17/12/2025
5 things you probably don’t know about Cádiz
(and if you do, you might not know all of them)
Are you thinking of a trip to Cádiz? Great choice! The “Tacita de Plata” offers a wide variety of corners, curiosities, and activities for you to make the most of your getaway: sun, beach, tapas, culture, and plenty of history!
Did you know that Cádiz is considered one of the oldest cities in the West?Its streets are marked by a Phoenician, Roman, and colonial heritage that can be felt in every corner of its historic centre.
At BYPILLOW, we believe that the magic of a trip lies in the details:in those stories that don’t always make it into the official guides, but that add a unique touch to each place. That’s why today we’ve prepared this guide on the 5 things you probably don’t know about Cádiz… and if you do, well, maybe you don’t know them all!
The "hospital" for ships: The Arsenal of La Carraca
Have you ever heard of a “hospital” for ships? Well, here’s one! Cádiz is home to one of the most important naval “repair” and maintenance centres in Europe. The Arsenal of La Carraca in San Fernando, just a short distance from the heart of Cádiz, has been a key part of Spanish military logistics since the 18th century.
This shipyard has been repairing and building ships for the Spanish Navy since the Enlightenment.. It was the first facility of its kind designed with a modern concept of industrial efficiency.
Delving into its history helps you understand how, for centuries, Cádiz was the world’s shipyard, keeping alive the vessels that crossed the Atlantic and protected our shores.
The "sea wall" of Paseo Fernando Quiñones
A walk towards the Castillo de San Sebastián is a must for any visitor. However, Paseo Fernando Quiñones is much more than just an Instagrammable spot: it’s a true sea wall designed to absorb the energy of the ocean.
This promenade serves a vital defensive function: it protects the old town from the elements and potential flooding during the Levante and Poniente storms.
As you walk along it, you are walking on an infrastructure that has allowed the city to fight against coastal erosion and stand tall, face to face, with the vastness of the Atlantic.
Cádiz: The last bastion against the Napoleonic Empire
We often forget that there was a time when national sovereignty was at risk due to the attack of our neighbours, the French. During the Napoleonic invasion, while the rest of the peninsula fell under French control, Cádiz resisted a major siege between 1810 and 1812.
Thanks to its strategic geography and strong walls, the city was never conquered. This made Cádiz the seat of the Cortes and the birthplace of the 1812 Constitution, “La Pepa.”
For Napoleon, Cádiz was the thorn in his side that proved his empire was not invincible. But for the Spanish, it was the last refuge of freedom and modernity.
The geological mystery of La Caleta
When comparing the beaches of Cádiz, you’ll notice something peculiar when you arrive at the iconic Playa de La Caleta. While Playa de la Victoria or Cortadura feature that golden, expansive sand typical of the Atlantic coast of Cádiz, La Caleta’s sand is darker and finer-grained.
This difference is no accident. It’s due to its location in the old town, flanked by reefs and castles. This positioning allows specific sediments and minerals from the bay to accumulate, creating a distinct geological microecosystem compared to the rest of the city.
It is, literally, a beach with its own composition, shaped by centuries of history between its stone walls.
Recycled cannons: The guardians of the corners
One of the most distinctive features of Cádiz is the use of old cannons as bollards. As you walk through the narrow streets of the city centre, you’ll come across these artillery pieces placed on the ground at the corners of buildings.
This practice dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and stemmed from a practical need: to protect the facades from the damage caused by carriage wheels turning in such narrow streets. Instead of discarding them, the city decided to repurpose obsolete cannons to safeguard its houses.
Today, these iron cannons remind us of the city’s military past and how Cádiz has integrated its history into everyday life.
To fully immerse yourself in these stories and experience the essence of the “Tacita de Plata,” there’s no better way than to visit this fantastic city. At BYPILLOW, we offer hotels in the centre of Cádiz that are perfectly designed for travellers seeking comfort, style, and, above all, proximity to the heart of the city.
Our hotels in Cádiz tand out for their modern, functional design and strategic location, allowing you to explore everything on foot – from the cannon-bollards of the old town to the magical sunsets of La Caleta. You can choose between BYPILLOW La Sal or BYPILLOW Casa Gades.
Ready to discover the city that doesn’t appear on the maps? Book your boutique hotel in Cádiz now with BYPILLOW and experience the city like a true insider.