> > by Carol West
Wandering the narrow cobbled laneways of Cadiz, the sea is never far away. Europe's oldest city set on a peninsula on the west coast of Spain, its vibrant Andalucian soul is wrapped in a history and a vitality that makes romantic moments an inevitability. Cadiz is a pastiche of white walls and sun-faded terracotta roofs interspersed with squares, many with beautiful gardens and cooling fountains to softly break the medieval streetscape. Merchants once monitored the arrival of treasures from a New World from 126 watch towers that perch on top of the old city's Spanish-Moorish architecture. Washed by the Atlantic Ocean, its broad beach is a haven for early morning joggers who then fill the cafes of Spain's 'smiling city' to breakfast on toasted rolls drenched with olive oil, Iberico ham and tomatoes.
By mid - morning, the caramel sand is dotted with beach umbrellas and brown bodies plunging into sunlit waves. At sunset, couples of all ages stroll hand-in-hand along the city walls overlooking La Caleta beach where gaily painted fishing boats moor for the night. The pace is unhurried and Cadiz's tempting tapas bars don't get serious until after 10pm. Standing alongside locals at the bar at Meson Cumbres Mayores on Calle Zorrilla, 4, the Andalucian tapas deliver a real taste of southern Spain. Don't: attempt to drive into the maze of narrow streets in Cadiz old town at night: you might never be seen again!!