Cádiz is one of the most emblematic cities in Andalusia. Considered as the oldest city in Western Europe it offers a great combination of historic evidence from different ages and centuries. If you get to visit Cádiz then here are the best Instagram spots in Cádiz and some of the coolest photo spots you can find in the Old Town of this iconic city!
In this blog post, you will find all the places with descriptions, photos, and locations where they can be found on Google Maps. We really enjoyed stepping back into the past while walking around the city and experiencing historic remains of different times. Happy exploring!
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1. Best city views from Torre Tavira
Torre Tavira is an 18th-century watchtower and the highest point in the Old Town. At the time Cádiz was one of the most important ports in Spain in terms of trade and World exploration.
This tower was built as a watchtower to overlook ships that came to the port. Today Torre Tavira serves as the best place to see Cádiz city from above. It has a 360-degree platform on the roof where you can see the city in every direction.
The tower also has the first Camera Obscura in Spain installed inside where you can purchase tickets and join a tour to find out how it works. You don’t need to join a tour in order to climb to the roof – you can access the viewpoint with a separate ticket and get the best views over Cádiz.
Location: Torre Tavira
2. Seaside views of the Cathedral of Cádiz
Another one of my favorite viewpoints of Cádiz from a different angle is from the Baluarte de Capuchinos fortress located right next to the seaside promenade. You get a fantastic overlook of the city coastline and the majestic Cathedral of Cádiz.
This is also one of my favorite Instagram spots in Cádiz. You may figure that the cathedral is zoomed-in in this photo. There is another viewpoint along the promenade – Mirador El Vendaval – where you can get another great shot of the coastline and the majestic cathedral.
Location: Baluarte de Capuchinos · Mirador El Vendaval
3. Catedral de Cádiz
Catedral de Cádiz is amongst the most beautiful buildings in Cádiz. The construction of the cathedral started in the first half of the 18th century and lasted for more than 100 years. It was built in neoclassical and baroque styles.
At the time of building this cathedral, Cádiz was a booming city and the massive cathedral was built, in part, as a consequence of that – to impress the trading partners (countries like America) and to present the city as an important, well-off partner.
You can buy entrance tickets at the entrance or online. The same ticket includes a visit to the cathedral, to the crypt underground, and also to the Clock Tower. There are many great Instagram photo spots around the cathedral – at the front, at the door, inside, or on the roof.
Location: Catedral de Cádiz
4. Arco de la Rosa
Arco de la Rosa is one of many stone arches in the Old Town of Cádiz. This was probably one of the most beautiful ones because you can see the whole Plaza de la Catedral square through the arch.
The arch is located right next to the cathedral so it is a nice Instagram spot in Cádiz to visit at the same time you go to the cathedral. You will definitely pass it during the walk if you join a guided tour around the city.
Location: Arco de la Rosa
5. Bell tower of the Cathedral of Cádiz
The Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Cádiz was one of my favorite Instagram spots in Cádiz! Climbing to the tower is included in the entrance fee to the cathedral. First, you visit the cathedral, and then at the exit of the cathedral, there is a door to get to the tower.
The climb is long. There is a continuous incline spiraling upwards until the very top of the tower. There are no stairs, but a flat surface leading up. Once you get to the top there are 360-degree views over the city.
I really recommend walking up there at full hours when the bells ring. It was loud and it was fun to experience the bells ringing! Definitely one of the coolest places and experiences in Cádiz!
Location: Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Cádiz
6. Arco Del Populo
Arco Del Populo is another unique spot in the Old Town of Cádiz and one of the coolest Instagram spots in the city. It is located in the oldest neighborhood and the heart of the Old Town – El Pópulo. You will find it just a hundred meters away from Arco de la Rosa and the cathedral.
This Old Town stone arch was another one of my favorites as it is very distinct, long, and dark. Feels like stepping back in time a few centuries ago. Easy to imagine how people lived here and used this passage during their walks around the city. Don’t miss it!
Location: Arco Del Populo
7. Puerta de la Caleta
Puerta de la Calera is an iconic double-arched gateway at Caleta Beach that leads to a long stretch of paved promenade right into the ocean up to Castillo de San Sebastian – a closed-down island fortress. It is a very popular walking and running spot for locals.
Walk from these gates to the fortress is more than 600 meters long. We hiked it during the sunset and it was quite magical. This must be one of the most emblematic Instagram spots in Cádiz! A must-visit spot to visit and especially beautiful when the sun sets!
Location: Puerta de la Caleta
8. Viewpoint of La Caleta Beach
La Caleta Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cádiz. People come here to relax, spend time at the beach, play sports, watch the sunset, and so on. We also visited this beach many times during our stay and the most memorable time was the last day when we watched the sunset in the ocean.
Located right in the middle of the beach there is a unique white building in a curved shape – Underwater Archaeology Center Headquarters. This building and the ocean make for a beautiful sight and a cool photo spot in Cádiz. If you can, definitely come here for the sunset, but it will be just as beautiful during the day too.
Location: Viewpoint of La Caleta Beach
9. Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Palma
Squished between buildings at the end of a narrow palm-lined street with restaurants and tables lays a parish – Nuestra Señora de la Palma. I loved this unique photo place – a typical Old Town sight in Cádiz.
The church is very unique – made out of brown bricks with a long, sharp bell tower. I especially liked how narrow it is. Despite the small space, everything has a place here – tables and chairs at a restaurant, palm trees, and orange trees, a sidewalk, and even a one-lane street.
Location: Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Palma
10. Parque Genovés
Parque Genovés was one of my favorite hidden gems and discoveries in Cádiz! At first, you may think there isn’t anything special about a simple park. However, this park really takes the cake!
Parque Genovés is a unique garden with trees cut in different and cool shapes, tall palm trees, an artificial hill with caves, and even a waterfall that creates a pond for ducks to swim in and enjoy.
I definitely did not expect to see a unique place like this in Cádiz. Make sure to pay attention to working hours, because, although the visit to the garden is free and it is public, the garden remains closed during the night.
This is a great place to get some shade during hot days and a more quiet place to hide from the buzz of the city. The garden is well-maintained and looked after, so kudos to the local municipality for creating such a cool and unique oasis!
Parque Genovés is the right place to come to find some of the coolest Instagram spots in Cádiz. There are crazy trees in cool shapes, there is a waterfall, and there are caves with openings looking out to the pond. Everywhere you look there are cool photo spots around you.
My favorite place was the waterfall. It makes this place more alive and authentic. Although the waterfall is artificial, it does create this feeling like you are in a real forest or even a jungle. Definitely a must-visit place for any visitor! Even if you can only take a short walk through the garden, it is still worth it!
Location: Parque Genovés
11. Medieval city walls of Cádiz and Arco de los Blanco
Another unique place in the Old Town is Arco de los Blanco also known as Puerta de Tierra. It is a Medieval gateway that formed a part of the Medieval city walls and served as an entrance to the city. There are multiple authentic arches preserved to this day.
Next to Arco de los Blanco, you will find remains of Castillo De La Villa castle and some more fragments of the city walls. There isn’t too much to see here, however, it is definitely amongst the coolest ‘ancient’ Instagram spots in Cádiz. So stop by if you are in the area!
Location: Medieval city walls of Cádiz
12. Jardines de Alameda Apodaca
One of my absolute favorite places in Cádiz was the promenade along the oceanside – Alameda Apodaca. It is a wide pathway with gardens, restaurants, flower bushes, trees, beautiful benches, and even some old cannons and sentry boxes along the seaside walls.
Somewhere along the way on Alameda Apodaca, you will find a unique garden – Jardines de Alameda Apodaca. It is an absolutely beautiful seaside garden with massive ficus trees, overgrown archways full of blooming flower bushes, and beautiful ceramic benches.
In Jardines de Alameda Apodaca you will not only find shelter from the hot sun, a place to relax and take a breath but also some of the craziest ficus trees you have ever seen. I found some of my favorite Instagram photo spots in Cádiz right here in this garden!
Location: Jardines de Alameda Apodaca
13. Gran Teatro Falla
One of the most beautiful and unique buildings in Cádiz is Gran Teatro Falla – a performing arts theatre. It was built at the end of the 19th century and features beautiful blue doors with horseshoe shape arches and red brick walls. You can definitely notice the influence of Islamic architectural design.
In case you are looking for a beautiful place to shoot some photos, definitely walk by this building. The front of the theatre might be busy, however, I suggest walking around it. There are multiple side entrances with beautiful blue doors where you can get some nice and unique photos.
Location: Gran Teatro Falla
14. Garita at Alameda Apodaca
Alameda Apodaca is a famous oceanside promenade in Cádiz. You basically walk on top of the defensive walls of the city and port. There is a cool Instagram spot – one of my favorites – with a cool sentry box for city guards and multiple lanterns stretching a bit out into the ocean.
There are multiple ‘garitas’ along the promenade, however, I think this spot was the most beautiful one in Cádiz. Because of the combination of lanterns and it being a bit further into the ocean, this was definitely the most aesthetic one of all the ‘garitas’ in Cádiz.
Location: Garita at Alameda Apodaca
15. Teatro Romano de Cádiz
Teatro Romano de Cádiz was one of my favorite hidden gems and one of my favorite finds in Cádiz. I did not consider visiting this place at first. Why would I include a Roman theatre when visiting a Spanish city, however, it is free to visit and I thought I should give it a go.
It turned out to be quite impressive. We only paid a quick visit to this site, but it was not a big hassle as it is located right in the heart of the Old Town squished between the houses maybe 100 meters away from the cathedral. Definitely worth a visit!
If you want to take a look at how Cádiz was about 2000 years ago then this is the place to go. This partly-excavated ancient theatre was built by Romans and could house 20 thousand people. There is an underground tunnel behind the theatre where you can take some cool and unique photos!
Location: Teatro Romano de Cádiz
16. Castillo de Santa Catalina
Castillo de Santa Catalina is an oceanside defensive fortress in Cádiz. The entrance to the 17th-century fortress is free, however, it has working hours so definitely check before going. It is located right next to the famous La Caleta beach.
The fortress offers amazing ocean views and feels like stepping back in time when Cádiz was an important port and trading hub for Spain. It was imperative to defend the city because of its location. Attackers came from all sides so this fortress is a unique testimony of the past times this city has once experienced.
There are cool photo spots around the castle and the fortress. I especially loved the view of La Caleta beach bay where local fishermen park their boats (most of them in the water). There is also a small church open for visitors inside the walls of the fortress. Definitely worth a short visit!
Location: Castillo de Santa Catalina
17. Triple archway at Calle Amaya
Hidden in the middle of the Old Town of Cádiz, in the oldest neighborhood of the city – El Pópulo – is this unique narrow street, Calle Amaya, with multiple arches.
There is nothing world-famous about this place, however, I do love how it perfectly characterizes the city – a narrow street, high buildings, and arches. Take a look if you walk by!
Location: Triple archway at Calle Amaya
18. Parroquia de San Antonio
Another beautiful church in Cádiz is Parroquia de San Antonio. With two striking towers, it is one of the most picturesque buildings in Cádiz. It is even more beautiful inside where you will find a chapel with marble walls and a stunning dome.
You can get great photos from the square (there is a big square next to the church – Plaza de San Antonio) or from a nearby street – Calle Buenos Aires. Either way, it is a cool spot to visit if you have time to spare while visiting Cádiz.
Location: Parroquia de San Antonio
19. Puerta del Barrio de Santa María
It is only fitting for Cádiz to end this list of the best and most unique Instagram spots in Cádiz with another stone arch in the Old Town – Puerta del Barrio de Santa María. The gateway serves as an entrance to the Santa María neighborhood – the cradle of flamenco.
We stopped here because it was on our way. Otherwise, it is not worth walking kilometers just to see the arch. However, it is very beautiful and definitely is one of those places where you feel like stepping back in time to a few centuries ago.
Location: Puerta del Barrio de Santa María
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Happy exploring!
Cádiz is one of the most iconic cities in Andalusia and Spain. Cádiz once played one of the most important roles in the county serving as the base for exploration trips around the World.
Considered as the oldest city in Western Europe it offers the opportunity to step back in time while walking the streets of Cádiz Old Town. With its rich historic heritage, it is a great spot to explore in Andalusia!
I hope you enjoy some time in this emblematic city by visiting unique corners in the Old Town, the cathedral, gardens, seaside fortresses, and promenades! Happy exploring!
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