Discovering Cadiz in a Motorhome: Complete Guide
Introduction
Welcome to our ultimate guide for an amazing road trip to Cadiz, Spain! In this article, I’m going to introduce you to this stunning coastal city, starting with its fascinating history and its unique geographical position. Then, I’ll give you all the tips you need to get to Cadiz easily, whether you’re driving or traveling in a camper van.
You’ll also discover the must-see activities for van lifers in Cadiz, along with our advice on finding the best free camping spots and where to do your laundry. After that, I’ll point you to the best places to eat in Cadiz, featuring a selection of delicious options. Finally, I’ll give you an idea of the budget you should plan for to fully enjoy your trip to Cadiz, as well as all the exciting activities you won’t want to miss.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful cities in Spain!
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What is Cadiz – Spain?
History of Cadiz
Cadiz, proudly lost in the mists of history, is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. Can you believe its foundations date back to 1100 BC? Yes, you heard that right! Founded by the Phoenicians, those legendary ancient merchants, who named it Gadir, meaning “fortress surrounded by water” – quite a poetic little name for our visionary ancestors! For centuries, it changed hands more often than a hot plate of shrimp tortillas: Romans, Vandals, and Byzantines all took their turns courting this city.
Now, let’s do a little twist in the timeline, and here comes the Middle Ages rolling out its carpet. Cadiz, that sleeping beauty, wakes up under the Arab-Muslim flag, now known as al-Qādis. But don’t think it was all smooth sailing, not at all! The Almohads, and later the Castilians led by Alfonso X, brought it back to life. And then it was all aboard for the Spanish Golden Age, when Cadiz became the epicenter of maritime trade with the Americas. Boom, the city exploded with life and opulence, so much so that the Cadiz Cathedral, with its golden dome shining in the sun, seems to be the cherry on top of this glorious era. Just imagine, in those narrow streets, you can still hear the echoes of merchants and adventurers in pursuit of new lands. Isn’t that something?
Geographical Location
Cadiz, or as the Spaniards say, Cádiz, this little oceanic gem, is located like a bird in its nest in the southwest of Spain. Anchored like an old ship facing the Atlantic, it’s just less than 62 miles (i.e. 100 km) southeast of the Gibraltar Strait playing peek-a-boo. To the east, the city of Seville, the birthplace of Flamenco, is just a stone’s throw away (about 75 miles (i.e. 120 km)). And if you look up, you can almost catch a glimpse of the Ronda Mountains, standing watch over the region, less than 62 miles (i.e. 100 km) to the north. While Cadiz keeps its distance from big cities, it’s never far from adventure and discovery.
How to get to Cadiz?
To get to Cádiz in a camper van from the closest well-known cities in Spain, you can take the A-4 highway from Seville, or the A-48 from Jerez de la Frontera. Just stick to these roads heading toward Cádiz, following along the southern coast of Spain to soak in the views. Safe travels!
To get to Cadiz from Madrid, you can hop on a high-speed train from the Atocha station. First, you’ll take the AVE headed toward Seville and then switch trains at the Seville Santa Justa station to catch the Media Distancia train straight to Cadiz.
This is a pretty common way to travel in Spain. It’s efficient and a unique way to see some countryside along the way. I reckon it would make for a memorable day out.
Now, if you’re planning to budget your trip, ticket prices can vary. As an example, a similar train journey in the UK between London and Edinburgh is about £50 (around $65) on average, while in the US, it might set you back about $100 for a comparable trip. So, make sure to check your options and book in advance to snag the best deals.
In terms of logistics, it’s good to keep in mind that you should arrive early at the station. Train travel tends to be quite smooth, except during peak travel times, so plan accordingly.
Overall, embracing the train experience can really enhance your travels, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
To get to Cadiz by plane, the nearest national and international airports are Jerez de la Frontera Airport, roughly 45 km (i.e. 28 miles) away, and Seville Airport, about 140 km (i.e. 87 miles) from Cadiz. You can reach these airports from major cities like Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, and Madrid. There are options to get from the airports to Cadiz via car, bus, or train.
Now, if you’re like most travelers, you probably want to know about convenience and options. Honestly, these airports are pretty accessible, giving you various ways to arrive at your destination. It’s worth looking at all your transportation options to find what works best for your itinerary.
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Climate: When to Visit Cádiz in a Camper Van?
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°/16° | 72mm | 🌧️ | Not favorable |
| February | 11°/17° | 64mm | 🌦️ | Not favorable |
| March | 13°/19° | 47mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| April | 14°/20° | 39mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| May | 17°/23° | 24mm | ☀️ | Very favorable |
| June | 20°/27° | 8mm | ☀️ | Perfect |
| July | 22°/29° | 2mm | ☀️ | Perfect |
| August | 23°/30° | 1mm | ☀️ | Perfect |
| September | 21°/28° | 18mm | 🌤️ | Very favorable |
| October | 18°/25° | 51mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| November | 14°/21° | 77mm | 🌧️ | Not favorable |
| December | 11°/17° | 82mm | 🌧️ | Not favorable |
Our advice would be to visit Cadiz in the spring, between April and June. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures, and events like the Feria de Abril bring the city to life. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the beaches, historical architecture, and the lively atmosphere of Cadiz.
Overall, a spring trip there sounds like a fantastic choice, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun and cultural experiences.
Key Spots for Vans and Campervans in Cadiz
Here’s a handy list of must-see places for your van trip around Cadiz.
- 📍“Club Guadalete”: Calle Coto De La Isleta, 0 S N, 11500, Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 4.5 • Coordinates (36.5835333, -6.2062722)
- 📍“Plaza San Francisco”: Pl. San Francisco, 11004 Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (36.5344544, -6.2959479)
- 📍“Camping Playa Aguadulce”: Calle Carretera A-491 Km. 6.5 (Near Costa Ballena, 11520 Rota, Cádiz, Spain) • Rating: 4.2 • Coordinates (36.671057, -6.4070203)
- 📍“Camping La Rana Verde”: Carr. de las Lagunas, s/n, 11130 Chiclana de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 3.3 • Coordinates (36.3949124, -6.1569387)
- 📍“Camping Playa Las Dunas S Anton”: P.º Marítimo de la Puntilla, s/n, 11500 El Puerto de Sta María, Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 4.1 • Coordinates (36.5873463, -6.2404601)
- 📍PRIME COLADA Self-Service Laundry: Next to the central market, C. Hospital de Mujeres, 2, 11002 Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 4.1 • Coordinates (36.5311699, -6.2985152)
- 📍Star Wash Laundry: C. San Pedro, 8, 11004 Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 4.1 • Coordinates (36.5345819, -6.2974828)
- 📍iWash Self-Service Laundry, S.L: C. Francisco García de Sola, 8, Local 4, 11008 Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 3.9 • Coordinates (36.5191892, -6.281826)
📍Parking Cadiz: Av. del Descubrimiento, 6, 11004 Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 3.9 • Coordinates (36.53754000000001, -6.29014)
📍El Mini Motorhome Parking: C. Paraguay, 5-3, 11519 Barriada Río San Pedro, Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 4.3 • Coordinates (36.5257362, -6.2215679)
📍SurVan Camper – Van Conversion Services: C. la Línea de la Concepción, 14C, 11011 Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 5 • Coordinates (36.4972341, -6.2671885)
- 📍“Via Andorra Parking”: Vía de Andorra, 11011 Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 5 • Coordinates (36.5025363, -6.2688365)
- 📍“Las Calesas Parking”: Av. Cuesta de las Calesas, 10, 11006 Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 3.7 • Coordinates (36.52829250000001, -6.2890134)
- 📍“Puerta del Mar Parking”: Calle Dr. Fleming, sn, 11009 Cádiz, Spain • Rating: 2.7 • Coordinates (36.5087256, -6.278489599999999)
Our choice was the “Club Guadalete” in Cádiz, Spain. We had an amazing time at this place. The atmosphere is fantastic, the facilities are top-notch, and the staff really take care of you. It’s the perfect spot to relax and fully enjoy your stay in Cádiz!
Honestly, for anyone considering a getaway, I can’t recommend it enough. You’ll feel right at home, just like you would in your own backyard, but with the added bonus of the beautiful Spanish sun.
Where and What to Eat in Cádiz?
Here’s a list of traditional and typical restaurants in Cádiz, along with must-try specialties to help you dive into the local cuisine.
Restaurants in Cádiz
- 🍽️ Casa Lazo • Rating: 4.5 • A traditional restaurant offering local dishes in a warm setting.
- 🍽️ Mesón Cumbres Mayores • Rating: 4.4 • Enjoy typical Andalusian cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
- 🍽️ Restaurante Fogón de Mariana – Antulo • Rating: 4.2 • Seafood specialties with a view of the Mediterranean Sea.
- 🍽️ Restaurante El Aljibe • Rating: 4.0 • A quaint restaurant serving traditional dishes from Cádiz.
- 🍽️ Casa Rafael vinos y tapas • Rating: 4.7 • A great spot to savor tapas paired with a selection of wines.
Specialties of Cádiz
Indulge in the pescado frito (fried fish), a crispy classic, or treat yourself to the comforting rabo de toro (oxtail), slow-cooked to perfection.
So, if you’re ever in Cádiz, these local flavors will surely delight your palate!
Among these restaurants, we dined at Casa Rafael vinos y tapas, and let me tell you, we had an amazing time! The tapas were delicious, and the wines paired perfectly. The atmosphere was friendly and warm, so we highly recommend this spot for an unforgettable dining experience in Cadiz!
Budget Travel for a Road Trip to Cadiz
The currency used in Cadiz is the Euro (EUR). Here’s an estimate of costs for different categories.
- Meal at a cheap restaurant: 12 € (approx. £10.30, $12.40)
- Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, three courses: 50 € (approx. £42.90, $51.20)
- Fast-food menu (like a McMeal): 9 € (approx. £7.70, $9.30)
- Local beer (50 cl draft): 3.50 € (approx. £3.00, $3.60)
- Coffee (cappuccino): 1.73 € (approx. £1.50, $1.80)
- Public transport ticket (single): 1.40 € (£1.20 / $1.50)
- Monthly subscription: 40 € (£34.00 / $43.00)
- Petrol (1 litre): 1.25 € (£1.06 / $1.33)
- Monthly rent price for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: approximately £500 ($650)
- Jeans (Levis 501 or similar): 58.75 € (approximately £51.85, $70.80)
- Summer dress from a major store (Zara, H&M, etc.): 29 € (approximately £25.21, $34.40)
- Mid-range sports shoes (Nike): 66.67 € (approximately £58.29, $79.55)
If you’re planning a trip on a budget, you’ll be pleased to find that dining out won’t break the bank. A meal at a cheap restaurant costs around €12 (about £10.30 or $12.40), while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range spot is approximately €50 (around £42.90 or $51.20). For a quick bite, consider a fast-food menu for just €9 (around £7.70 or $9.30). Also, don’t forget your local beer—it’s €3.50 (about £3 or $3.60) for 50 cl on draft.
Getting around is affordable too, with single public transport tickets priced at €1.40 (£1.20 / $1.50), and you can opt for a monthly subscription for €40 (£34 or $43), which is a great deal if you’re staying longer. As for shopping, a good pair of jeans will set you back around £51.85, so plan your wardrobe wisely!
What Activities to Enjoy in Cádiz?
Here’s a list of activities we recommend you try in Cádiz based on your tastes and preferences:
- enjoying the sunset from La Caleta Beach
- taking a romantic stroll hand in hand through the historic district
- sharing tapas at a quaint little bar for two
- Visit the Cadiz Cathedral
- Explore the Cadiz Museum
- Catch a flamenco show
- Sailing in the Bay of Cádiz
- Surfing at the city’s beaches
- Playing beach volleyball on Victoria Beach
- Experience the Cadiz Carnival in February
- Join in the Holy Week festivities in April
- Celebrate the Feast of La Merced in September
Conclusion: Why Visit or Return to Cadiz?
To wrap it up, let yourself be swept away by the captivating history of Cadiz. Soak in its timeless charm and get lost in the magic of its cobblestone streets. From crispy fried fish to romantic sunsets, this escape to Andalusian land holds a thousand surprises. Ready for the adventure? Go on, make your way to Cadiz, where the Atlantic waves sing the eternal story of this city with a past as rich as it is delightful!
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