February 8th 2025.
As I eagerly awaited my upcoming trip, I was suddenly hit with the disappointing news that my flight was cancelled. With only a week left before my scheduled vacation in May, I frantically searched for a new destination on SkyScanner. After browsing through countless options, I finally settled on Cádiz, a charming city in Spain that had always been on my travel bucket list. The weather forecast was looking promising, and I couldn't resist the opportunity to explore a new place.
Solo traveling has become somewhat of a tradition for me. It all started accidentally when I was 21 and had no one to go on holiday with. Now, it has become an essential part of my self-care routine, as it has helped me overcome my social anxiety and provided me with a sense of rejuvenation after each trip. Andalusia, with its rich history and cultural sites, was at the top of my solo travel bucket list. As much as I love traveling with my boyfriend and friends, they don't always share my enthusiasm for historical sights.
Upon arriving in Cádiz, I was immediately taken aback by the city's unique charm. A stroll through its streets felt like a journey through time, with a Roman theatre, a grand Gothic cathedral, and Moorish whitewashed homes all within a short walk of each other. Cádiz, with its blend of old and new, was a refreshing change from the bustling cities I had visited before.
As one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Cádiz has a rich history that is evident in its streets, painted by the generations who once called it home, from the Moors to sailors. The city's main attractions, including its pristine beach and bustling market, are all within a 15-minute walk, making it easy to explore without the need for transportation.
What surprised me the most during my stay in Cádiz was the lack of tourists. It seemed that the majority of travelers were pensioners on a one-day stop as part of their cruise itinerary. I didn't come across a single British tourist under the age of 65. If you're not a fan of large crowds, then this hidden gem is the perfect destination for you.
For those wondering where Cádiz is located in Spain, it is the capital of the Province of Cádiz in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Situated on the southwest tip of the Iberian Peninsula, the city is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and separated from the neighboring town of San Fernando by a narrow strip of land called an isthmus. It is approximately 60 miles from Seville and the Moroccan city of Tangier.
Getting to Cádiz may not be the most straightforward journey, but it is still relatively easy. A three-hour flight to Seville is followed by a one-and-a-half-hour coach or train ride to the city. I opted for the coach, which was a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The train is slightly more expensive, with an average cost of £20 to £30, depending on the time of your visit.
The best time to visit Cádiz is in May if you prefer pleasant weather without the intense heat. The city is known for its strong winds, which make it cooler than other places in Andalusia, such as Seville. While it is possible to see Cádiz in 48 hours, I recommend staying for at least four days to fully experience everything the city has to offer.
My Ryanair flight cost £114 one-way, but I decided to upgrade to include priority boarding and a checked bag as I was staying for seven days. However, flights to Seville can be as low as £33 one-way in October, according to SkyScanner.
When it comes to accommodation, I prefer to stay in Airbnbs as it allows me to immerse myself in the local culture. During my stay in Cádiz, I booked a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the old town for £68 per night. It was the perfect location, and I felt like the main character in a movie, stopping at the local bakery before heading to the beach with a book in hand. My Airbnb was beautifully decorated, with large windows that provided a stunning view of the bustling streets below.
Of course, if you prefer the convenience of a hotel with daily cleaning and breakfast included, there are plenty of options in the old town and along the beach. However, it will cost you an average of £150 to £1,000 more, depending on your preferences and budget. Overall, my trip to Cádiz was a delightful and affordable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and culturally rich vacation destination.
When I received the email a week before my flight, I was devastated. My highly anticipated trip had been cancelled. With only seven days left in May, I frantically searched for a new holiday destination on SkyScanner. I clicked through numerous options until I came across Cádiz, a city in Spain that had always been on my bucket list. The weather forecast was promising, so I decided to take a chance and book my trip.
As a seasoned solo traveler, this trip was not my first. In fact, I accidentally stumbled upon the joys of solo travel when I was 21 and had no one to go on holiday with. Since then, it has become an essential part of taking care of my mental health. Each trip has helped me overcome my social anxiety and I always return feeling rejuvenated, as if I've had ten therapy sessions in one go.
My main motivation for visiting Andalusia, where Cádiz is located, was to explore as many historical sights as possible. Unfortunately, this is not always something my boyfriend or friends are interested in. But upon arriving in Cádiz, I quickly realized that the city is like a time-traveling experience. Within a five-minute walk, I could visit a Roman theater, a grand Spanish cathedral, and Moorish whitewashed homes. The old and the new coexist beautifully in this ancient city.
Cádiz, one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, has streets that bear the marks of generations of people who have called it home. From the Moors to sailors, each group has left their mark on the city. The main sights, such as the pristine beach and bustling market, are all within a 15-minute walk from each other, making it easy to explore without needing any transportation.
One thing that surprised me during my trip was the lack of tourists. Most of the travelers I encountered were pensioners on a one-day stop as part of their cruise itinerary. I did not see a single British tourist under the age of 65. For those who prefer to avoid large crowds, Cádiz is a hidden gem that offers a quieter and more authentic experience.
Located on the southwestern tip of Spain, Cádiz is the capital of the Province of Cádiz in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, it is separated from the neighboring town of San Fernando by a narrow strip of land called an isthmus. It is about 60 miles from Seville and the Moroccan city of Tangier.
While getting to Cádiz may not be the most straightforward journey, it is still relatively easy. A flight to Seville takes around three hours, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour coach or train ride to Cádiz. Personally, I opted for the coach, which was a pleasant experience. The train is slightly more expensive, with an average cost of £20-£30 depending on the time of year.
May is the best time to visit Cádiz if you prefer comfortable 25°C weather. The city is known for its strong winds, which make it cooler than other parts of Andalusia, such as Seville. While it is possible to see Cádiz in 48 hours, I highly recommend staying for at least four days to fully experience everything the city has to offer.
My Ryanair flight cost me £114 one-way, but I chose to upgrade to include priority boarding and a suitcase as I was staying for seven days. However, flights to Seville can be as low as £33 one-way in October, according to SkyScanner.
During my stay in Cádiz, I chose to book an Airbnb. I prefer this type of accommodation as it allows me to feel like a local. I enjoyed buying fresh ingredients from the local market and cooking breakfast before heading out for the day. My one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the old town cost me £68 per night. I felt like the main character in a movie, stopping by the local bakery before heading to the beach with a book in hand.
My Airbnb was a charming and tastefully decorated space with large windows that provided a view of the bustling streets below. If you prefer the convenience of a hotel, there are plenty of options in the old town and along the beach. However, they can be significantly more expensive, ranging from £150 to £1000 depending on your preferences and budget.
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