On a girls' trip? This city in Spain is unknown and the most fun destination

Yes, we know Barcelona, Seville, and even Malaga by heart. Each a gem under the Spanish sun, but those who want something different go on a girls' trip to Cádiz.

The city still feels undiscovered, I have only heard Dutch once in Cádiz (honestly). It is a city that feels like a village. This also makes it so that you feel safe as friends to stroll through the old center in the evening. And then that climate, because with the refreshing sea breeze you don't have that oppressive heat that is so common in Spanish cities.

The city is alive, from morning until late at night and especially on weekends. Everything within the old center is walkable in flip-flops, which is not unimportant, and is a maximum of twenty minutes on foot. It is normal to stand in line at a popular spot, but it is nice to already know which line is worth it. Cádiz is a place that you can still discover for yourself. But since I don't do gatekeeping, I'm sharing some tips with you.

Goodnight Cádiz

Cádiz is bursting with Airbnb accommodations, but I have found the most beautiful one to stay with your friends. The apartment complex of Goodnight Cádiz Apartments is located in the heart of the city, just a few steps away from the cozy shopping street, the boulevard with the artistic tree park, and the squares filled with wine bars and terraces. But as soon as you close the door behind you, it is pure tranquility.

The nice thing about this accommodation is that it has a pool (!) on the rooftop. If you have checked off the must-sees of Cádiz halfway through the day, you can quickly throw on that bikini for a few hours in the sun. Around the corner, you will find various small supermarkets for treats. Collapse in the lounge for a drink on the roof, splash around in the pool, and your city trip is complete. It is the perfect base for your girls' trip to Cádiz.

Start the day at La Tertulia for the desayunos, better known as breakfast. It is a five-minute walk from the Airbnb accommodation. The menu is filled with matchas, bowls, fresh juices, and delicious tostadas. Be sure to try the mollete, which is the traditional bread from the region. With a full belly, you can immediately stroll through the streets of Cádiz, as the shops are just around the corner. The town is not known for the big chains, but is rather home to local boutiques. Wonderful to wander through.

Eat, drink, eat, drink, eat...

Not in the mood to walk far on the first evening? You don't have to. At the end of the street is Plaza de San Antonio, where you will find a wine bar in the far corner: Listán Wine Tasca. Ask the sommelier for a bottle from the region. The food served by the wine bar comes straight from the neighbors. The pimientos, artichokes, and tuna from Brasal are out of this world delicious.

Did you know that Cádiz is known among Spaniards for its tuna? It is said to be the best place to eat it. And I can tell you: that is true. For your second day, choose the brunch in the garden at El Patio. It takes a bit of searching, but through the entrance of the hotel, you walk right into the best-hidden brunch spot in the city. You can eat all the deliciousness from the menu for a reasonable price.

Make sure to stop by On Egin for both lunch and dinner. It is a bit pricier restaurant, for Spanish standards, but you won't find anywhere cozier. The combination of people-watching, the assortment of croquettes, the fish, and that famous dessert (!) is simply amazing.

For the real, real, real Spanish feeling, walk a bit further towards Taberna El Tío de La Tiza. From the children's playground, you take a side street, feeling like you might never find your way out. Until you arrive at the inner courtyard. The waitresses and waiters are running back and forth, every table is filled, the pitchers of wine are flying off the shelves, and it simply doesn't get more Spanish than this.

Be patient and put your name on the list for a spot, because this is a restaurant where you will stay until the late hours and go home with new friends. Those who want to see the real Cádiz should eat here.

Enjoying at the beach

The city is by the beach, which offers the best of both worlds. You have the hustle and bustle and coziness of authentic Cádiz, but also the long, lazy beach day that you might already know from your vacations to Spain. Cádiz has a small city beach, La Caleta, where the locals set up with chairs and the contents of their fridge. Here you can catch the most beautiful sunset in the city.

For the real extensive beach day, you need to go to Nahu Beach. The beach stretches as far as you can see. And they serve a salad with homemade Nahu dressing, which you immediately want to smuggle a bucket of home. The nice thing is that the sunbeds in this part of Cádiz are also quite affordable, which you can't say about every beach club in Spain.

The old streets of Cádiz are made for walking through, but there are also some highlights to see. It's not an endless list, by the way, which keeps your girls' trip in balance. Enough time for the beach, enough time to sit comfortably on that terrace, and enough time to explore the city.

Start at the Catedral de Cádiz. It is impressive to see the church from the inside, but I actually want to recommend that you especially climb up. That climb is quite doable, as the stairs are paved. This gives you the feeling that you are walking up a sturdy hill. The view from the top is stunning. The golden domes contrast with the blue of the sea, the streets stretch out beneath you, it is exactly that old city you want to see.

Walk in the morning through the famous tree park along the boulevard, just like the locals do, and don't forget the famous market hall. Here, the residents stand in line for the best greengrocer and buy fresh fish directly from the fishermen. Let yourself be surprised by the artistic tiles on facades, idyllic squares, and balconies. This is a city to get lost in.

How do you get to Cádiz? It's very easy. Several flights depart from the Netherlands to Sevilla, and then it's just a two-hour train ride to Cádiz. You step right in the center of the city. Those who reserve a spot online in advance are always assured of a pleasant and quiet train journey. Prefer to get off a bit closer? That's also possible. Take a flight to Jerez de la Frontera and you're almost in the city. Oh, and combining with another night in Sevilla is of course also possible. A city trip within a city trip is never a bad idea.