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  • Great Mosque of Cordoba

    Great Mosque of Cordoba

 Andalusia in seven days

 

Andalusia is an essential destination for holidays in Spain. You really have to visit the south, because it’s home to some of the world’s most famous historic sites, a really delicious culinary tradition, unique Arab heritage, picture postcard villages of whitewashed houses, a wealth of shops selling artisan products, and a bustling street life with a cheerful atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.

Andalusia is the second largest region of Spain. It measures 500 kilometres from end to end, so it would be impossible to see everything in a week. But seven days is enough to see many of its most famous cities and other charming places

DAY 6: Cadiz and Gibraltar

Views of Cadiz
Views of Cadiz

The origins of Cadiz: Gadir

It’s worth getting up early if you want to see everything this city has to offer in less than a day. We suggest starting where it all began: the archaeological site of Gadir. Did you know that ancient Cadiz, Gadir, was founded by the Phoenicians? This means it’s one of the oldest cities in Europe.

Next to the site is the Tavira tower, with some of the best views of the city from the top.
 

© Pavel Dudek. Shutterstock.com
Calle de la Virgen, Cadiz
Calle de la Virgen, Cadiz

A walk in the old town centre

Just a five minute walk away is Cadiz Cathedral and its clock tower, and nearby, the traditional Plaza de Topete (known locally as Plaza de las Flores, or the Flower-sellers’ Square) and the Central Market (one of the oldest covered markets in Spain, always lively and bustling). This is a good moment to do some shopping and stop for lunch at any of the restaurants in the area, and you might like to try the local speciality pescaíto frito, tiny fried fish. Another good area for lunch is the old Pópulo district, with its cobbled streets.

© GSFotografía
Horse racing in Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Horse racing in Sanlúcar de Barrameda

On the way to Gibraltar

You could spend the afternoon on the beach in Cadiz, or visit any of its charming coastal towns: Sanlúcar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa María, Conil de la Frontera, los Caños de Meca, Barbate, Zahara de los Atunes, Tarifa… bringing you close to Gibraltar.