T-Cádiz-
23/3/10
17:00
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CÁDIZ CAPITAL OF THE GOLDEN AGE Cádiz is the most southerly of Andalucía’s eight provinces and its capital is the oldest city in the western world. According to Greek legends, the city was founded by Hercules, though in actual fact it was the Phoenicians who named it Gadir in 1100 BC. For a time during Spain’s Golden Age following the discovery of America Cádiz was Spain’s prime entry port for ships sailing to and from the New World. At one time Cádiz was the capital of Spain.You can still see the buildings of the merchants, the 18th century cathedral, the old quarter, the San Felipe Neri which housed the Spanish parliament when it approved the 1812 Constitution and the Santa Cueva Chapel with its paintings by Goya. As might be expected in a place with such a strong maritime tradition, fish is favourite in the restaurants of Cádiz. The whole province has a seafaring flavour, for it fronts on both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Close to Doñana National Park is the newly opened Sanlúcar Club de Campo. Just near the city of Cádiz is Puerto de Santa María, where Columbus’s ship the Santa María was fitted out before her Voyage of Discovery to the New World. Puerto de Santa María also offers a casino, waterpark and nine-hole golf course at Vistahermosa. To the south on the coast, at Vejer-Barbate, is the Dehesa Montenmedio golf complex Another coastal municipality in the province is Tarifa, the most southerly town in continental Europe and a favourite among windsurfers because of its strong winds. There are old walls around the town and a Moorish castle, though most visitors are drawn to the wide sandy beaches. Chiclana, too, has beautiful beaches and is also notable for its extensive salt flats. Just off the coast is the island of Sancti Petri with its 13th century castle. Excellent accommodation, windsurfing and golf are to be found here, notably at the Ballesteros-designed course at Novo Sancti Petri, as well as Golf Gran Meliá Sancti Petri and Lomas de Sancti Petri. The El Campano course is nearby and it’s only a 30-minute drive to Costa Ballena, designed by Olazábal. Inland lies Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its sherry and Andalucían horses. It is also home to the Montecastillo golf resort
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GOLF IN ANDALUCIA - 2010