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Cadiz
The province of Cádiz is the southernmost
area of the Iberian Peninsula. The province succeeds in that
it caters for every aspect of tourism in the true sense of
the word, aspects like cultural, festive, ecological, monumental,
above all, its authentic and essentially Andalusian character.
The capital of the province (Cadiz) is situated
on the bay and is surrounded by sea. It is the oldest city
in the western world, with more than 3,000 years of history.
Throughout the province you will find the remains of over
30 castles, forts and walled cities, some of which are still
well conserved. During the height of Spain's naval power Cadiz
was the gateway to the world. Christopher Columbus sailed
from near here on his voyage to America. The discovery of
America brought prosperity and fame to the city.
The Bay of Cadiz and its beaches are perfect
for the pursuit of all water sports and it annually hosts
important sailing events.
The gastronomy of Cádiz is influenced,
above all, by the wines and brandies, which are produced in
the province and by the wide range of fish that abounds along
its coastline. The main culinary art in Andalucia is the frying
of fish. This depends on a variety of factors, such as the
quantity of the olive oil used for frying, the quality of
the flour used in making the batter, and of course the fish
to be fried. The fried-fish shops in Cadiz are a real institution.
They are a kind of bar where paper cones containing "pescaito
frito" are sold, to be eaten there and then whilst drinking
a glass or two of the local wine. Even though there are magnificent
first-class restaurants throughout the region, it is very
typical for people to go out for "Tapas", which
entails trying very small portions of specialities to be found
in different bars. There are numerous bars, restaurants, taverns
and "chiringuitos" (beach bars), which will give
you plenty of opportunity to savour the varied gastronomy
and excellent wines, finos, amontillados, olorosos, manzanillas
and brandies, made in the province and which give a special
flavour to the region. The confectionery and pastry making
of the province, which is delicious, is clearly influenced
by the centuries of Arabian occupation.
The Province of Cádiz enjoys a warm
climate with an above average temperature: winter: 15°C
- spring: 18°C - summer: 27°C - autumn: 20°C
Nature Reserves
The province is fortunate to possess a variety of unspoiled
natural habitats of great ecological richness. These habitats
have been strictly respected and are home to a considerable
number of endangered species found in the province. In all,
there are five different Nature Reserves in the province.
Beaches
Without any doubt some of the province's most
important natural resources are its beaches, with their fine,
white sand and their crystal clear water. It is possible to
choose from natural, virgin beaches to others with facilities
and infrastructure, from small isolated coves to beaches stretching
for various kilometres, from family beaches to others more
secluded and from beaches of calm water to windswept beaches
perfect for sailing. In the entire province offers 138 Km.
of beaches.
Recreation and Festivals
As a result of its favourable climate, there
are many popular celebrations on the Costa de la Luz throughout
the year. However, most take place during the spring and summer.
You will find examples of the most diverse folk festivals
rooted arising from the province's thousands of years of history.
Flamenco dancing and music really comes into its own during
the "romerias" and popular festivities. Many of
these traditional festivals have been retained through the
years and although each village has its own typical festivals,
the followings are some of the most famous.
Cadiz Carnival - the carnival is held in February/March
and is centred on a contest of parodies. There are also parades
and fancy dress, a pageant of inventiveness, humour and subtle
irony.
Jerez de la Frontera - Horse Fair - held in
May with beautifully decorated marquees with live Flamenco
music and dancing, parades of dressage and many others live
equestrian events.
Corpus Christi in Zahara de la Sierra - held
in June with the massive participation of the residents who
take part in a lively, flower-garlanded parade.
The Guadalquivir Fair , in Sanclucar de Barrameda,
is held in August. Some attractions of this colourful fair
are; river crossings, diverse performances, galas, bullfighting
and a literary contest. Also in August, horse racing takes
place on the beaches of this city.
Sports
Owing to its climate and natural conditions,
the province is ideal for practice of almost every sport.
Along its coastline sailing is a favourite
sport and major regattas are held all year long, especially
in The Bay o Cadiz, which hosts the "Tall Ships"
regatta. The province is considered to be the best area in
Europe for the practice of wind surfacing. Other sports practised
along the coast include scuba diving, swimming, fishing, water-biking
etc.
In the mountains you will find the perfect
setting for sports such as; gliding, caving, mountain biking
and mountaineering.
Jerez de la Frontera is home to the world championship
of Formula 1 and motorbike world Championships.
Throughout the province horse riding is a popular
sport. The city of Jerez will host the 2002 World Equestrian
Games.
Hunting is also a popular activity with 60
games reserves established in the province. And lastly, but
not least, the province offers a large number of golf courses,
some of which are world renowned such as Valderrama Golf Club,
host to the Ryder Cup, and Montecastillo Club, which holds
the Volvo Master's.
Travelling
By Air - There are direct daily flights during the week with
different airlines, arriving Jerez from many important European
capitals including London.
San Pablo International Airport (Seville) is
only 110 km from Cadiz city and provides direct flights to
all major national and international destinations.
From Seville, Malaga and Gibraltar, by road
- the province is connected with the rest of the country via
four principle routes.
The A4 Seville - Cadiz Motorway
The N4 Madrid - Cadiz
The N340 Malaga - Cadiz
The A382 Connects Cadiz to the inland area of Andalusia through
the Ronda Mountains.
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