Cadiz Car Hire: Cadiz Car Hire Self Drive - Cadiz
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Cadiz
Cadiz is the capital of the Andalusian province with the same name, It is located on the southwestern tip of Spain, on a long, thin peninsula. Founded in 1100 BC, it has the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.
Cadiz is privileged to have access to the fabulous white beaches of the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), which offer excellent leisure opportunities. The coast has a lively nightlife and delectable cuisine, with numerous traditional restaurants in and around Plaza Juan de Dios, near the port.
Cadiz is renowned for its charm, elegance and beautiful sights, and boasts a wealth of ancient monuments, museums and churches. Its historical district is a picturesque area of narrow lanes, airy squares, and balconies overflowing with brightly coloured flowers. The most impressive building here is the golden domed 18th century cathedral, in which a priceless collection of gold, silver and jewels is housed.
Plaza de Mina is home to the Fine Arts and Archaeology Museum, where visitors can see a fascinating and diverse array of exhibitions, ranging from Greek and Roman artefacts to a Rubens canvas and a collection of works by the 17th century artist Francisco de Zurbaran. The Municipal History Museum offers insightful information into the area’s past.
The Torre Tavira is an 18th century tower that was used to guard the harbour, and offers panoramic views of the entire city from its apex. One of its most interesting features is the ‘camera obscura’, a darkened room in which mirrors and lenses are used to reflect wonderful scenes of the city on to a screen.
Most evenings out start off with a visit to one of the tapas bars, where you can taste delicious Andalusian snacks washed down with local sherries or wines. Many of these alcoholic blends are produced in nearby Jerez, also known for its fine horses and flamenco dancing.
Inland from Cadiz are a number of quaint, white-painted villages surrounded by a variety of landscapes. Grazalema is one of these - a green oasis encircled by a natural park permeated with wonderful nature trails.
Highway access to the city is gained by means of the A4 toll road, or the much busier and slower N1V. Buses and trains provide connections to the surrounding towns and the bigger cities of Madrid and Barcelona, from where international links are available. Cadiz is served by the international airport at nearby Jerez.
