Cadiz

About

Spain’s oldest city, and likely the oldest in Western Europe, Cadiz is a sun-soaked explosion of history and culture. Famous for its 10-day-long Carnival every February, the city is filled with delights year round. History lovers won’t want to miss the Gadir Archaeological Site - a singular 9th century BC settlement where you can see two streets and eight homes, as well as everyday tools used by the Phoenician settlers. In the Old Town’s jumbled streets you’ll stumble on buildings in a slew of architectural styles, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the 18th century cathedral and its mish-mash of architectural styles. If you need a break, stop by one of the city’s many seafood restaurants for some tapas and sherry before heading to the Castle of San Sebastián at the very end of the isthmus. Only accessible by a stone causeway, the fort offers great views of the city.