Cadiz is a lowkey coastal town in Spain that caters to the laidback set on holiday. Located outside the Spanish city of Seville, life here beats a bit slower, which is a welcome change of pace from the headaches of daily life. Here are my picks for the top 5 casual bars in Cadiz.
5. Cadiz bars: get casual at El Montadito.
I’m still surprised that Cadiz is big on radlers, because I typically associate lemonade beer with Oktoberfest, not the Andalusian region of the southwestern port of Spain. Go figure! I quickly learned that Cruzcampo radlers are extremely popular here. And, while I am usually not a beer girl, this light, citrus concoction is ideal for drinking in the sun. They aren’t too sweet, but they aren’t bitter either.
Located in a less touristy part of town, El Montadito is old school. While it might not be the most charming place in the world, the staff is friendly. Bonus, this is one of the few casual bars in Cadiz that stays open during siesta. So, it’s a great place to hang out during the day while soaking up local culture over a few Cruzcampos.
4. Embrace sea views at Ajola.
Definitely one of the friendlier spots I visited in Andalusia, something about this place felt a bit special. I was delighted by Ajola’s fairytale inspired flowers that grace the sign of this local haunt. If you sit outside, this bar has great views of the domes atop the Cadiz Cathedral as well as picturesque sea views. Do yourself a favor and don’t get too complicated with your drink order, as this is not one of the casual bars in Cadiz known for its extensive bar program. I suggest ordering a radler, but if you want something a bit sweeter, try a mojito.
3. Cadiz bars: people watch at Bongo.
Set in the heart of the main square, this bar is a people watcher’s paradise. If you sit outside, order a fancy cocktail as you melt into the landscape and feel as though you are a part of this historical city, if only for the afternoon.
Inside, the atmosphere takes on a modern feel outfitted in retro glamour. Incredibly chic and full of whimsy, I appreciate the allure this space lends to the Old Town. Bongo reminds me a touch of what Havana must have looked like during its heyday with oversized wicker chairs and silky pink velvet cushions. The bar itself looks really cool and stands out with clever details. Just know, the service is a bit slow, and you definitely come here for the drinks, not the food. Still, it’s a fun scene, and it’s easily one of my favorite casual bars in Cadiz. Bongo is bringing a stylish sensibility to the city.
2. Get your casual outdoor drink on at Glacial.
What this place lacks in ambience and niceties (which is a lot), it sure makes up for with its killer views of the ocean. More aptly put, you can order at the bar, and basically get your drink on just a few feet from the beach. Scoring a table (especially as a solo traveler), is pretty much impossible during the summer. People camp out here for hours at a time. But, it’s really not a big deal if you don’t get a coveted table, because it’s just plastic patio furniture. Honestly, you aren’t missing out on anything terribly comfortable.
Don’t get too fancy here, grab a radler and perch yourself along part of the town walls. Marvel at the bastions as you watch the sun setting in the distance. With children playing in the surf and the beach as your backdrop, it’s almost too perfect.
1. Get modern at Quilla in Cadiz.
This space is actually pretty contemporary in comparison to its neighbors, similar to something you’d find in Barcelona. Super cute in a unique shaped building with beachy, hard wood floors, Quilla is a departure from most of the bars in Cadiz.
One of the few places embracing the modern mixology trend, this is a bright spot in the city with a crisp white and cool aqua color palette. Influenced by a book fueled vibe, there is a charming spot in the back affectionately referred to as BiblioteQuilla, a riff on the word library (bibliotheca). So, it’s not hard to imagine students from the local university spending time here. Ideal for hanging out on the promenade while having a few rounds of Cava, views for days make Quilla one of the must visit casual bars in Cadiz.
Cadiz has so much to appreciate, from sights to food. If would like to spend more time there, there are ways to make this happen – check out this guide to the Spain Retirement Visa. For a full guide to Sevilla, check out this post from Brown Eyed Flower Child!
Great post, will come in handy when we can travel again! Thanks for sharing Jamie 😀
Oh you must go here when travel resumes. Hopefully sooner rather than later!
These places look just divine!
Divine is the best way to describe!
All of these places looks so tempting to visit.
Thanks, I can’t recommend them enough!
This was so well written and helpful!
Thank you, I really appreciate it!
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