Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, is an ideal destination to visit all year round. However, October offers a unique experience: the city is quieter after the summer hustle and bustle and there is a wide variety of events and activities.
Temperatures in Cadiz in October range between 18°C and 25°C, making it ideal for exploring the city without the sweltering heat of summer. However, showers can occur, so it is advisable to wear waterproof clothing and keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Cadiz is a must for travellers in autumn for its beaches, culture, history and gastronomy, and on Vacalia you can find a wide range of holiday rentals.
1. Enjoy the beaches without the summer hustle and bustle.
One of Cadiz’s main attractions is its miles of beaches, and in October, you can still make the most of them without the crowds of July and August. The temperatures, although milder, are still warm enough to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea. Here are some recommendations:
Caleta Beach
Located in the old town of Cádiz, this is one of the most picturesque, with the fortresses of Santa Catalina and San Sebastián flanking the bay. In October, the beach has a much more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the sunsets.
Playa de la Victoria
With more than 2.5 km of extension, it is one of the most popular urban beaches in Spain. This beach has a huge promenade that is ideal for enjoying the scenery on foot.
October can also be a good month for water sports such as surfing or paddle surfing, as the waves start to get stronger and the water still retains some of the summer heat.
2. Getting to know the old quarter of Cádiz
The old quarter of Cádiz is a real historical treasure. Its narrow streets, lively squares and old buildings will transport you to another era. Best of all, in October, the weather is perfect for exploring them without the sweltering heat of summer.
Some must-see places are:
Cádiz Cathedral
Known as “Santa Cruz sobre el mar” and built in 1722, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful places in Cádiz. Don’t miss climbing the Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower) for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the sea.
Roman Theatre
This theatre, the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, dates back to the 1st century BC. It is also one of the largest, it is estimated that it could hold more than 10,000 spectators.
Plaza de San Juan de Dios
The heart of the old town, it is very wide and has interesting buildings such as the town hall and the church of San Juan de Dios which gives it its name. From here you can enjoy a relaxing stroll while sitting on one of its many terraces for a coffee.
3. Visit the Central Market and taste the gastronomy of Cádiz.
You can’t visit Cádiz without making an obligatory stop for tapas at its market. It is a charming place, full of bars and establishments offering a wide variety of products, perfect for enjoying a snack in several of them.
October marks the start of the prawn season in Sanlúcar. The Central Market is the ideal place to enjoy fresh seafood at lower prices than in summer. Moreover, you can accompany the prawns with a glass of manzanilla, the typical wine of the region.
A stroll around the fruit and fish stalls is a must, as the prices are more than reasonable for the quality on offer.
You can’t miss the fish and seafood at the market, from the famous tortillita de camarones (shrimp omelette) to the fried fish. Don’t miss the opportunity to try typical dishes such as marinated dogfish, which we especially recommend you try in the most typical way, in one of the fryers, in a “papelón” of assorted fish.
4. Attend autumn events and festivals.
October is a month full of events and festivals in Cádiz, where culture, music and gastronomy are celebrated with enthusiasm. Here are some of the most outstanding events:
Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro (FIT)
Since 1986 the Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro de Cádiz (FIT) has been held annually on different stages in the city. In mid-October, the city fills with theatre, dance and performances by artists from Spain and Latin America. The performances take place in different theatres and open-air spaces, allowing you to enjoy culture while you explore the city.
Tapas route
October is also an excellent time to enjoy the tapas routes that are organised around the city. During this month, many bars and restaurants offer special tapas that represent the best of local cuisine. It is a perfect opportunity to taste the flavours of Cádiz in an informal and fun way.
Celebrate Columbus Day on the Guadalquivir River
Every 12 October, Cadiz celebrates Columbus Day, especially in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where Christopher Columbus’ caravels set sail. This day is filled with activities such as parades, horse races on the beach and guided tours that recall the history of the Discovery of America, ideal for the whole family to enjoy.
5. Excursions to the surrounding area
If you like to explore beyond the city limits, Cádiz is also an excellent starting point to discover other charms of the province. Here are a few ideas:
Jerez de la Frontera
Just a 30-minute drive from Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera is famous for its sherry wine, flamenco and Andalusian horses. In October, you can visit one of its bodegas and learn about the winemaking process while enjoying a wine tasting. We also recommend you to attend a horse show or a flamenco night.
Bay of Cadiz Natural Park
Located in a humid area of the Atlantic coast, it preserves protected areas such as the Sancti Petri Marshes and Trocadero Island, rich in Phoenician and Roman history. Its ecosystems include beaches, marshes and pine forests, home to species such as the common chameleon and various migratory birds. The salt marshes, historically key to local subsistence, now coexist with fishing and aquaculture. The park offers activities such as boating, horseback riding and scuba diving, as well as local produce such as seafood and shrimp omelettes.
White Villages Route
In our opinion, the White Villages of Cádiz that you should not miss on your route are Setenil de las Bodegas, Torre Alháquime, Olvera, Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema, Benamahoma, El Bosque and Arcos de la Frontera. Each has its own charm, but what unites them is the essence of their origins as fortified villages on the border between Christians and Muslims, which gives them that special air, and October, with its mild climate, is ideal for exploring this area.
