Why choose Cadiz?
Cadiz is often overshadowed by the glitzier and more developed parts of the nearby Costa del Sol. But many would argue it actually represents the real Spain, with its sherry, flamenco, carnivals and frontier hill-top villages.
It’s the oldest wine region in Spain, but actually the most ancient city in Western Europe, it had a trading role during Spain's colonial heyday. Christopher Columbus most famously set off from Cadiz to discover the New World. Aside from the famous port and university city, there's a string of attractive 'frontier towns' behind a coastline packed full of Blue Flag beaches famed for their surfing.
There are wild stretches of golden sand in Cadiz province – which stretches nearly to Manilva on the western Costa del Sol - such as Zahara de los Atunes and the 100ft-high dune Bolonia at Tarifa, the famous surfing hangout. The area is very popular with the Spanish but only 4 per cent of its population is foreign expats so it’s very different from nearby Gibraltar and the area towards Marbella. (Gibraltar sits off Cadiz province and the airport is useful for those living there, along with Jerez airport, 19 miles from Cadiz), or even Seville for the very northern parts.
Most people buy within reach of the coast. Cádiz and its neighbouring province of Huelva are often referred to as the Costa de la Luz – “Coast of Light” because of the crystal clarity of the blue skies in the region. Famed for white sandy beaches along a relatively unspoilt Atlantic coastline, the Costa has managed to avoid the built-up resort infrastructure and busy excesses of some of Spain’s other Costas.
The countryside around the town of Jerez de la Frontera is beautiful, with typically Andalucían white villages scattered among its palm tree-lined horizon – there frontier towns including Chiclana de la Frontera, Palos de la Frontera and Arcos de la Frontera have proved popular with British buyers seeking Moorish townhouses. They can make great little boutique hotels too. Medina Sidonia is another one of this ilk.
This area also contains Sotogrande, the largest privately owned residential development in Andalusia, Spain. With world-class golf, polo club, marina and popular international school, it has long attracted affluent international buyers and relocating families.
What can you buy?
You can find a two-bedroom apartment in a traditional building of Cadiz city for around €140,000 – you can find studios from around €60,000. Jerez is also a lovely city with great-value apartments, but it gets overlooked in favour of Seville. You can find one/two-bedroom apartments from €75,000.
You might also find an apartment in one of the frontier towns for €100,000, or a three-bed townhouse for €150,000. The pricing can be confusing. Take Medina Sidonia, the fashionable ‘white village’ commands a premium compared to other examples – but one the one hand you can find a nicely renovated apartment for €180,000; but for €300,000 you can find an equally nicely renovated townhouse with four bedrooms.
The coastline between Tarifa and Sanlucár de Barrameda is particularly breathtaking, and in the latter you can find a two-bedroom home for €130,000; you can also spend more to find one within reach of stunning Playa de Bolonia for €300,000. You can also find luxury villas or fincas from around €750,000 or €1 million. Zahara de los Atunes is one of the most expensive towns in Cadiz Province, Spain, along with Vejer de la Frontera and Sotogrande.
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