Cadiz - Spain
sun, salt, and soul in every breeze
I’ve been to Cádiz twice now, and each time I’ve wandered the city with fresh eyes and a full heart. There’s something about this place that pulls you in slowly, through scent, sunlight & the quiet hum of history.
The first thing that always strikes me? Orange trees. They line the streets like old friends, bursting with colour, perfuming the air, and giving even the quietest alley a sense of life. I’ve walked those streets more than once, and each time, I find something new tucked between the stone and the sea.
Cádiz is a peninsula, and the sea is never far. I’ve spent hours on its wide white beaches, La Victoria, La Caleta, Santa María. The sand is soft, the light is golden, and the Atlantic stretches out like a promise. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the coastline always feels like a gift.
The old town is a maze of narrow streets, sun-washed stone, and stories. I’ve ventured through it twice now, and each time I’ve passed Roman ruins, Moorish arches, and baroque churches that whisper their age. The Cathedral of Cádiz is stunning, especially when the light hits its golden dome. Climbing the Tavira Tower gave me a view over rooftops and centuries.
Let’s talk about the food. Cádiz knows how to feed you. I’ve had fresh seafood that tasted like it had jumped straight from the ocean to my plate - langoustines, grilled fish, and tiny fried shrimp. Pair that with a cold local beer, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like sunshine and sea. The Central Market is always buzzing, full of colour, locals, and the kind of food that makes you want to stay forever.
Even in the heart of the city, there are green spaces to breathe. I’ve found quiet corners in Genovés Park and along the Alameda de la Apodaca, where the sea breeze dances through the trees. And always, those orange trees, reminding me that beauty doesn’t have to be loud to be unforgettable.
Cádiz is a place that lingers. It’s in the scent of citrus on a warm breeze, the sound of waves against ancient stone, the taste of salt and sunshine in every bite. I’ve been twice, and I know I’ll go again. It’s not just a destination, it’s a feeling. And I’ll carry it with me, long after the sand has left my shoes.
