Founded way back by the Phoenicians, Cadiz proudly is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in Western Europe.
A cathedral, an 18th-century watchtower, remnants of the ancient city wall, and an ancient Roman theater are only some of the main attractions in Cadiz. But what makes it really awesome is where it sits – right on the wildest coast of Andalusia. With its large dome bulging by the sea, I can’t help but find it has a Venetian flair to it.
While Seville itself is a captivating city – who doesn’t love the Royal Alcázar? – you might want to explore other parts of the region. Cadiz is just a quick 2-hour train ride away on the southwestern coast of Spain. It’s a perfect spot for a day trip, boasting plenty of beaches to relax and escape the blazing Andalusian summers.
Our guide has all the info you need for planning your day trip – how to get there and things to do. Cadiz is a special place that’s worth checking out!
key takeaways
- You can easily do a Seville to Cadiz day trip.
- You can reach Cadiz in 1.5h with the fastest train from Santa Justa Train Station in Seville.
- If you decide to spend just one day in Cádiz, it might feel a bit hurried, but you can still explore all the main attractions.
Jump to
Where is Cádiz, Spain?
Wind-swept Cadiz was built on a rocky outcrop in the gulf of the same name. The city lies on the Atlantic Coast, only 1.5 hours (approximately 120 kilometers) away from Seville and at a similar distance northwest of Gibraltar.
How to Get to Cádiz from Seville
With numerous buses and trains linking the city to Seville, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María, there are several ways to get to Cádiz.
Seville to Cádiz Train
If you’re planning a day trip to Cadiz from Seville, the best way to do it is by taking a train. Renfe trains run frequently from Seville’s Santa Justa station.
Quick facts:
- You can reach Cadiz in 1.5 hours by taking the fastest train from Seville.
- It’s just a 10-minute walk to the city center from Cadiz Train Station.
- Tickets cost about 14 EUR each way.
Trains can get full, especially on weekends. So, if you’re eyeing a day trip from Seville to Cádiz, decide on your date and secure your train booking early.
Check the train schedule and purchase your tickets to Cadiz
Seville to Cádiz Bus
Buses from Seville to Cadiz take approximately the same time and cost about the same price.
Cadiz Organized Tours from Seville
If you don’t want to bother with planning a day trip to Cadiz and would rather have the convenience of a guided tour, there plenty of options out there. If you wonder which one to choose, my pick would be Naturanda because I’ve had a great experience with them.
Most tours also make a combine Cadiz with Jerez de la Frontera since the 2 cities are so close together. (I find it great considering people tend to overlook Jerez!)
Guided day trip from Seville (Wine and seafood tastings!) : Visit Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera with Naturanda
How Much Time Do You Need for a Day Trip to Cádiz from Seville
What you want to see completely determines how much time you need for your trip to Cadiz. To fully get a sense of this stunning port city, try to spend at least 6 hours there.
Getting Around Cádiz
The city is small, and everything is nearby, so you can walk to all the attractions.
Parking in the old town of Cadiz can be tricky. If you’re coming with a car, it’s probably easier to park in the new city and explore the old town on foot.
What to do in Cádiz
- Catedral de Cádiz: Called ‘new’ because the previous building was completely destroyed in the 16th century, inside this grand church, you can find examples of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. Plus, the view from the top is gorgeous.
- La Caleta Beach: A gorgeous beach with a great boardwalk.
- Tavira Tower: Tallest tower of 133 in Cadiz. Go to the top for a full 360-degree view of the whole city.
- San Sebastian Castle: Pleasant walk along the waterfront, passing a lovely sandy beach (La Caleta!) on the way to the Cathedral, offering fantastic views of Cadiz.
- Museo de Cádiz: A free museum with amazing artifacts, especially from the Roman Era
- Hitting the Waves: Although it may not rival the North Coast of the country, Cadiz is a great spot for surfers in the South of Spain.
- Fish Market : The main market day in Cadiz is on Mondays
What I enjoy about day trips is that it’s the only time I let myself take a guided tour. It seems like the best way to experience a lot of the city in a short time. Plus, it’s a great way to discover the interesting history of Cadiz.
Walking tours : Get to know Cadiz on a 3-Hour Guided Tour. If you like pirates, there’s also this pirate-themed one.
FAQ and Tips
Best beaches in Cádiz
My favorite beach in Cadiz is the Playa de la Cortadura.
There are also 2 really bautiful beaches in the region that are worht checking out :
- Playa de Bolonia near Tarifa
- Playa de El Palmar in El Palmar de Vejer
Málaga or Cádiz
Malaga and Cádiz are both amazing cities, but they’re quite different. Malaga is lively and cosmopolitan, while Cadiz is quietly sophisticated with a touch of traditional Spanish charm.
If you want beaches for swimming, neither is ideal. Cadiz is better for surfing, and Malaga doesn’t have really nice beaches itself. (Check out Nerja for that!) Cadiz is perfect for seafood and wine lovers, while Malaga is more things to do. It all depends what you’re looking for!
Where to stay in Cádiz
Casa de las Cuatro Torres is without a doubt my favorite place to stay in Cádiz.
It’s an ancient Houses of Chargers of the Indies and an architectural gem. You’re welcome!
In Summary
In short, Cádiz makes for a wonderful day trip from Seville. Its beautiful seaside location, along with the impressive Cathedral and the stunning La Caleta Beach, makes it an excellent off-the-beaten-path destination.
Read more
Where to Stay · Where to Stay in Seville · Seville vs Granada · Historic Hotels in Andalusia
Cadiz Travel Guide · Cadiz Fish Market
Seville Travel Guide · Best Tours · Inside the Real Alcazar · Jewish Quarter · Orange Blossoms in Seville · Rooftop Tour of Seville Cathedral
Itineraries · How to Spend 2 or 3 days in Seville · 7 Days in Andalusia (Start from Seville)
Driving · Driving in Andalusia
Day Trips · Córdoba · Jerez · Tangier · Granada