Cádiz

Cádiz is a city of unparalleled atmosphere, confidently claiming its identity as the oldest continually inhabited settlement in Western Europe, founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC. Almost entirely  surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the city's character is profoundly maritime and notably distinct from the rest of Andalucía.

The city's historic center, or Old Town, is an intricate maze of tight, shadowed alleys that open suddenly onto airy, sun-drenched squares and plazas. Its silhouette is instantly recognizable, dominated by the elaborate dome of the Cathedral, covered in golden tiles, and the numerous watchtowers-used historically by merchants to spot returning ships-that dot the rooftops.

Cádiz holds a unique, playful spirit known as gaditano, famous throughout Spain for its sharp, satirical wit, particularly expressed during its celebrated Carnival. This cheerful irreverence stands alongside its profound history as the center of Spain's trade with the Americas and the birthplace of the liberal Spanish Constitution of 1812. The air is always salty, the light is  clear, and the overall feel is one of ancient history paired with a refreshing, breezy cheerfulness, making it a truly captivating port city.