Cadiz

History-rich cities are plentiful in Spain, but Andalucia’s Cadiz has more than just a far-reaching past; it is believed to be the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the nation. Founded by the Phoenicians, the city – which sits on an island-like peninsula -- has been occupied by Romans, Moors and Christians, and has a host of lingering sights that live on to prove it.
Take a dive into Cadiz’s history as you get lost in the tangle of alleys and plazas that make up its water-surrounded old town. There, you can discover vestiges of the past, found in the remnants of the former city wall, while spying the time-weathered steps of the Roman theater, or as you take in views from the 18th-century Torre Tavira, once the official watch tower of Cadiz. No doubt the most emblematic of the city’s sights, though, is the golden-roofed, multi-styled Cadiz Cathedral, which, along with its towers, dominates the waterside skyline. 

Practical Info

To get closer to local culture, sample flavors at the Mercado Central (central market), or plan your trip for February, when the city celebrates Carnival, an event for which it is famous. Regardless of your travel objectives, however, perhaps one of the best ways to experience the seaside town is to just get lost in its web of streets, letting the surrounding water orient you as you navigate your Cadiz adventure.