated alongside Alfonso XIII pier and features modern facilities including check-in desks, tourist information desks, a luggage storage area, a free wi-fi zone, gift shops and large parking that can accommodate up to 16 tour buses.
Taxis and Hop on Hop off buses are located right outside the cruise terminal area.
The historic port of Cadiz is known as a large cargo port and one of the main locations for cruise ship drydock refurbishments in Western Europe.
The port also features a ferry terminal that offers a ferry service operated by the Spanish company Trasmediterranea. The company serves routes to the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma) and the trips can take up to 2 days one way.
Getting Around Cadiz Port
- The currency in Spain is EURO (€). You can use both cash and credit cards in Cadiz. ATMs are available in the city center.
- Check out Cadiz Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
- Cadiz train station (Adif-Renfe train station) and the main bus station (Estación de Autobuses de Cádiz) are located near Plaza de Sevilla, within a 15-minute walk(1.2 km/0.75 miles) from the port of Cadiz. The trains offer daily transfers to Jerez de la Frontera, Seville, and other cities in Spain.
- A great variety of shopping and dining options are available all around the city center. However, keep in mind that the majority of shops/pharmacies are closed between 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM (Spanish siesta time) and on Sundays. Big department stores are open during the whole day, from 10 AM to 10/11 PM. Museums are generally closed on Mondays.
- You can find wi-fi in almost all cafes and restaurants, Cadiz cruise terminal, and free wi-fi marked zones in the city.
- The majority of surfaces in Cadiz are flat and suitable for wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties. However, some cobblestone parts of the town are not recommended for these guests.
- Seville Airport is located 130 km/81 miles (a 1 hour 20-minute drive) northeast of Cadiz cruise port. Book a private transfer to/from the port of Cadiz
- Explore Cadiz tours and activities
- Book accommodation in Cadiz
15 Best Things to Do in Cadiz Cruise Port
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1. Plaza de San Juan de Dios
Plaza de San Juan de Dios is the main square in Cadiz, located a 10-minute (700 m) easy walk from the Cadiz cruise terminal. All you have to do is turn left upon leaving the cruise terminal area and keep walking along Avenue De Puerto for about 10 minutes.
The main square is dominated by the imposing building of the City Hall of Cádiz (Ayuntamiento de Cádiz) and is surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants and cafes. Here, you will also find a tourist office, a pharmacy, banks and other historic landmarks.
Explore Cadiz city sightseeing tours
2. Plaza de España
This spacious green square is located right across the Cadiz cruise terminal, less than a 5-minute walk from the exit (170 m). You just need to cross the street and you’re there.
This beautiful square is a great place to start the walking tour of the Cadiz as it boasts one of the most imposing monuments of the city – The Monument to the Constitution of 1812, whose construction dates from the beginning of the 20th century. The monument is huge and commemorates the centennial of the signing of the Constitution of 1812.
3. Cádiz Cathedral
Catedral de Cádiz is one of the major Cadiz highlights, located only 12 minutes walking distance from the Cadiz cruise port (850 m).
Known for its golden dome and two imposing bell towers, the cathedral overlooks the coast on one side and dominates Plaza de la Cathedral on the other.
During your visit, you can also visit the adjacent Santa Iglesia Catedral (free entrance) or enjoy magnificent views of the city from the Tower of Poniente (Torre de Poniente).
4. Mercado Central
Cadiz Central Market is a must-visit place in Cadiz if you want to experience the local life and taste delicious local food. It is located on Plaza de la Libertad, a few blocks away from Cadiz Cathedral, only 12 minutes walking distance from the Cadiz port (850 m).
This small, yet bustling market features a multitude of stalls offering all sorts of goods, from paella, cheeses, wines and seafood, to fruits, vegetables, meat, sherry, tapas and so much more.
Here, you can taste quality, freshly made local specialties at a very cheap price.
5. Parque Genovés
The picturesque Park Genovés is the largest public garden in the city, located near Santa Catalina Castle, within a 20-minute walking distance (1.5 km/0.9 miles) from Cadiz port.
This huge park overlooks the ocean and boasts wonderful plants, trees, fountains, sculptures, a small man-made cave and a lake with a waterfall.
6. Santa Catalina Castle
Castillo de Santa Catalina is a star-shaped, 17th-century fortress complex that nowadays hosts modern art exhibitions.
It is located approximately 2 km/1.2 miles (a 25-minute walk) from Cadiz cruise port and from its ramparts you can admire gorgeous views of the coast, ocean, San Sebastian fortress and La Caleta beach. The entrance to the castle is free of charge.
7. Cadiz Beaches
The city of Cadiz is located on a peninsula and all the beaches are located along its western coast. Cadiz beaches are mostly sandy, wide and open to the Atlantic Ocean. The water can sometimes be cold, wavy and contain seaweed, depending on the season.
If you come in the summer and decide to spend a relaxing beach day in Cadiz, there are a few beaches to consider:
7.1. La Caleta Beach
La Caleta is located near the historic center of Cadiz, between Santa Catalina Castle and Puerta de la Caleta fortress, which opens to San Sebastian Castle.
The water here is a bit less wavy than other beaches as it’s surrounded by the two castles that form a sea wall that protects it from strong winds. On the beach, you’ll find amenities such as restaurants, bars, showers, and toilets.
It takes approximately a 20-minute walk (1.7 km/1 mile) to get to the beach, and the best way to reach it is through the city center. La Caleta is one of the closest beaches to the Cadiz cruise port.
7.2. Playa Santa María del Mar
The beach is located 1.6 km/0.9 miles (a 20-minute walk) from the port of Cadiz and you’ll recognize it by a circular-shaped observation deck and a bar-restaurant at one of its ends.
This beach is wide and quite long and offers amenities such as showers, toilets and a few bars and restaurants. There are many local vendors selling refreshments at a very affordable price (make sure you have some local currency on you) so you can soak up some Mediterranean sun while sipping the local beer or Don Simon sangria.
7.3. Playa de la Victoria
This beach is located 4.7 km/2.9 miles (a 12-minute drive) from the Cadiz cruise terminal. Playa de la Victoria is wide and long and has a beautiful oceanfront promenade lined with bars, restaurants, hotels, play areas and shops.
This sandy beach is open to the ocean and offers amenities such as sunbed/umbrella rentals, showers, toilets, and more. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center, this is the place to go!
7.5. Playa de la Cortadura
This beach is rated as one of the top beaches in Cadiz and is often offered as a shore excursion by the cruise lines.
It is situated in La Cortadura residential district, next to Playa de la Victoria, 6 km/3.7 miles (a 15-minute drive) south of Cadiz port and the city.
This beautiful, clean beach boasts soft sands, amazing water, a variety of sports and amenities such as sunbed/umbrella rentals, showers, toilets, and a couple of bars and restaurants.
7.6. Playa del Chato, Playa de Santibáñez and Playa del Torregorda
These beaches are located further away and are perfect for those of you who look for more remote places out of the city.
These beaches don’t have amenities and are completely natural, with rocks and some wild parts. I would rather recommend these beaches for a walk than for swimming.
8. Cadiz Museum
Only 500 m from the port of Cadiz, after you pass by the Monument to the Constitution of 1812 and continue walking along Antonio Lopez street, you’ll reach Playa de Mina where Cadiz Museum is located.
This 3-story heritage museum is housed in an old Franciscan convent and offers insights into Cadiz’s history, archeology, ethnology and fine arts.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and from 9 AM to 3 PM on Sundays and holidays. Museo de Cadiz is closed on Mondays.
9. Teatro Romano de Cadiz
The Roman theater of Cadiz dates back to the 1st century BC and is located next to the Cadiz Cathedral, 900 m (an 11-minute walk) from the Cadiz cruise terminal.
In this archeological museum, you will explore partially excavated ancient ruins of a massive Roman theater that used to host over 10.000 spectators.
The entrance is free of charge and the visit takes around 30-40 minutes.
Check out Cadiz walking tours and activities
10. Alameda Apodaca Park
Alameda Apodaca Park and gardens are situated 600 m (a 7-minute walk) away from the port, only a few blocks away from Cadiz Museum. This colorful, well-maintained park is a great place to unwind, a perfect oasis in the bustling city center.
It boasts beautiful plans, lots of greenery, picturesque fountains, statues and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
11. Tavira Tower
Torre Tavira is located close to the central market (Mercado Central), 900 m or a 12-minute walk from the cruise terminal. The tower dates from the 18th century and is one of the highest points in the city, offering unmatched panoramic views from its observation deck.
One of the main attractions of the tower is the Camera Obscura, a room equipped with a set of optical lenses and mirrors that reflect everything that happens at this very moment outside the tower (moving images in real-time). The Tavira Tower also has two exhibition halls and various audiovisual projections.
12. Seville
Cruise lines normally organize shore excursions to a few Andalusian cities as they are located close to Cadiz. One of them is Seville, the magnificent capital of Andalusia and the largest city of this southern Spanish region.
Seville is located 122 km/75 miles (a 1-hour 30-minute drive) from Cadiz, and due to the ship’s limited time in port, I suggest you visit it either with your cruise line or a reliable independent tour operator.
Seville is absolutely stunning. It is medieval, lively, and offers so much to see and do! If you are coming for the first time, I suggest you explore the medieval old town with the iconic Seville Cathedral with its La Giralda bell tower, the imposing Plaza de España with its beautiful fountain, admire the Moorish architecture and walk along the banks of River Guadalquivir while you listen to the beats of flamenco dance, or visit Las Setas to enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
In the heart of Seville’s old town, there is another city highlight not to be missed – The Royal Alcázar de Sevilla, an impressive Royal palace with breathtaking gardens, a filming location for the Kingdom of the Dorne in the fifth season of legendary Game of Thrones series. However, you need to save at least one whole day to explore the palace.
Explore Cadiz shore excursions to Seville
13. Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera is another city in Andalusia that you can visit on a shore excursion or in your own arrangement, located 33 km/20 miles (a 35-minute drive) northeast of the Cadiz cruise port.
This medieval, typically Andalusian city is known for its sherry production, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (home to the world’s finest horses), and its historic old town that has been declared a historic-artistic site.
Many tours include the visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art where visitors can enjoy daily horse-dancing shows, stables and museums.
While in the city, don’t miss the chance to visit the imposing Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral dating from the 17th century, Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera (an 11th-century Moorish fortress), “bodegas” or (the cellars where you can learn about sherry making tradition) and the beautiful historic heart of the city.
Visit Jerez de la Frontera from Cadiz cruise port
14. Vejer de la Frontera
Known as one of the most beautiful “white villages” in Andalusia, Vejer de la Frontera is another place you should visit on a cruise-line-sponsored or independent shore excursion.
This extraordinary place is situated 57 km/35 miles (a 50-minute drive) from Cadiz port and is one of the most impressive places I’ve visited in Spain.
It is a typically Andalusian village with a strong Arab influence in architecture and during the visit you can admire its fortified walls, squares, fountains, mystical corners, and stunning views of the Andalusian countryside.
Vejer de la Frontera is located on a hill, has a lot of cobblestones and therefore is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties. Read more about this beautiful village in my article 20 Cities to Visit on a Cruise to Spain
Explore Vejer de la Frontera tours from Cadiz
15. Cadiz Shopping and Dining
Last but not least, I have to mention the delicious local food and the variety of dining options in the city of Cadiz. Do not miss the opportunity to try fresh seafood, tapas, sangria and local specialties at very reasonable prices, and go shopping as you’ll find a great number of shops, designer stores, souvenir shops and so much more!
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