Cadiz and the Levanter
28 May 2014
Andrew
After leaving the Guadiana we sailed to Huelva and anchored off the Marina at Mazagon for a couple of pleasant nights. We then enjoyed a pleasant sail to Rota Marina near Cadiz, just in time, as a couple of hours after we arrived the Levanter started blowing. It literally blew nonstop day and night for a week, between 15 and 35 kts. By the end of the week the boat was thick with black sand. Hello Mediterranean winds!
Rota was however a great place to be stuck. A modern Marina in the centre of a beautiful historic town adjacent to a large American naval base. The American influence is very noticeable, but apparently much reduced in recent years; the impact on the local economy quite evident.
A ferry to Cadiz normally left from our Marina but due to the Levanter it was cancelled all week. Instead we got the bus to Cadiz. Possibly the nicest Spanish city we have visited so far - which is saying a great deal!
A fortified city for centuries, the historical attractions are numerous. It also has however beaches and gardens around the narrow streets and lanes. These are ideal for the hundreds of scooters, which are not only essential transport, but a fashion statement for many of the youngsters.
Cadiz has a busy, pleasant atmosphere, clean and cared for and yet still a major port. We really appreciate that like most of Spain you can still afford to eat very well in the busy tourist centres, while of course, watching the world go by. The excellent three course "menu del dia" we enjoyed complete with wine for 12 euro each!