Everyone who visits Cádiz falls in love with the sight of La Caleta. It is postcard perfect. And in that picture, dominating the horizon, a long stone jetty juts out into the ocean to a fortress: the San Sebastian Castle. Many are satisfied with the photo from the shore, but the real magic lies in walking the path. It is a place that is much more than a postcard, as we tell you in the guide of what to see in Cádiz in 2 days.

The walk to a legendary place

Getting to the castle is an experience in itself. You have to walk along the boardwalk that links it to the city, feeling the Atlantic wind on both sides. Classical tradition has it that the ancient Phoenician temple of Kronos was built on this very islet. .

Its most recent history was born out of an epidemic. In the 15th century, a Venetian ship suffering from the plague took refuge here. Grateful for the hospitality of Cádiz, they built a chapel dedicated to San Sebastián, which gave its name to the place.

From military fortress to James Bond scenario

The fortress you see today was built in 1706 to defend the entrance to La Caleta. Its other great protagonist is the lighthouse. Erected in 1908, it was one of the first in Spain to be built with cast iron and the first lighthouse in the world. second electric beacon in the country .

Moreover, this imposing setting did not go unnoticed by the cinema. Its spectacular silhouette served as a location for films such as «Alatriste» and, most notably, as a luxury clinic in Havana in «Die Another Day» from the James Bond saga .

Today, after being closed for some time, the castle has been reborn as a cultural space. It is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle and experience the history of Cádiz by the sea.

Castle of San Sebastián in Cádiz

Cádiz is full of these places that tell millenary stories. Exploring the city is a constant discovery. To make sure you don't miss gems such as the Castle of San Sebastián, it's best to take a guide premium to tell you what's important. Aumentur allows you to discover these places at your own pace, offering you the most relevant information in a concise and entertaining way, so that your visit is complete.