Cadiz sunset re-visited

After talking with our friend Harry in Olvera a few weeks ago, I mentioned that on our last "sunset" trip to Cadiz in mid July I was slightly disappointed that the setting sun was slightly obscured by the Castillo de San Sebastian. He suggested that perhaps it would be worth returning at the end of August/early September when the sun would return to a more westerly position directly over the sea and without obstruction. So it was that we returned to Cadiz last night.

 We arrived at about 7.45pm and parked in the underground car park near to the Cadiz football ground before crossing the main street heading for the "Playa de la Victoria" beach area.

The beach was packed with bathers enjoying the warm early evening temperatures.

We strolled for a while along the "Paseo Maritimo", the promenade along the seafront, sitting occasionally while also searching out a restaurant, amongst the many, for somewhere to eat later.

 Oh glee, jewellery stalls!!. 

  Sunset was just after 9pm so we found a good spot and sat, waiting to capture that romantic shot of a shimmering sun setting across a calm sea and then slowly disappearing in a red, fiery glow over the horizon.

  Unfortunately, it wasn't to be as low cloud cover obscured the horizon but never mind, we love Cadiz anyway so perhaps another time. 

 We had found what looked to be a good restaurant on the seafront where we went to enjoy a delicious meal. Steak for me and grilled tuna for Anne. Yummy.

 An illuminated view of the beach at about 10.30pm before heading home after a coffee stop in another bar.

Sunset in Cadiz

We are trying to get out of a habit that's developed over the last six years or so that has seen us make the majority of our visits out in the (sort of) early morning, returning to Olvera by mid afternoon. So yesterday evening, we left Olvera at 6pm and headed west to the beautiful and ancient city of Cadiz to watch the sunset.

Arriving at about 7.30pm, we parked easily in the new part of the city in one of the many underground car parks and then headed for the "Playa de la Victoria", a three km length of beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

Open top tour buses ran regularly.

After a short walk along the seafront, we decided to return one street back to the Cafetería Asdrúbal in the Plaza of the same name for something to eat.

And what a great choice. Sirloin steak for me and chicken cooked in garlic and wine for Anne. Absolutely delicious and with drinks just €26.

Seeing the sunset at Cadiz has been something I've wanted to do for a long time so after dinner we returned to the busy seafront to watch the sun dipping over the horizon.

And Calcetines came too of course.

Looking across to the Cathedral.

After a hard day at work, what's better than a relaxing walk along the seashore.

The setting sun over the "Castillo de San Sebastian". Beautiful.

We stayed until the sun had disappeared and then went for a coffee before heading home. Yes, we must definitely do more of these late afternoon/early evening trips in the future.

Ferry to Cadiz

A trip today in the company of Ginny to perhaps our most visited destination, Cadiz. However, this time we decided to take the more leisurely route using the ferry route that goes across the Bay of Cadiz from El Puerto de Santa Maria.  

We paid our 2,35€ each and settled down for a pleasant 25 minute crossing.

Out in the bay however, the sea did get a little choppy with quite a strong wind. Still good fun though.

After docking at the port, we headed into the old part of Cadiz. Here, the impressive facade of the Ayuntamiento, decorated because this year is the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Spanish Constitution in Cadiz.

The Cathedral.

The Plaza de las Flores.

I think the best location to view Cadiz is from the terrace at the top of the Torre Tavira. 5€ entry but well worth it for the panoramic views over the city.

 The old streets are so atmospheric.

 The Plaza San Antonio and below the Iglesia San Antonio that dominates one side of the Plaza.

  Cockatiels (I think) in the Plaza de la Mina.

This must be some kind of ritual......pairs of shoes and trainers thrown over a lamp in the plaza.

 History and old buildings abound in Cadiz but this facade was worth a picture.

  After a couple of hours or so, we returned to the port and took the ferry back to El Puerto.

 A wind surfer having fun in the Bay.

Arriving back at El Puerto de Santa Maria after a very pleasant trip.