A sun-soaked Spanish city that enjoys winter temperatures of 19C has been tipped as one of 2026’s hot destinations.
Think of sizzling winter spots in España, and Tenerife, Lanzarote and Majorca are likely to come to mind. Firmly added to that list should be Cádiz.
Nestled on a narrow slice of land surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. The capital of the Province of Cádiz, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, the city is more than 3,000 years old and peppered with incredible, ancient buildings looking out to the stunning blue waters that surround it.
While Cádiz is not exactly a hidden gem of a destination, Lonely Planet has thrust it into an even brighter spotlight, including it on a list of the 25 Best Destinations in 2026.
The travel publication is full of praise for the historical city. “Cádiz’s Carnaval is Spain’s biggest annual party, bringing extravagantly costumed revelers to its streets for 10 days of parades, fireworks, singing and dancing in February or March, to the accompaniment of more than 300 local murgas (bands). Pack a costume and book your accommodations months in advance or commute from nearby El Puerto de Santa María,” the travel publication wrote.
“While you’re in El Puerto de Santa María, catch one of the numerous daily ferries across the bay to enjoy choice tipples at sherry wineries. Alternatively, sip sherries straight from the barrel at Cádiz’s Taberna La Manzanilla. And what’s good wine without good food? Cádiz’s dining scene ranges from old-school tapas bars clustered around Barrio de la Viña to fusion restaurants, found in the streets around Plaza Candelaria and Plaza de la Catedral.”
New Zealand expat James and his Spanish wife Yoly, who both live in Spain, have made it their mission to help others enjoy a deeper experience of Spain via the travel guides they share on their YouTube channel @spainrevealed. They recently highlighted the stunning city of Cádiz as their “number one place to visit” when in the country.
“You see, this city deep in the southwest of Spain, on this impossibly small spit of land, is the most magical city in Spain, according to me,” said James. The expat argues that it would be a “crime to visit Spain without seeing Cádiz”, something Yoly also backs up as being “unforgivable”.
“There’s almost a sense that Cádiz has so much history that it can’t keep up, it can’t keep it in check, and all of these historic buildings are being beaten by the weather that comes off the Atlantic, so it’s a challenge to keep these buildings in a state of good repair,” he said.
“And for better or worse what that does mean is that these historic parts of Cádiz have this gritty authenticity to them.”
Ancient buildings and streets can be seen throughout the city’s various quarters, known in Spain as barrios, such as El Pópulo, La Viña, and Santa María. El Pópulo is the city’s oldest area, located at the entrance of the historical centre, between the Town Hall and the Cathedral. This is considered the true medieval centre of the city, dating back to the 13th century.
The Cathedral is one of the most famous monuments in Cádiz, combining baroque and neoclassical styles. Tourists can even enjoy tours to often missed parts of the cathedral, including the crypts.
Plaza de las Flores is a beautiful square lined with an array of cafés serving up local dishes such as churros and fried fish, or head to Mercado Central, which is lined with stalls selling locally sourced goods.
Though the thousands-of-years-old history makes up a huge part of the tapestry of Cádiz, modernity has been embraced too and can be seen at the contemporary Parador de Cádiz. The hotel first opened in 2013 and features a beautiful outdoor swimming pool set to the backdrop of Atlantic views. Stays for upcoming dates start from £135 according to Booking.com.
In terms of what to eat, you won’t be short of choices. The city has a glut of tabernas that’ll deliver cheap and plentiful tapas.
Blogger Man vs Globe highlights his favourite. “Taberna Casa Manteca – known locally just as Bar Manteca, or Lard Bar – is somewhat a local classic, a Cádiz institution. Run by two brothers, the sons of a matador, the bar serves traditional Spanish meats such as cured pork in all forms; from jamón to salchichón through to chorizos. The lomos hang high above the bar and are served to you without fuss, sliced on waxed paper. As soon as the doors fling open around midday, patrons pack what little space there is inside the bar, many having to spill out into the street, gathering around the few outside tables clutching small glasses of Cruzcampo in clouds of cigarette smoke,” he writes.
While Cádiz is closest to Jerez Airport, the travel hub sits 20 miles away and there are currently no direct flights from the UK.
The easiest way to get there is to fly to Seville and then take the hour-and-a-half train south. It costs £27 each way.
Currently, Skyscanner lists direct December flights from UK airports including Edinburgh, London, Birmingham and Manchester to Seville from £14.