Cadiz is among the most charming cities in Spain. This city’s relaxed atmosphere and stunning beaches, including one from a 007 film, make it a perfect summer destination. However, Cádiz also has delicious food and a handful of historical attractions you can visit all year round. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Cádiz, you have come to the right place!
Cadiz is in southern Spain, in the Andalusia Autonomous Community. And, though Cádiz doesn’t have many iconic monuments, it still has impressive attractions, like the remains of a Roman theatre. In the Old Town, there’s the Tavira Tower, with views of the sea and the city’s intricate labyrinth of alleys. This city is also a gateway to the white villages of the province, including Setenil de las Bodegas.
The nightlife in Cádiz is very upbeat, with tapas bars, some clubs, and live flamenco venues. Meanwhile, accommodation in the city ranges from 4-star hotels to B&Bs, business, and budget hotels. Hence, there’s something in Cádiz for everyone.
Are you visiting Cádiz for sightseeing, to go to the beach, or for the infamous carnival? Keep reading to learn more about the best areas to stay in Cádiz.
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a summary of our recommended areas to stay in Cádiz. Keep reading to find out more about each area.
- Best area for sightseeing: Old Town | Viña & La Caleta
- Best area during carnival: Viña & La Caleta
- Best beach area: Playa de la Victoria | Viña & La Caleta
¿Cuál es la mejor zona donde alojarse en Cádiz?
The best area to stay in Cádiz is, by far, the Old Town, especially for a first visit. This area is where most sights are, so you’ll be close to the Tavira Tower and Genovese Park, for example. Likewise, this is the place to stay for nightlife, with a lot of tapa bars and clubs. The Old Town also hosts some of the best-rated hotels in Cádiz, including several in historical buildings and palaces.
Find Available Accommodation in Cádiz Old Town.
Best Hotels in the Old Town
- Best 4-star hotel: Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas
- Best 3-star hotel: Hotel de Francia y París
- Best hostel: Planeta Cádiz Hostel
- Best budget hotel: La Sal by Pillow
- Best tourist apartments: Apartamentos Nebro
Where to Stay in Cádiz for Sightseeing, Nightlife & Nature Lovers
As mentioned above, the Old Town is the best location for tourists in Cádiz. This area is a very central neighbourhood and hosts a lot of attractions. That said, other areas in the city may sound more appealing to different visitors, depending on their interests. These are some of the best locations to stay in Cádiz:
- If your main priority is going to the beach, then look no further than Playa de la Victoria. This area has one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Our top hotels in the area include Hotel Spa Cádiz Plaza and Hotel Playa Victoria.
- La Caleta is the best area to stay in Cádiz during the carnival since it hosts several related events. La Caleta Beach is also a huge urban beach that was a location for Die Another Die, a 007 film. Our favourite hotel in the area is the Parador de Cádiz.
- For history enthusiasts, the best neighbourhood to stay in Cádiz is El Populo, home to the cathedral and Roman Theatre. This central area is also close to the ferry terminal and has a lot of restaurants and bars. Our top hotel in El Populo is Senator Cádiz Spa Hotel.
The Best Areas for Tourists in Cádiz, Spain: District by District
1. Old Town: Best Location in Cádiz for Sightseeing
The Old Town is the best area to stay in Cádiz because it hosts many of the city’s attractions. Staying in this district, you can visit the Tavira Tower, with gorgeous views of the sea and alleys of the city centre.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cádiz:
- Tavira Tower
- Genovese Park
- Wide range of accommodations
- Restaurants and bars
- Falla theatre
- Cadiz central market
- Good area for shopping
The Old Town is the best area to stay in Cádiz for a first-time visit. Staying in this area, you’ll remain close to most of the city’s attractions.
In this district, you’ll find the Tavira Tower, which served as a watchtower in the 18th century. The tower is the highest point in the city, with incredible views of Cádiz, the port, and the Old Town. Likewise, you’ll also find the camera obscura inside the building. This device uses mirrors and magnifying glasses to project, in real-time, what’s happening outside.
Besides the tower, attractions like the Falla Theatre and the Genovese Park are also in the Old Town.
The theatre, called Gran Teatro Falla in Spanish, is a Neo-Mudéjar building that hosts plays shows, and concerts. The theatre’s stage also welcomes the art competitions of the carnival every February.
Meanwhile, the Genovese Park is the city’s botanical garden. This beautiful public park has a waterfall, a bar with a terrace, and, of course, many plant species.
Aside from the attractions mentioned above, the Old Town gathers many shops, bars, and restaurants. Also, the city’s central market is in the area, with a coffee shop and fresh local food and products.
Being one of the most important areas of Cádiz, there’s a wide range of accommodations in the Old Town. Hence, you will be able to choose between 4-star hotels, a few hostels, and tourist apartments.
Best Hotels in Old Town, Cádiz
Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas
Featuring a terrace, a restaurant as well as a bar, Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas is located in the centre of Cádiz. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk.
Hotel de Francia y París
Hotel de Francia y Paris is located on Plaza San Francisco, 500 metres from Cádiz Port and a 15-minute walk from the beach. Some rooms have a balcony.
La Sal by Pillow
Located in the Old Town district in Cádiz, La Sal by Pillow offers 1-star rooms with free WiFi. This 1-star hotel offers a tour desk. The property is 200 m from the city centre and less than 1 km from La Caleta Beach.
Planeta Cádiz Hostel
Planeta Cádiz Hostel offers accommodation and various facilities, such as a shared lounge and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property is an automated kiosk for 24-hour check-in and a shared kitchen, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hostel features family rooms.
Apartamentos Nebro
Apartamentos Nebro offers free WiFi, air conditioning, and household amenities such as an oven and coffee machine. The property is non-smoking and is situated less than 1 km from Genoves Park.
2. La Caleta & La Viña: Best Area to Stay in Cádiz During the Carnival
La Caleta and La Viña are, in that order, the most popular beach in Cádiz and one of the most charming neighbourhoods in the city. This area is the epicentre of the carnival, has great seafood restaurants, and live flamenco venues.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cádiz:
- Carnival celebrations
- Beach area
- Santa Catalina Castle
- San Sebastián Castle
- Good seafood restaurants
- Flamenco venues
Playa La Caleta is the most popular urban beach in Cádiz since it is close to the Old Town. This beach was also a location for the 2002 film Die Another Day. In the movie, actress Halle Berry emerges from the water to meet agent 007, James Bond, played by actor Pierce Brosnan.
There are two castles surrounding the beach: Santa Catalina Castle and San Sebastián Castle. The former was built in the 16th century, while the latter, which is on an islet, is from the 18th century and has a lighthouse.
La Caleta is next to La Viña, a charming area with some of the best restaurants and bars in Cádiz. In La Viña, you’ll find tapas bars and Andalusian taverns serving high-quality Sherry wine from neighbouring Jerez de la Frontera. Furthermore, being a traditional fishing barrio, the seafood in the area is exceptional and fresh.
This working-class neighbourhood is one of the best areas to stay in Cádiz for the carnival. Every February, the sound of live flamenco music fills up the squares and streets of La Viña.
Yet, if you can’t go to the carnival, this is a lively area all year round. After all, some of the best flamenco venues and bars in the province are in La Viña.
Since La Caleta and La Viña are highly coveted tourist areas, there are all types of accommodations in the district.
Best Hotels in La Caleta & La Viña, Cádiz
Parador de Cádiz
The modern and stylish Parador de Cádiz is set in a smart, contemporary building. The hotel offers a spa, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool with fantastic sea views.
Soho Boutique Columela
Soho Boutique Columela is well set in the centre of Cádiz, and provides a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a tour desk.
Summer Cádiz
Located in the city centre, Summer Cádiz offers free luggage storage and free Wi-Fi. Playa La Caleta Beach is a 10 minute walk away.
Luz de Gades – Suites Spa Gym – Adults Only
Luz de Gades – Suites Spa Gym – Adults Only has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, a shared lounge and terrace in Cádiz. The property is 300 metres from La Caleta Beach and within 500 metres of the city centre.
3. El Pópulo: Most Central Location in Cádiz
El Pópulo has the most central location in Cádiz and is very close to the ferry terminal and the train station. In this historic neighbourhood, you’ll find a beautiful Roman theatre and the city’s cathedral.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cádiz:
- Cadiz Cathedral
- Roman Theatre
- Central location
- Good area for shopping
- Close to the train station
- Close to the ferry terminal
- Oldest part of Cádiz
El Pópulo is the most central area to stay in Cádiz and the oldest part of the city. As such, this neighbourhood hosts some of the most iconic landmarks of the city.
In this area, you’ll find the cathedral, which construction started in 1722, during Cádiz’s golden age. Yet, it took until 1838 to complete the project, which is why the building mixes baroque, rococo, and neoclassical architecture. The money to build the temple came from Spain trading with America.
Another important attraction in El Populo is the Roman Theatre of Cádiz, which dates back to the 1st century BC. Thus, this is one of the best areas to stay in Cádiz to know the rich history of the city.
In addition to its architectural gems, El Populo is also home to numerous restaurants and bars. Whether you’re looking for traditional Spanish cuisine or international flavours, you’ll find plenty of options here. And, if you’re in the mood for some shopping, many boutiques and artisanal shops dot the neighbourhood.
Staying in this charming neighbourhood offers a unique glimpse into the past while still providing modern amenities. Likewise, El Populo is very close to the city’s ferry terminal and train station. Hence, you could stay here if you want to visit other cities in the Cádiz province.
Best Hotels in El Populo, Cádiz
Soho Boutique Cádiz
Soho Boutique Cádiz is located in Cádiz, and it features a terrace. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is within 500 metres of the city centre.
Casa Caracol
This vibrant hostel is located 400 metres from Cádiz Cathedral, in the historic centre. It offers a free breakfast and Wi-Fi zone, surfing lessons, and bike rental.
Suite Catedral Little Apartments
Right in the centre of Cádiz, Suite Catedral Little Apartments offers free WiFi, air conditioning, and household amenities such as a fridge and coffee machine.
4. Playa de la Victoria: Best Beach in Cádiz
Playa de la Victoria is the most beautiful and popular beach in Cádiz. This area is in the southwestern part of the city and has several resorts and tourist apartments. Playa de la Victoria is connected to the city centre by train and bus.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cádiz:
- Beach area
- Connected to the city centre by train and bus
- Hotels with beautiful views
- Accommodations for all budgets
- Beach bars and seafood restaurants
Playa de la Victoria is the most beautiful urban beach in Cádiz, with its wide golden sand and clear waters. The name of this beach translates to something like “beach of the victory.”
This beach is almost 3 kilometres long and the most popular in the city for a couple of reasons. On the one hand, it’s easy to get to this area from the city centre. Playa de La Victoria is close to a train station and several bus stops.
On the other hand, there are enough waves on this beach for people to try activities like surfing.
Playa de La Victoria’s promenade, with its many seafood restaurants, also brings plenty of locals and visitors to the area. There are also a lot of beach bars and a few clubs on the promenade.
Being one of the main tourist areas in Cádiz, Playa de La Victoria has a wide range of accommodations. You can choose between seafront resorts, tourist apartments, and hotels for all budgets.
Playa de la Victoria is the best location in Cádiz for beach lovers. And, though there aren’t historical attractions in the area, the city centre is only 20 minutes by train.
Best Hotels in Playa de la Victoria, Cádiz
Hotel Spa Cádiz Plaza
Set opposite Playa de la Victoria, Cádiz Plaza offers accommodation in Cádiz with free WiFi. A spa is available for an additional cost.
Hotel Regio Cádiz
Hotel Regio is situated on one of Cádiz’s main boulevards, 200 metres from Victoria Beach, and surrounded by shops. The air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.
5. San Carlos: Best Area to Stay in Cádiz for a Cruise
San Carlos is on the southeastern end of the city of Cádiz. This area stands out for its proximity to the cruise port and Plaza España.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cádiz:
- Plaza de España
- Cheap accommodation
- Quiet area
- Beautiful views
- Cruises to other places in Europe
San Carlos is in the southeastern part of Cádiz. This area shares its name with the remains of the city walls that you can see in it.
In this neighbourhood, you’ll find the city’s cruise port. So, this is the best area to stay in Cádiz to take a cruise to Lisbon or the Canary Islands. Likewise, its proximity to the port provides San Carlos with beautiful views, in particular during the sunset.
The main attraction in this area is Plaza de España. This impressive square host the Monument to the Constitution of 1812.
Although San Carlos is still a quiet residential area, there are several bars and restaurants of all kinds. You’ll also find a wide variety of accommodations, including some budget-friendly hotels.
Best Hotels in San Carlos, Cádiz
Hotel Argantonio
Hotel Argantonio is a charming hotel that is ideally located in the heart of Cádiz. Bedrooms are uniquely characteristic, assuming one of the various styles (Andaluz, rustic or colonial) featured in the hotel.
6. La Cortadura: Cheapest Area to Stay in Cádiz
Playa Cortadura is in southernmost part of the city of Cádiz. This area has the biggest and most quiet beach in the city, as well as stunning landscapes, including dunes.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cádiz:
- Dunes
- Tourist apartments with beautiful views
- Quiet beaches
- Cheap area to stay in Cádiz
Playa Cortadura is, for the most part, the first thing visitors see when they get to the city. After all, this area connects Cádiz with the rest of the Spanish peninsula via Augusta Julia Avenue. So, if you’re travelling to Cádiz by car, Playa Cortadura will serve as a gateway.
La Cortadura is also in the southwestern part of Cádiz, further from the city centre than Playa de La Victoria. Yet, both beaches share the same train station, Cortadura, and it doesn’t take that much time to get to each.
That said, La Cortadura tends to be less crowded than Playa de La Victoria. Being further means you’ll more peaceful beaches, and even some nudist options in this area. La Cortadura is also huge, with almost four kilometres, including some surfing-friendly parts.
La Cortadura Beach is famous for its stunning dunes. So, this area has some of the best sunsets in Cádiz.
Since this is not the most central area in Cádiz, accommodation in La Cortadura tends to be cheaper. That said, you won’t find as much variety in this district, with mostly tourist apartments to book.
Best Hotels in Playa Cortadura, Cádiz
Apartamento Las CARACOLAS
Offering a terrace and sea view, Apartamento Las CARACOLAS is located in Cádiz, 600 metres from La Cortadura. Among the facilities at this property are a lift and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
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