Date of publication 05/07/2017
Tourism with Kids Cádiz for Three Generations
Discover family tourism in Cádiz, designed for three generations, and find new spots for your itinerary.
Wild nature, endless coastlines, ancient Roman ruins, adventure sports, and chill-out terraces where you can enjoy cinematic sunsets. With good weather, the province of Cádiz stands out as one of the best national and international destinations—why shy away from a bit of moderate pride?—for all ages.
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Strait of Gibraltar, Cádiz is a unique province. A land of contrasts where it is easy to get carried away by its gastronomic, cultural, and coastal wealth and heterogeneity; or simply to relax without watching the clock and enjoy the fact that the only plan is having no plan. From its namesake capital, known by the moniker 'little silver cup' (tacita de plata); to the Costa de la Luz, ruled by cities like Tarifa, Barbate, Conil de la Frontera, and Chiclana.
The Cádiz coastline holds the perfect balance between leisure and relaxation. Deserted beaches with crystal-clear waters, sand dunes, beach bars to watch the sunset (or sunrise), the best weather conditions for any water sport, and a lot—truly a lot—of tuna. They say you can't please everyone, but in the case of Cádiz, that isn't true. A trip to disconnect, a fun getaway with the whole family, an odyssey of endless partying... Haven't you decided yet? We travel to the south of Spain to prove why it is one of the premier destinations, no matter your age.
For the 'Youthed-Oldies'
A term used for those long-lived souls trapped in the body of a young person—like Tom Hanks in Big, only just the opposite. A rara avis that is less and less rare, found among that fauna exceeding (or approaching) thirty years of age. They prefer meeting up in the afternoon or going out for beers on a Sunday morning rather than staying out until dawn the next day. They still want to have fun, just at politically correct hours. This species looks for a specific type of trip: beer and terrace tourism, beach and chill-out, kitesurf in the morning and a gastronomic feast at midday. For this class of travelers, Cádiz is their place. Although this generation tends to underestimate domestic travel, Cádiz is made for the most 2.0 and hedonistic enjoyment. In fact, many of its beaches boast of being the best in Europe. More than 'instagrammable' are the cliffs of La Breña, considered the best coves in Cádiz for their 100-meter height above sea level, whose main point of interest—aside from the unconditional beauty of the landscape—is the Torre de Meca, located atop the mountain of the same name. La Cala de los Alemanes in Zahara de los Atunes, between the capes of Gracia and de la Plata, or Playa de Santa María with views of the Cádiz Cathedral, are another masterclass by Mother Nature.
The first is full of fine, golden sand and crystal-clear waters; the second is urban, mysterious, surrounded by breakwaters, and its waves are perfect for practicing 'bodysurfing.' But if the goal of the trip is not just to surrender to tranquility and hedonism, Valdevaqueros in Tarifa is one of the wildest beaches on the Cádiz coast, which thanks to the Levante and Poniente winds has become the windsurfing and kitesurfing mecca of Europe. Although, without a doubt, one of the greatest attractions of this landscape is its incomparable beach bars. The legendary Tumbao, where (pun intended) you can lounge around without worrying about time to the rhythm of DJs, is a mandatory stop at this point in the trip. At the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, lies another paradise for water sports fanatics: Playa de los Lances, also in Tarifa. Gastronomy becomes an indispensable part of a 'youthed-oldie's' trip, and within Andalusian culinary tradition, that of Cádiz is one of the most varied. It is not difficult to find a bar or restaurant with a broad and rich spectrum of vegetables, greens, meats, fish, and seafood. In Tarifa, Guzmán el Bueno street becomes a 'hotspot' thanks to places like Los Melli, El Burgato, El Francés, and El Lola, where you can enjoy fish in all its essence.
Although, without a doubt, one of the greatest attractions of this landscape is its incomparable beach bars. The legendary Tumbao, where (pun intended) you can lounge around without worrying about time to the rhythm of DJs, is a mandatory stop at this point in the trip. At the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, lies another paradise for water sports fanatics: Playa de los Lances, also in Tarifa.
Gastronomy becomes an indispensable part of a 'youthed-oldie's' trip, and within Andalusian culinary tradition, that of Cádiz is one of the most varied. It is not difficult to find a bar or restaurant with a broad and rich spectrum of vegetables, greens, meats, fish, and seafood. In Tarifa, Guzmán el Bueno street becomes a 'hotspot' thanks to places like Los Melli, El Burgato, El Francés, and El Lola, where you can enjoy fish in all its essence. Although if we talk about fish, specifically wild bluefin tuna caught by almadraba (traditional trap-net fishing), there is no better place than Zahara de los Atunes. Its most gourmet and avant-garde proposals can be found at Taberna de El Campero and Taberna Trasteo, where this raw ingredient is elevated to the quintessence. Pleasant, bohemian, and luminous decors where you can taste this delicacy in all its forms: accompanied by apple Russian salad, in tacos with guacamole and pickled onions; in tempura, grilled, and in its most Asian and exotic versions (satay, sashimi, tataki, ceviche, or tartare).
For Families with Little Ones
Traveling as a family is not always an easy task. You have to find a destination that appeals to both adults and children alike so that no family member gets bored along the way. With the arrival of warmth, the beach is usually the winning option. Building sandcastles, playing beach tennis, enjoying a relaxing swim, or sunbathing—who is going to turn down a plan like that? Traveling as a family to Cádiz is a fantastic option. Small, bustling, with heavy surf, tranquil...
The province of Cádiz has nearly 80 beaches to choose from, leaving no room for error. Playa de la Caleta is one of the most popular in the city of Cádiz, and its calm waters, protected from Levante currents, are ideal for visiting with children. Between the castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina, this 450-meter-long urban stretch of sand is easily accessible and great for swimming and sunbathing without strong winds spoiling the fun. Bolonia beach, famous for its sand dunes over thirty meters high, is not far behind. Reaching the summit of the long succession of dunes, sliding down the highest mound, visiting the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, and even, if you're lucky, spotting a dolphin or two, are some of the many amusements to enjoy as a family along the Cádiz coast. Crossing the Bay of Cádiz is another must-do date for a trip for all ages. Catamaran trips are very common from the capital. Its bridges, walls, and, of course, the Castle of Santa Catalina to finish the adventure at sunset.
Sancti Petri also offers an idyllic boat ride at sunset from the port to the Islet of Sancti Petri, also known as the Isle of Hercules, where you can find a castle built between the 16th and 18th centuries that served as defense against numerous pirate attacks. Although if the idea is to alternate the coast with greener nature, the province has endless landscapes for the more adventurous. Los Alcornocales Natural Park, also known as 'the virgin jungle of the Iberian Peninsula,' possesses a microclimate very similar to tropical zones, and within it, you can find animals such as griffon vultures, eagle owls, storks, booted eagles, deer, or otters. Among marshes, beaches, tidal channels, and pine forests is also the Bay of Cádiz Natural Park, which together with Doñana National Park or the Strait Natural Park, located between Tarifa and Algeciras, are some of the many fauna and flora sanctuaries in southern Andalusia.
And to finish the route on a high note, near Jerez de la Frontera is the Rancho Cortesano Honey and Bee Museum, where children can dress up as beekeepers to discover how this liquid gold is made and how bees work, as well as participate in pottery workshops or harvest strawberries and beets in its organic garden.
For Older Travelers
There comes a time in life when late-night leisure or express tourism is left behind. It is that stage when we look for moments of peace, interspersed with interesting activities and, of course, good food. Southern Spain hides a multitude of secret corners and natural settings that invite rest. Located in the municipality of Vejer de la Frontera, El Palmar is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches on the Spanish coast. With a length of 4.2 kilometers, its fine white sand is perfect for long walks. Playa de Zahora, overlooking the Trafalgar Lighthouse, Playa del Pirata—both in the coastal nucleus of Caños de Meca—or La Barrosa Beach in Chiclana de la Frontera, are other magnificent examples of fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and total accessibility. Among the multiple activities that can be done in Cádiz, hiking is one of the healthiest and most ecological practices for any age.
There are wonderful routes in this province to delight in the landscape and learn a little more about native fauna and flora. In Los Alcornocales Natural Park, the Strait Natural Park, the Cliffs of Barbate, and, closer to the mountains, the Majaceite River in the Sierra de Grazalema or El Bosque, numerous trails and routes of incomparable beauty can be found. Although if what we want is to lose ourselves among narrow streets and walk aimlessly, the small municipality of Vejer de la Frontera is perfect for it. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1976, this fairytale village with its white facades, walled enclosure, and numerous examples of historical, artistic, and natural heritage is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain.
Despite its size, Vejer is a necessary visit, not only for its beauty but also for its delicious gastronomy. In the Plaza de España, we find El Jardín del Califa, a restaurant and tea house with delicious North African and Middle Eastern dishes, whose exquisite decoration—pools, stone vaults, tapestries, fountains, latticework...—and cozy garden transports us to the neighboring country. Also noteworthy is the restaurant Las Delicias, located in a former 19th-century theater renovated according to the latest trends, featuring live music and a modern, Mediterranean-inspired culinary offering. Cádiz is, therefore, a perfect destination for any age and situation. Our hotels in Cádiz are also adapted to different needs so that vacations are always perfect.
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