The Andalucian province of Cadiz in the southwest of Spain is a fascinating region of ancient white villages, glorious beaches and is home to western Europe’s oldest city. Cadiz was occupied more than 3,000 years ago by Iberian settlers who were followed by Greeks and Phoenicians. The city was an important trading post for the Carthaginians and was occupied by the Romans before the Visigoths defeated them.
What to do on the Costa de la Luz
Here we have listed our top 10 things to do in Cadiz Region. This is only a suggestion of what to do in Cadiz as some of them will appeal to you more than others.
- Watch a show of the dancing horses at the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera
- Visit some Jerez Sherry Bodegas
- Enjoy some of Spain’s finest golden beaches around Conil de la Frontera
- Visit the ancient city of Cadiz
- See some of the finest Roman ruins in Spain at Bolonia
- Take a day excursion from Tarifa to Tangiers in Morocco
- Try kite and wind surfing at Tarifa
- Drive through the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) starting at Arcos de la Frontera
- Visit the beautiful town of Vejer de la Frontera
- Drive around the route of the fighting bulls
Cadiz Province
The province of Cadiz covers over 7,000 square kilometres and has a coastline of 250km. Few tourists make it this far south into Spain and miss out on a region of outstanding natural beauty. From Sanlucar de Barrameda just below the national park of Doñana all the way along the coast as far as Sotogrande on the Costa del Sol you will find some of Spain’s most beautiful golden beaches and little of the destruction of the environment associated with mass tourism along most of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline.
Pueblos Blancos
Inland lie the “White Villages” (Pueblos Blancos) which are a series of small villages with chalk coated houses dating back to the Middle Ages. Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema and Setenil are some of the better known ones. Fascinating wildlife abounds in the interior with many species of eagles and vultures which make this a birdwatchers paradise. Around Medina Sidonia are large bull breeding farms where you can see these magnificent beasts in their natural environment.
Jerez de la Frontera
Many towns in the area are called “de la Frontera” which results from the period of the Reconquest when the border between the Christians and the Moors was constantly changing as the battle for territory took place. The most famous of these towns is Jerez de la Frontera whose regional airport is now a destination for a growing number of budget airlines jetting people in from abroad. Jerez is the world centre of the sherry industry and daily tours of the cellars (bodegas) is a popular activity as is a visit to the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art where you can watch fabulous displays by the dancing horses.