Travel Guide
Move Over Barcelona: This Vibrant Spanish Beach City Has Cheaper Prices & Less Crowds
Mar
There’s a mixed bag of opinions on Spain right now. Cue The Clash’s Should I Stay Or Should I Go?…
Whether it be Barcelona, Madrid, or the insanely beautiful islands such as my favorite, Mallorca, locals haven’t held back about the invasion of tourists flooding their renowned cities and coastlines.
One of these is Barcelona, arguably the number one on many travelers’ wishlists, but hardly original given its status as one of Europe’s top cities.
There’s no doubt that Spain is a phenomenal country, even with grouchy ‘Karens’ heading some of the most notable destinations, but this well-documented overtourism movement has given travelers an excuse to traverse more hidden gems.
Some are seamless alternatives, even offering better prices and far fewer crowds without sacrificing authenticity.
One such place was recently highlighted as the top dupe for Barcelona this spring.
Boasting splendid weather, gorgeous shores, and the claim to fame of being Western Europe’s oldest city, Spain’s major cities get a breather while you explore one of the best-kept secrets on this side of Europe.
Spain’s Historic Whitewashed Wonder
History was the one subject in school I thought translated to nap time (sorry, Mr. Omdahl!). So, we’ll skip a deep dive into Cadiz’s timeline and focus on the here and now.
But it is pretty fascinating that such a city lacking household recognition existed around 3,000 years ago when the Phoenicians carved its first marks on the map.
Like many places across Europe, it’s impossible to ignore the city’s timeless charm, but perhaps even more so here with one of the most picturesque Old Towns in Spain, essentially a zig-zagging maze of cobbled squares and alleys making up colorful facades, quaint cafes, and buzzing bars.
Known as “El Pópulo”, this is ground zero for the city’s oldest traditions where time still stands still — if you ignore everyone looking down at their iPhones, that is.
This area is one of the most vibrant of Cadiz, but the cityscape itself is illuminated by a stunning collection of ‘pueblo blancos‘ backdropped by the Atlantic and the staggering Cadiz Cathedral.
There’s no denying Cadiz is both aesthetically pleasing and historically captivating, rewarding those who dare to venture away from Spain’s typical tourist path.
One Of Spain’s Most Affordable Cities
Last spring, we ran a piece based on a study by Bounce claiming Cadiz was Spain’s most affordable city.
For sample size, many of Cadiz’s unique attractions are free or cheap enough to not make a dent in your coffee budget and getting around by public transit isn’t even half of what you’d spend on a sugary Starbucks concotion back home.
The new Ice Cherry Chai Lattes are worth every penny, though, amirite?
Anywho, take Catedral de la Santa Cruz de Cádiz, for example. You just have to fork over $8 for entry, or visit Yacimiento Arqueológico Gadir, the ruins of ancient Phoenician city, Gadir, for free!
Not to mention, some bars serve free tapas as long as you keep ordering wine.
When we featured Cadiz about a year ago, we claimed hotels average $80 per night, so let’s see how that stacks up now.
After giving it a quick Goog, these were the following results for best values this spring:
Pensión España (3-star boutique hotel – $59 in April)
Hotel Cádiz Paseo del Mar by Meliá (4-star hotel – $81 in April)
Hotel Playa Victoria Cádiz (4-star beachfront hotel – $82 in April)
Cadiz doesn’t have 5-star hotels, but there’s no shortage of wallet-friendly posh stays — vacation rentals too.
Beautiful Beaches Rivaling Barcelona — But No Crowds!
Unlike one country that always seems to be in the news, Cadiz is set along the rightfully named Gulf of Cadiz. No controversy there.
Set in Andalusia’s southwest pocket, you’ll find one of Spain’s most underrated beach destinations, especially since the coastline rivals Barcelona’s vibe with trendy bars and restaurants with a more expansive shoreline of golden sand.
The best part is that you won’t have to fight for space or deal with the overbearing annoyance of constant bass-thumping and tourist traps like you might find in Barcelona.
They’re there if you want them, but the beaches are spaced out enough to avoid the party scene, and you should have no issue with overwhelming crowds.
Cadiz is a much smaller city by comparison, but there are ample places to get your sun and sand fix.
According to TripAdvisor, these are Cadiz’s top 5 beaches:
- Playa La Caleta
- Playa Victoria
- Playa de los Caños de Meca
- Playa De Santa Maria Del Mar
- Playa de Atlanterra
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
