Cadiz, Spain cruise holidays

You cruise right into the heart of historic Cadiz cruise port as immediately across the busy Avenida del Puerto from the Spanish port is the main square and shopping area. From there, it is easy to find your own way around this compact city. Behind is the 18th century cathedral (El Nueva) and the view from the top is worth the long climb up its internal stairs. The narrow streets of the old town below are lined by tall Moorish-style houses with flower-decked balconies mixed in amongst some small shops and tapas bars. Cadiz dates back to the 12th century BC so is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western world but sultry Seville has long since outgrown its neighbour. La Giralda (the bell-tower next to its Gothic cathedral), is in Sevilles historic Jewish quarter which also has the whitewashed houses and exquisitely coloured bougainvillea that everyone associates with this lovely city.

This small Andalusian city, on a narrow peninsula jutting out into the sea, is thought to be the oldest inhabited settlement in Europe. With a low-key, laid-back vibe, it’s famed for its seafood, sand and sunlight. Cadiz is a pleasure to explore on foot with winding alleyways, vast plazas and stunning architecture. A highlight is the splendid Cathedral of the Americas, financed by Spain’s lucrative 18th-century trade with the New World. There are superb views from the Torre de Poniente tower. Wherever you wander in Cadiz you’re likely to hear snatches of alegrías, or flamenco songs. Sip sherry while watching the dancers at the city’s most popular flamenco club, Peña la Perla. And make time for a fabulous seafood lunch: the city’s restaurants are famous for their fresh fish dishes.