Cadiz with children means endless options and avoiding boredom
Horse racing on the beach, dolphin and orca watching in the Strait, seeing Cadiz in a different way and climbing to the top of a lighthouse… these are some of the options we suggest you enjoy in Cadiz as a family. Shall we begin?
The Province of Cadiz offers endless options for you to enjoy nature, history, the landscape and Cadiz culture and tradition with your children, and with no room for boredom. With your feet on the ground, sailing the waters that bathe its coastline or reaching its highest points, you won't stop smiling and collecting good memories together.
Whale sighting
El Estrecho Natural Park is a special place where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, which in turn means it is an important passing point for marine mammals and migratory birds. Come and sail the Strait's waves with Turmares, departing from Tarifa, and enjoy a fun day at sea... Do you want to guess what animal species you'll see?
Dolphins, pilot whales, orcas and rorquals live in these waters and when they notice your presence, they'll be sure to approach the boat to greet you and swim by your side as they play at the prow of the boat.
You will be able to see impressive scenes such as the great tail of a sperm whale breaking the surface.
From both the railings and lower down via the underwater view, you will be able to distinguish between the different species with the help of specialised guides.
After this entertaining day, you will return to port in Tarifa, where you will be able to explore its streets, visit shops and even continue your aquatic day by attending a surfing class with any of the schools in Tarifa. 100% recommended for all the family!
Horse racing on the beach in Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Every year during the month of August, the beach in Sanlúcar de Barrameda becomes a must-see destination where you can be a spectator at one of the South's main beach spectacles.
At an authentic, natural race course by the sea that makes the most of low tide, you will be able to observe the swift horses and their riders up close. One of the oldest racest in Europe and the oldest in Spain, you simply have to see it live. Fancy a flutter?
Tavira Tower, the sentry of Cadiz
The city of Cádiz is known for its lookout towers, which have stood as witnesses to commercial exchanges across the centuries. Tavira Tower was the official designated watchtower for the port of Cádiz as it was positioned at the city's highest point and due to its location in the centre of the city's historic quarter.
Don Antonio Tavira was the tower sentry and using his telescope you can imagine the history of the city in the 18th century, awaiting the arrival of ships loaded with goods from America.
You can also observe the city of Cádiz and its urban planning in the 21st century through the Camera Obscura. Sets of lights, lenses and optical effects will create different sensations in you when viewing the city in a unique and original way.
From its viewpoint you can enjoy incredible 360º views of the city of Cádiz and feel like a true sentry of the city, like Antonio Tavira once was.
Exploring the Green Route of the Sierra de Cádiz
Come and walk the Vía Verde de la Sierra, an incredible route through natural surroundings that will take you to spectacular places such as Peñón de Zaframagón Nature Reserve, which is one of the most important vulture reserves in Europe.
You will be able to see vultures in their natural habitat flying over the Peñón, while from the Griffin Vulture Observatory and Nature Interpretation Centre you can observe their nests up close using the camera hidden in the rocks.
The Vía Verde de la Sierra traces 36 kilometres taking you to places the train has never reached, passing through the Cádiz towns of Puerto Serrano and Olvera. You will find four old stopping points (Puerto Serrano, Coripe, Zaframagón and Olvera) where you can enjoy all kinds of services, such as accommodation, restaurants and the chance to hire bicycles. Whether on foot or by bike, this is an excellent option for a day out with your children. You will cross bridges and rivers, and you can venture into the Megalithic Site of Alberquilla where important archaeological remains are preserved next to El Peñón.
The ballet of Andalusian horses.
In Jerez de la Frontera you simply have to see the equestrian show offered by the Fundación Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre. It is an authentic ballet starring horses dancing to Spanish music and dressed in 18th century attire.
Just as spectacular as its dancing are its Andalusian-inspired facilities, tinged with the typical shades of white Andalusia is known for. A small Botanical Garden, and the spectacular 19th century palace complementsthe visit. Don't miss out on the Museo del Arte Ecuestre (Museum of Equestrian Art) and the Museo del Enganche (Carriage Museum), which are simply stunning.
The horses and riders interpret 6 to 8 choreographies based on natural dressage, cowboy dressage and drawing carriages. The horses also show their obedience alone and will amaze you as they skip and jump.
Discover the Carthusian horse
Also in Jerez, you can visit the most important Carthusian horse reserve in the world at La Yeguada de la Cartuja - Hierro del Bocado. It is located opposite La Cartuja Monastery in Jerez, on the Fuente del Suero Estate, where the Carthusian horse has been bred for centuries as a spectacular specimen of Andalusian origin.
You can approach the horses and see the foals run about the farm. And on Saturdays, the visit to the stud farm is particularly special. You can enjoy an equestrian show in the riding school where you will see the character, beauty and grandeur of this race.
Pirates aboard! An entertaining event at sea.
Would you like to experience the adventure of sailing on a pirate ship? With Albarco, you can enjoy a true celebration on board! Costumes, games and fun pirates ensure you will enjoy a memorable day out as a family.
This tour has departures from the port of Sancti-Petri in Chiclana and, in addition to enjoying fun sea adventures, you will also have the chance to see the mammals that inhabit the Cádiz coast.
You will feel real excitement on board when you see the dorsal fins of the whales and dolphins surrounding the boat… Are you up for it, pirates?
Donkey ride through Vejer de la Frontera
Come and enjoy a journey on the donkeys of Juanino through the rural routes of Vejer de la Frontera, one of the most beautiful white towns in Andalusia. This is a fun activity that allows you to come into contact with this placid animal, as well as enjoy spectacular landscapes like Las Quebradas Natural Park or cast your gaze to the coast and see where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Dressed in the old style, you will see that the donkeys are very docile and good travel companions.
You can choose between different tours that are around 45 minutes long. You will always be accompanied by professional guides who will tell you stories and anecdotes about this lovely animal. Don't miss out!
Visit the guardian of the mouth of the Guadalquivir
Did you know that Chipiona Lighthouse is the tallest in Spain and one of the tallest in the world? Chipiona Lighthouse is located at the Punta del Perro, in the town of Chipiona, next to the famous Regla Beach. You will have to climb 322 steps to take in the magnificent views that stretch from Rota and the Port of Santa María to Matalascañas in Huelva. Its strategic location makes it the guardian and guide to ships that wish to travel up the Guadalquivir.
The guided tour is divided into three sections, with a stop every 100 steps approximately, allowing young and old to rest along the way. We recommend calling in advance, as tours are given in limited groups.
And… the incredible beaches of Cádiz
Of course, we simply have to mention the incredible beaches in Cádiz. The Costa de la Luz has 260 km of coastline and 138 km of beaches, coves, inlets and dunes of fine, white sand. They are always the perfect option for fun with children.
These beaches are packed with history and have been natural settings for films. They have natural monuments and are recommended for water sports, making this coastline a very special, natural place. We look forward to seeing you!