Cadiz

On this cruise Cadiz is billed as “ Cadiz- for Seville”. And many rush off to Seville I imagine as I am sure it’s lovely. But if you don’t explore Cadiz you’re missing a gem !

After a sea day we had an early breakfast and we were ashore by 8. 30 am . It was cold but the sun made a beautiful light as we walked all round the headland.
We then headed into the city and were the first into the cathedral at 10. The entrance price included access to the tower, so we ascended an internal spiral ramp 131 ft to the top , rewarded with magnificent views and the clang of the 10:30 bells!
After 3 hours and 15000 steps we returned to Iona for a leisurely lunch in the Olive Grove. We then set off again for another walk, seeing some of the signs of todays public holiday celebrations: Independence of Andalusia day.

Cadiz is a lovely place to explore; flat and heavily pedestrianised, clearly wealthy from its commerce days- full of grand buildings, clean green spaces and buzzing . You do wonder how the city pays for its park wardens, gardens and street cleaners, and visible police presence which made it feel clean and safe, when we can’t afford public services such as these in England?

It’s apparently the oldest city in Europe founded by the Phoenicians in 11c BC and also where the Spanish Constitution was signed in 1812.