Europe’s oldest city is surrounded almost entirely by water and bathed in winter sunshine – and you can buy a beer for just £2.50.
The city of Cadiz, in Andalusia in the south of Spain, is considered the oldest in Europe according to Turismo de Cadiz, the city’s tourism board. They say it was founded by the Phoenicians and has been used as an important commercial colony for people including the Carthaginians, the Romans and Muslims.
In the present day, temperatures in December, January and February range from 17C to 24C and the average cost of a pint is just under £2.50. The city juts out from the Bay of Cadiz and is almost entirely surrounded by water.
It is considered the oldest continually inhabited city on the continent (being founded in 1100BC) and visitors have flocked to Tripadvisor to pay tribute to what it has to offer.
One person said: “Cadiz beach is lovely. I just spent 5 days in the city. The people there might be the warmest I’ve encountered in all of Spain. Did my best to eat as much as I could!”
One Brit tourist added: “Great walking tour today. Told us so much about Cadiz in a fun and informative way.
“Really encouraged us to go and see some things, like the Roman theatre, on our own later on. Thoroughly recommend.”
The top attractions to visit include the local beaches, the ancient monuments of Cadiz and the nearby city of Jerez, famous for its sherry and the Royal Andalusian Horse School. A flight from London to Jerez Airport takes just under three hours.
Another tourist said: “I had only been in Cadiz for maybe an hour before I happened upon this amazing beach. Facing the Atlantic, the views were spectacular and the sand very soft.
“While sitting on the beach you can expect a beer vendor to happen by which was a very nice treat after sitting in the sun all day.”
According to Lonely Planet, the top things to do in Cadiz include attending Spain’s most exuberant carnival (which is running currently), tasting the city’s incredible tapas, visit Cadiz’s best flamenco venues and experiencing Spanish coffee culture.
