With its vibrant culture, stunning beaches and impressive colonial architecture, it is not hard to see why Cuba has become a popular tourist destination. However, few holidaymakers realise that there is actually a perfect alternative right here in Europe, which saves the 10-hour flight and jet lag.
Dubbed "Little Havanna," this thriving city on Spain's southern coast boasts narrow streets and architecture that reflects the Cuban capital. Although much older than the Caribbean island, founded around 1,100 BC, the social, cultural, and architectural environment of this Andalusian city is comparable to that of Cuba. Plus, with water on three sides, the city almost looks like an island.
The seaside city of Cádiz is the capital of the province of the same name, located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, right next to the Atlantic.
The old town of Cadiz features narrow, winding streets and squares that resemble those found in Havana's historic centre. Its pastel-coloured buildings and wrought-iron balconies add to the charm. For those looking to really get into the Cuban vibe, Habana Cafe is the place to go, which, according to one visitor, boasts "The best Caipirinha you can find outside Brazil. Just go there, enjoy the Latin music."
In fact, Cádiz is so closely tied to Cuba that film directors have been known to choose the Spanish city as a set location to simulate Cuba. For example, a famous scene in the James Bond movie "Die Another Day" (2002) involving Halle Berry was filmed on Cadiz's La Caleta beach. Meanwhile, the entire 1979 movie, Cuba, featuring Sean Connery, was filmed in Cadiz.
The city boasts a continually warm climate, rarely dropping below 16C even in winter, and around 300 days of sunshine a year, reminiscent of that on a tropical island.
The 1,476ft sandy beach of La Caleta, lined with restaurants and bars, remains the city's most popular and is celebrated by both tourists and locals.
Cádiz's Old Town, which retains remnants of its city walls, is characterised by its various quarters ("barrios", including El Pópulo, La Viña, and Santa María, which present a marked contrast to the newer areas of town. The city is dotted with parks where exotic plants flourish, including giant trees supposedly brought from the New World.
Other key landmarks to hit when exploring the city include the Plaza de Mina in the centre of the old town, the San Antonion Church and the 17th-century watchtower, the Tavira Tower, which commands a panoramic view of the city.
Direct flights from Gatwick Airport to Jerez (XRY) are available for as little as £84 in early July with TUI one way. For even cheaper, you can also fly into Seville (SVQ) from Gatwick with Vueling for just £41 and then head to Cadiz for a day trip via a one-hour 24-minute train.
