Pint-sized Spanish island with stunning sunsets – where the Romans believed Hercules was buried
THERE’S an island in Spain that’s home to plenty of winter sun and stunning sunsets.
Finding peaceful places away from other tourists can be a challenge, but Sancti-Petri Island off the coast of Cadiz could be the perfect haven to find some winter sun.
The tiny island is home to a castle that was built in the 17th Century.
While the island is now part of Spain, it was first occupied by the Phoenicians who built a temple to the god Melqart.
The structure was later replaced by a temple to Hercules, which was built by the Romans.
Hercules is said to be the mythical founder of Cádiz – a port city on the Spanish mainland.
The Romans believed that Hercules was buried on Sancti-Petri Island, hence the temple.
However, the island became strategically significant, so the castle was built on top of the Roman temple.
The castle was decommissioned by the military in 1918 and a small lighthouse was added.
Parts of the castle are now open to members of the public who can book themselves onto a guided tour.
Theatrical performances and historical reenactments, like cannon shooting, also take place on the island, while there is an on-site bar too.
Holidaymakers can reach the island on a ferry from Sancti Petri Marina, or take a kayak out to the island.
And the island is also praised for its stunning sunsets, which holidaymakers can watch from the castle.
While there aren’t any beaches on the island, there are other options on the mainland, including Playa de Sancti Petri.
Playa de Sancti Petri is a long, sandy, beach located in Chiclana de la Frontera in Andalucia.
Brit tourists who want to explore other parts of the region should base themselves in Cadiz.
Earlier this year, the little-known destination was named one of the cheapest city breaks in the world.
Research from Bounce, a luggage storage company, named Cadiz as the cheapest city break in Spain.
Sun Travel visited Cadiz earlier this year.
Cadiz Cathedral is a popular attraction which dominates the local skyline thanks to its glistening golden dome, which was made so incoming vessels could spot the port city in the daylight.
While entry tickets into the cathedral cost €9, there are plenty of free things to do, including el Callejon del Duende, the narrowest street in Cadiz, and the Roman Amphitheatre.
Avoid the hordes of day-trippers coming in from Seville, and head to the free attractions when they first open.
Other attractions in the city include a visit to La Caleta, one of the local beaches, and a stroll around Mercado Central – an outdoor marketplace.
There are lots of places to explore beyond Cadiz, including the neighbouring towns of Vejer de la Frontera and Conil de la Frontera.
One British expat, who lives in Cadiz, has revealed the three big mistakes tourists make while they’re on holiday.
And, another travel expert, who visits Spain eight times a year, has shared the big mistakes tourists make that can cost holidaymakers money.