Cádiz is definitely at the top of my list when I think of a summer beach vacation, however, I must say, it is pretty far from Madrid and is not the easiest place to get to if you don´t have a car. To me, this makes it extra special because even when there are people, it is never city-beach packed, and it has a very authentic local feel to it, something that can be partially be attributed to the mostly national tourism it attracts.
One thing to keep in mind is that Cadiz can get very windy due to its geographic location, something that can make beachgoing difficult and borderline uncomfortable. If the wind does pick up, there are plenty of beautiful towns to visit and hikes to take!
Where to Stay- Both times in Cadiz, I have stayed at Hotel Atlántico in Zahara de los Atunes and was very pleased- calm, clean, and perfect to escape the hustle-bustle. Keep in mind that it not that close to the center, but there are parking options in the center/taxis along the way
What to Do
Beaches
Playa de Bolonia, be sure to climb up to the top of the sand dunes- it is a hike but the view is worth it and eat at Restaurante Otero Bolonia and
Playa del Palmar, eat at Restaurante la Torre
Playa del Cabo de la Plata (Zahara de los Atunes Beach)
Something that makes Cadiz unique is that many of its beaches face West, making the sunsets out of this world. Be sure to watch the sun go down with a mojito in hand at La Luna
Hiking-Check out Pinar de la Breña for many different trail options.
Towns
Places that I havent been but have heard great things are- Chiclana de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María (old town), Sanlúcar de Barrameda)
What to Eat- Tuna- Cadiz, hence the atunes in Zahara de Los Atunes, is famous for their tuna, and that is pretty much all I ate when I was there. Our two favorite restaurants in Zahara de Los Atunes are
La Botica– by far the best tuna tartar I have ever tasted, ever
Zoko Zahara – the plato de degustación de atun (pictured below) was out of this world
Unseen Spain 
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