10 Things to Do in Cádiz in August

August is the hottest month of the summer in Cadiz and the beaches become the absolute protagonists, but it is also the time of festivals and events that fill the streets of the city with tourists.
10 Things to Do in Cádiz in August

More about: 10 Things to Do in Cádiz in August

Summer is the ideal season to discover Cádiz and its idyllic beaches, and August is perfect for this because it is the hottest month of the year in the city, but it is also the season for festivals, patron saint celebrations, and other events that set the pace for visitors.

Among the best things to see and do in Cádiz in August are the horse races on the beaches of Sanlúcar, the Ramón de Carranza Trophy soccer matches, the Fiesta de los Cañonazos (Cannon Fire Festival) , and the magical sunsets offered by the clear summer sky.

1. Watch the Sanlúcar Horse Races

Sanlúcar Races| ©Laura Suarez
Sanlúcar Races| ©Laura Suarez

The beaches of Sanlúcar de Barrameda are also known as the Sanlúcar Racetrack because, in addition to the crystal-clear waters and golden sands that adorn the coast, they are used as a track for the Sanlúcar Horse Races, a local tradition that takes place every year during the month of August.

This century-old event brings together the best Andalusian horses, which compete between the beaches of Bajo de Guía and Las Piletas, when the sun begins to set and on dates determined by the annual tide calendar. If you want to attend the races, you can buy a box seat or visit the beach, where the show is free.

At the end of the races, prizes are awarded to the winners and the winning horse is immortalized in a photograph that is displayed in the Town Hall. The Sanlúcar Horse Races are very important because they mark the formal start of summer on the coast of Jerez and are an unmissable summer tradition for all the people of Cadiz.

Details of interest

  • Price... The show is free from the beach, or you can buy boxes at an initial cost of approximately €120 per person.
  • When... In August each year, according to the tide calendar.
  • Where**...** On the beaches of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Book an Andalusian horse dance show

2. Attend the Tío Pepe Festival

González Byass Winery| ©Ewan Munro
González Byass Winery| ©Ewan Munro

The Tío Pepe Festival is one of the best wine tourism experiences in Cádiz and is held every year in August, combining music and gastronomy in an open space at a party organized by the González Byass Winery, one of the most traditional in Jerez de la Frontera.

This event offers an exclusive sensory experience that combines wine, culture, art, gastronomy, and leisure to attract all audiences, in a party that has become an emblem of summer in Cadiz. You can buy tickets that include access to the shows each night and wine tasting at one of the best wineries in Cadiz.

If you are planning to visit Cadiz in August, this option could be of interest to you. To make the most of your visit to Jerez, you can also explore the coast, Puerto de Santa María, and visit and taste wines at local family wineries.

Details of interest

  • Price... Tickets for the shows with wine tasting have an initial cost of approximately 38 euros.
  • When**...** Every August.
  • Where... Bodegas González Byass, Calle Manuel María González 12, Jerez de la Frontera.

Book a tapas tour in Jerez

3. Attend a Ramón de Carranza Trophy soccer match

Participating in the Ramón de Carranza Trophy| ©RFEBM Balonmano
Participating in the Ramón de Carranza Trophy| ©RFEBM Balonmano

Cádiz CF is one of the most traditional teams in the Spanish La Liga and every year it organizes the Ramón de Carranza Trophy at its stadium , a friendly competition in which guest clubs participate. This summer competition has been held since 1955 at the end of August and is a celebration for the city, as it attracts thousands of visitors to the coastal area.

Attending one of the Ramón de Carranza Trophy matches is one of the ideal activities to do in Cádiz in August if you are a soccer fan, especially because some of the leading European clubs are usually invited to each edition, giving you the chance to see some of the sport's biggest stars up close .

The Ramón de Carranza Trophy is also an activity for the whole family, making it ideal if you are planning to visit Cádiz with children. What's more, you can be part of a historic event that has been held continuously for more than 60 years.

Useful information

  • Price... Tickets for the matches have an initial cost of approximately €50 for adults and €19 for children up to 12 years old.
  • When... At the end of August each year.
  • Where... Nuevo Mirandilla Stadium, Plaza de Madrid s/n, Cádiz.

4. Contemplate the Cadiz sunsets in the clear August skies

Sunset in the Bay of Cádiz| ©Javier Linares
Sunset in the Bay of Cádiz| ©Javier Linares

The Bay of Cádiz offers some of the best sunsets in the world, and during the summer, watching the sunset is one of the best activities you can do in the city. However, the best month to enjoy this spectacle is August, when the sky is completely clear, the days are longer, and the weather remains sunny until late in the afternoon.

You can experience the Cadiz sunset from the terraces of the beach bars on the Cadiz coast at La Caleta Beach or from tall buildings such as the Clock Tower of Cadiz Cathedral or the Tavira Tower.

In August, you can also witness a very unusual phenomenon in which, during sunset, a green flash produced by shiny objects on the horizon appears in the west, although it does not occur every year. Other places from which you can watch the sunset are the beaches of Tarifa and Puerto de Santa María.

Book a boat trip in Cádiz

5. Take part in the Fiesta de los Cañonazos in the Puntales neighborhood

Amusement park| ©Pedro Lozano
Amusement park| ©Pedro Lozano

The Fiesta de los Cañonazos is a summer celebration held every year in the Puntales neighborhood to commemorate the resistance of the volunteers who defended the Castillo de San Lorenzo del Puntal outside the city walls from the Anglo-Dutch invasion of 1596. During the week of the celebration, activities are organized by a neighborhood association.

If you plan to visit Cadiz in August, you can attend the Fiesta de los Cañonazos, where you can tour the castle and participate in sports tournaments, theatrical performances, musical shows, and cultural activities in a comprehensive program that is free for all attendees.

The neighborhood also usually sets up an amusement park with a roller coaster, bumper cars, and food stands, and there are also tours with local guides who tell the story of the battle of the neighborhood. Puntales is located above La Cortadura and can be reached by public transportation or the Cádiz hop-on hop-off tourist buses

Details of interest

  • Price**...** Participation in the activities is free.
  • When**...** Every August.
  • Where**...** Puntales neighborhood, Cadiz.

Book a tour on the Cadiz tourist bus

6. Beat the heat on the beaches of Cádiz

La Calzada Beach| ©Turismo Cádiz
La Calzada Beach| ©Turismo Cádiz

Summer in Cádiz isn't complete without a visit to the city's beaches, which are some of the most beautiful in Spain. Thanks to Cádiz's mild climate , you can swim for several months of the year, but August is when Playa de la Caleta, in the area adjacent to the historic center, is at its best, with warm water and great food.

You can also visit the beaches of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where in August you can also attend the Sanlúcar Horse Races. At Playa de la Calzada on the coast of Jerez, you will find golden sand and crystal-clear waters, and nearby you can also visit Playa de las Piletas, which stands out for its natural rocks.

In Cádiz, you will also find summer resorts open in August in Conil de la Frontera, Barbate, Zahara de los Atunes, and Tarifa, where you can visit Bolonia Beach, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.

7. Take part in the Festival of Exaltation of the Guadalquivir River

Sanlúcar de Barrameda| ©Rafael De la Torre
Sanlúcar de Barrameda| ©Rafael De la Torre

The Festival of Exaltation of the Guadalquivir River is one of the most traditional in Andalusia and is celebrated every year in Sanlúcar de Barrameda to pay tribute to the river, coinciding with the Sanlúcar Horse Races, with which it shares the status of being one of the typical celebrations of Cadiz.

The festival began with floral offerings to the Guadalquivir River and soon added other activities. Currently, the same celebration includes parades through Sanlúcar, the Mantón Festival, and the Rociera Festival. It also includes literary evenings, music concerts, river regattas, and traditional food-making competitions. Participating in the festival is one of the best activities you can do if you plan to visit Cadiz in the summer

The Fiesta de Exaltación del Río Guadalquivir closes with fireworks on the coast, in a unique show that gets better every year and attracts the attention of all the people of Cadiz and visitors, who gather to watch the closing of the celebration.

Details of interest

  • Price**...** Participation in the activities is free.
  • When**...** Every August.
  • Where**...** Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cádiz.

8. Take part in the Patron Saint's Day celebrations of Nuestra Señora de La Palma

Ship of the Virgin of La Palma| ©kum111
Ship of the Virgin of La Palma| ©kum111

The festival of Our Lady of La Palma is one of the most striking patron saint festivals in Spain due to its rich history. Legend has it that an Italian ship carrying the image of the Virgin of La Palma docked in the port of Algeciras during a storm and was unable to leave until the religious statue was taken off the ship. Since then , she has been the patron saint of the city.

Every August 15, the statue of the Virgin of La Palma is rescued from the depths of Algeciras Bay, where it wanted to remain, in a tradition that brings thousands of people together at Rinconcillo Beach. During the patron saint festivities, the statue makes a pilgrimage through the city's churches and, once the festivities are over, returns to the sea until the following year.

The Patron Saint's Day of Nuestra Señora de La Palma is the most characteristic event in Algeciras and also one of the most famous celebrations in Andalusia. If you visit Cadiz in August, you can take part in the religious festivities, which also include local food markets, craft stalls, and a sea of people who take to the streets of the city to celebrate their patron saint.

9. Take a boat trip around the Bay of Cádiz

Boats in the Bay of Cádiz| ©campese
Boats in the Bay of Cádiz| ©campese

One of the best excursions in Cádiz is to take a boat trip around the bay, and if you plan to visit the city in August, you will be doing so in the ideal month for sea tours, as this is when the waves are calmest, the wind is light, and the weather is warm.

On a boat trip around the Bay of Cádiz, you can discover the city's skyline from the sea, and during the summer trips, you will have free time to take a dip at the stops and try some water sports such as paddle surfing. In August, with a calm tide, the waters of the bay are crystal clear, so you can also enjoy a snorkeling experience.

During the tour, you will see the Constitución and Carranza bridges and you will be able to take some of the best photographs of the city's architecture from the sea, allowing you to discover the beauty of Cádiz from the water. If you opt for the afternoon excursion, you will also be able to watch the sunset, which in August is clear and unobstructed.

Details of interest

  • Price: Approximately €40 per person.
  • Duration**...** Approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Book a boat trip in Cadiz

10. Visit the Bullfighting Fair in El Puerto de Santa María

Bullring| ©CdeHaan
Bullring| ©CdeHaan

If you are a fan of bullfighting, in August you will discover one of the most traditional fairs of this discipline in Cadiz. Every year, the Real Plaza de El Puerto de Santa María hosts bullfights, novilladas with picadors, and practical classes involving the most famous bullfighters in Spain.

The Bullfighting Fair also coincides with other events in the Sanlúcar de Barrameda area, so you can make the most of your visit by also attending the Sanlúcar Horse Races and the Fiesta de Exaltación del Río Guadalquivir. This is ideal if you are planning a short stay in the city because you can save time. If that's the case, here's a list of activities so you can discover Cadiz in 3 days

The Bullfighting Fair takes place during the first week of August, so you can attend the entire event or buy a ticket for a single day.

Details of interest

  • Price... A single-day ticket costs approximately €28.
  • When**...** During the first week of August each year.
  • Where**...** Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz.

Temperatures in Cádiz in August

Afternoon in Cádiz| ©Angel Sotomayor
Afternoon in Cádiz| ©Angel Sotomayor

Summer in Cádiz is hot but rarely stifling, with average temperatures of 24°C, highs of 30°C, and lows of 18°C. August is the hottest month of the year and is generally a dry season, with virtually no rain and temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C.

The summer temperature in Cadiz, however, will allow you to enjoy all your walking activities without any problems, although I recommend that you use sunscreen and sunglasses. The climate remains mild during the following months, although if you visit Cadiz in December you will find that temperatures drop dramatically.

Tourist influx in Cádiz in August

Streets of Cadiz| ©santiago lopez-pastor
Streets of Cadiz| ©santiago lopez-pastor

Summer is the high season and August is the busiest month in Cadiz, so you should bear in mind that the beaches and summer excursions will be very crowded.

If you want to secure your place on excursions and avoid last-minute price increases or sold-out spaces, you can book in advance online.

Prices in Cadiz in August

Money in euros| ©Ibrahim Boran
Money in euros| ©Ibrahim Boran

August is the busiest month of the summer, so prices, especially for accommodation, are the highest of the year. Keep in mind that there are excursions, such as bike tours, that are usually inexpensive all year round, but the high season in Cadiz is not cheap for vacations.

You can save some money by booking excursions in advance online to avoid last-minute price increases, although you will notice a substantial difference in costs, which will be higher than if you visit Cadiz during the winter.

What to pack for a visit to Cadiz in August?

Luggage| ©JamesDeMeyer
Luggage| ©JamesDeMeyer

August is one of the hottest months in Cadiz and most days are sunny, so I recommend that you include the following items in your suitcase:

  • Swimsuit
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Beach shoes
  • Lightweight coat
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Lightweight pants

Reviews from other travellers

4.6
· 4295 Reviews
  • Y
    Y. L.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The elegance of the show is impressive, but I found the price a little high.
  • L
    L. Q.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The experience of watching these magnificent horses in action is simply breathtaking; a spectacle that combines art, tradition and elegance.
  • P
    P. K.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved watching the horses dance, it was a unique experience. I had never seen a show like that, really impressive.
  • D
    D. T.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The horses dance amazing, I've never seen anything like it. It's worth every euro, really.
  • K
    K. K.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The visit was amazing, especially seeing the horses, but I think they could do better by giving more time to explore on your own.