A seasoned traveller has confessed that his latest jaunt across Europe has “completely changed” his perception of Spain, leaving him baffled as to why he’d never heard the name of the hidden gem of a city mentioned before.
Rob Adcock, who chronicles his travels on TikTok, shared his astonishment after he visited an Atlantic coastal city he feels deserves more recognition. Wandering through the sun-drenched streets, Rob said he felt “like an extra on a movie set.”
He shared: “Someone described it to me as being like the ‘Cuba of Europe’ and they are not wrong – because my camera roll has never taken such a beating.” Building suspense among his audience, Rob initially withheld the name of the city, instead offering glimpses of its historic architecture, open-air dining spots, and picturesque seaside setting.
“It’s by the sea so it’s that little bit cooler than the other cities around it,” he said. “And it’s not an expensive place – it’s the perfect mix of a city and a beach break.”
Rob also said it was easy to get around, pointing out that “you can walk everywhere” since “nothing is too far” – which saved him from spending on taxis. “The nearest airport is a £4 train ride and you can fly here through Skyscanner for just £34 in the middle of summer,” he added.
Rob admitted: “I couldn’t have told you anything about this place before I got here, but now I will not stop whanging on about it to anyone who will listen.”
So, what’s the name of this enchanting destination? “Get it in the chat,” he encouraged. “[Tell them] you’re going to Cadiz for the weekend.”
Reacting to his post, a TikTok user shared their own fond memories: “I was there for a day’s stop on a cruise. Went nuts taking pics of old doors. Fell in love with the place.”
Another person shared: “The fish market is amazing too, great bars and restaurants nearby to eat all the delicious seafood and the chicharron de Cadiz is so yummy with a glass or two of Manzanilla or Fino.”
A third expressed gratitude for the recommendation: “Thanks this looks amazing and right up my street.” Whilst a fourth TikTok user added: “Great surfing there!”
Cadiz is the southernmost point of both mainland Spain and Europe.
According to the city’s tourism website: “Its location has determined its clear maritime vocation and its exclusive dedication to the sea since the earliest days of its founding. Considered the oldest city in the West, the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs all passed through here, and Spain’s first democratic Constitution was drafted here.”
It continues: “The city, popularly known as the “Silver Cup”, has an unmistakable seafaring flavour, and highlights the grace and hospitality of its inhabitants, as demonstrated by its famous carnivals; very interesting monuments such as the Cathedral , the Walls, the Parish of Santa Cruz, the Genovés Park, the Puerta de la Caleta, etc.
“All of them places of undoubted charm, to which we must add its gastronomy and its famous and beautiful beaches, such as La Caleta, Santa María del Mar, or La Victoria.”