Virgin Voyages' guide to Cádiz
Cádiz
Where land, sea, and history intertwine
Cádiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is a cultural mecca where art, history, and traditions of the Castilians, Moors, and Romans gracefully intertwine. As the hottest region, it’s no surprise that Flamenco and Sherry originated here allowing residents to embrace the rhythm and vines of the natural heat.

Feel the echoes of past empires
Go Local in Cádiz
Dating back to 1100-ish BCE, Cádiz is home to a few millennia’s worth of culture. With a native Gaditano, stroll through some historic landmarks then break away to immerse in the authentic “ambiente” with traditional tapas, regional wines, and sherry. You’ll end on the beach of La Caleta, whose stunning cityscape and fishing boat-dotted shore will satisfy your soul. On your return stroll, discover the Old Town's labyrinth of narrow alleyways, balconied homes, and charming plazas.

Prepare Paella in Traditional Estate
It will be the best of times as you head through the country and on the fertile trail of this city, its valor (and fame) come in the form of sherry. Sally forth to a 19th-century palace of the wine merchant of Jerez in Bodega Casa del Marques to begin your journey making traditional paella. Surrounded by period decorum, you’ll perfect this dish as if you were a true Andalusian. When your meal has been served, raise a glass of sherry and enjoy the paella you just helped prepare.

Learn Flamenco
While some may say that flamenco cannot be taught, you'll definitely get a step or two in with a local "bailaor" to guide you. Head to El Marqués de Cádiz, a traditional tavern dating back to 1716, and learn some moves passed down from the Andalusian and Romani dynasties. You may or may not feel the trance-like state one gets from flamenco body movements, but the traditional music and some sherry (liquid courage) will help you feel 100% Andalusian and give you a unique view of life in Cádiz.

We have even more in our curated catalog.


Andalusia Seascapes — Cádiz by Kayak
Cádiz
Can't decide between seeing some historical sites and getting a little active? Do both in Cádiz! Head to Caleta Beach, pick a kayak, and meet the guide you'll cruise the Bay of Cádiz with. You'll be paddling the same waters where the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans sailed during their respective empires, but completely surrounded by the magnificent Andalusian architecture and colorful fishing boats that sprinkle the shore. When your seaside spin is over, Cádiz is yours to explore.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- See some amazing views while staying active kayaking the cost of Cádiz
- Cruise over to Caleta Beach (featured in 007: Die Another Day) to meet up with your guide and pick your kayak
- See Andalusian architecture and colorful boats that sprinkle the shore (and snap some priceless pics too)
- Kayak the Bay of Cádiz where the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans sailed during their respective empires
- After your kayak spin is over, set off to explore the charms of Cadiz on your own
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Approximately 2 hours of kayaking
- Sailors should know how to swim
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Sailors must wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity (hiking, biking, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, yoga, etc.)
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria








If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


Cádiz Streets — As Seen On A Segway™
Cádiz
After meeting your Segway™ guru, you’ll get a brief intro to Segway™ skills. Then, it’s go time! You’ll spin through narrow alleys and labyrinthine streets, passing architectural wonders highlighting the different styles of fallen empires and the proud Andalusian heritage that has remained. Along your route, you’ll see iconic landmarks such as the Arc Pópulo, Caleta Beach, the lively Abastos Central Market, the stunning Gardens Paseo Carlos III, and many more.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Meet your Segway™ guru and, after a brief intro, set off to explore Cádiz in a fun and efficient way
- Get in 2,000+ years of history by covering some ground (while exerting little energy)
- Glide past must-see landmarks such as the Arc Pópulo, Central Market, Caleta Beach, the Gardens Paseo Carlos III, and more
- Spin through narrow alleys and labrinthine streets, passing architectural wonders that span multiple empires and dynasties
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Maximum weight for this Shore Thing is 250 lbs.
- Sailors should expect long periods of standing
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Approximately 2-hours on your Segway
- Sailors cannot consume alcohol before/during this Shore Thing
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria









If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


Sensational Seville on Your Own
Cádiz
With a city as old as the Roman Empire and whose buildings are illuminated in gold, it’s easy to see why Seville is the perfect mix of looks and personality. On your own, you can venture to the Seville Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that started as a mosque during the 12th century, meander the winding alleys in the old judería (Jewish quarter) of Santa Cruz while marveling at the Giralda bell tower, and get your fill of endless tapas in practically every tourist and residential district.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Get your fill of Seville, a city with thousands of years of history, on your own adventure
- Visit the Seville Cathedral — one of the world’s largest Gothic masterpieces — on your own and at your own expense
- Stroll the alleys in the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz to find the Giralda, a 1506 bell tower that showcases Moorish and Renaissance styles
- Get your fix of tapas while wandering through tourist or residential areas — they're everywhere
- Approximately 1-hour and 45-minute drive to Seville
- If you want to visit the Cathedral, tickets should be purchased in advance. Please be aware of the arrival and departure time of the tour
- Please keep in mind that venue/attraction entrance fees are not included
- This Shore Thing requires a wheelchair-accessible transportation request — please contact Sailor Services at least 14 days prior to your sailing date
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria






If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


Cape Scapes — Hikes, Beaches & Bohemian Waves
Cádiz
Get that Vitamin Sea on the serene scene of the coast. About 1 hour south of Cádiz, passing whitewashed facades of the countryside, you’ll arrive in the old fishing village of Barbate for a glorious coastal hike of La Breña. Take in the natural beauty (plus a number of stunning pics) at the Torre de Tajo, a 16th-century tower on a 300+ ft. cliff. Your day includes a visit to Cape Trafalgar (known for its historic naval battle) and time to check out the bohemian village of Los Caños de Meca.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Head south to the fishing village of Barbate, where a 2.5-mile trail offers breathtaking views of the coast in La Breña park
- Take in the beauty (and a number of stunning pics) at the Torre de Tajo, a 16th-century tower high above the sea
- Tour Cape Trafalgar, a peninsula known as the setting of a naval battle in the Napoleonic Wars (aka one of the most decisive naval battles in history)
- Check out the serene scene of Los Caños de Meca, a bohemian village of hippies known for its “karma” and tranquility
- If time (and the elements) allows, you may get to take a dip in the sea
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking
- Sailors should expect to walk uphill and/or over uneven pavement
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Sailors must wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity (hiking, biking, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, yoga, etc.)
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria







If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Cádiz received the 007 treatment
In Die Another Day, Bond’s “Havana” beach hotel is in Cádiz, not Cuba.
Maybe it’s the bronzed beaches, year round sunny skies, or lively nighttime revelry, but the Coast of Light allows for an effervescent energy that has the power to satiate your soul at any time of day. Once you experience centuries-old traditions — from catching the freshest fish to sampling decadent honey soaked desserts — Cádiz is both frozen in time while simultaneously aeons ahead; having mastered the art of celebrating and uplifting all the senses.
Behind the velvet rope and into your inbox
Oops, something went wrong. Please try again or visit our Contact Us page. You can also:
- Check you've typed your email address correctly.
- Make sure you've checked the signup box.
Success!
You've successfully signed up for our email list... You're in for some treats.