Torre Tavira, Cadiz: Address, Phone Number, Torre Tavira Reviews: 4.5/5
Torre Tavira
Torre Tavira
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers
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Watch tower from the eighteenth century, situated in the down town and the highest point of the city, turned today into a focal point of cultural interest. The tower has two exhibition halls, the Camera Obscura and the terrace from which you can enjoy wonderful views of CádizIts Cámara Obscura was the first one installed in Spain.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,582 reviews
Excellent
1,456
Very good
877
Average
193
Poor
32
Terrible
25
BigAde
London, UK246 contributions
Jul 2021
It's always a regular visit when we have family/friends from overseas.
The whole experience is a great way to spend an hour or so.
Start by dropping in or calling to find the times for the English speaking tour, then reserve the number of spots you'll need.
Arrive 30 mins or more before the tour start time, collect/pay for your tickets , then head up to the top to view the city, take your pics.
Then at the tour time you go into a darkened room for 20 mins with a guide and the camera obscura (shuffle your little ones to the front/use the wooden steps to get a great view.
Following that you can head back up for a final viewing and/or check out the historical facts/figures in the room below before descending and finishing your visit.
It's always a good visit and the camera obscura is fun.
the only other equally high vantage point is from the Cathedral tower
The whole experience is a great way to spend an hour or so.
Start by dropping in or calling to find the times for the English speaking tour, then reserve the number of spots you'll need.
Arrive 30 mins or more before the tour start time, collect/pay for your tickets , then head up to the top to view the city, take your pics.
Then at the tour time you go into a darkened room for 20 mins with a guide and the camera obscura (shuffle your little ones to the front/use the wooden steps to get a great view.
Following that you can head back up for a final viewing and/or check out the historical facts/figures in the room below before descending and finishing your visit.
It's always a good visit and the camera obscura is fun.
the only other equally high vantage point is from the Cathedral tower
Written October 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hola BigAde!
MuchÃsimas gracias por tu completo comentario. Nos alegra mucho saber que nos has visitado en varias ocasiones y nos pone muy contentos ver que siempre cumplimos tus expectativas. ¡Seguiremos trabajando duro para no defraudarte en tu próxima visita!
Gracias por compartir tu experiencia con otros usuarios, ¡un saludo para toda la familia! ;)
Written November 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT1,569 contributions
Dec 2021
This tower is an absolute must-see experience in Cádiz. It's the tallest watchtower in a city known for its watchtowers, and it provides gorgeous views from the top. Climb to the top of the tower for a stunning 360-degree view of the city, going all the way to the water. Book a tour with a guide so you can get the full history of the tower and the region, and be sure to book in advance, as tours can fill up quickly. Be sure to prebook for the obscura tour as well.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario y por tu valoración dustythoughts! Gracias por compartir tu experiencia con otros usuarios y por tus recomendaciones. ¡Nos alegra mucho que disfrutases de tu experiencia!
Written July 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
156kevanp
Brockville, Canada9 contributions
Sep 2019 • Solo
Beautiful sunny Sunday and after the climb up the stairs the visit to the Torre Tavira was a great experience. I was well served by the watchtower staff on the previous day’s visit as they provided me with a time slot for the next day. This suited well as our cruise ship Nieuw Statendam was in port overnight. The fee was minimal as I recall and going to the terrace provided views all around the horizon. The guide who presented and operated the camera obscura was knowledgeable, pleasant and bilingual if not multilingual, and her presentation was well paced and not hurried, despite the obviously filled time slots. As a retired master mariner I was pleased that the watchtower and the camera obscura has received such care and attention. It maintains a very important historical connection to the maritime commerce and the people who benefited from it.
Make time to view the displays at the two museum rooms in the tower as well.
Note that the nature of the watchtower is that the stairs are steep and narrow with small landings.
Make time to view the displays at the two museum rooms in the tower as well.
Note that the nature of the watchtower is that the stairs are steep and narrow with small landings.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Buenos dÃas Kevanp,
Agradecemos mucho el tiempo que se ha tomado para escribir una reseña tan precisa y completa sobre Torre Tavira, además de valorarnos tan positivamente.
Nos complace saber que se sintió bien atendido en todo momento, ya que es nuestra mayor prioridad, y también de que tuvieran la oportunidad de volver al dÃa siguiente de su visita, pues como bien sabe a veces la gran afluencia de público hace que las sesiones en la cámara oscura se completen rápidamente.
Es un gusto para nosotras enseñar nuestra bonita ciudad a través de la cámara oscura, sobre todo cuando, como usted, las personas visitantes están disfrutando de lo que ven :-)
Reciba un cordial saludo.
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vernon A
Silver Spring, MD40 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
For the entrance fee you get a wonderful panoramic view of all of Cadiz. You can imagine the sighting of Columbus on his return, or of the treasure ships.
If you have time the demonstration of the camera obscura is interesting and worth the extra time.
If you have time the demonstration of the camera obscura is interesting and worth the extra time.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
¡Hola Vernona719!
¡Mil gracias por su bonita reseña sobre la Torre Tavira!
Es cierto que contemplando las vistas de la ciudad desde el mirador uno puede imaginarse muchÃsimos acontecimientos y retroceder tres siglos en el tiempo :-)
Nos hace muy feliz saber que disfrutó de su visita a nuestras instalaciones.
¡Reciba un cordial saludo!
Written March 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MLandiu
Cork, Ireland90 contributions
May 2021
At the moment in 2021 you need to BOOK IN ADVANCE on the website, because only 7 people may enter the camera obscura room at a time. Honestly, I can't imaging the tower with a free flow of tourists because the stairs are very small and unsuitable to two-way traffic. For me this visit was definitely worth my while. The tour guide who facilitated our camera obscura journey around Cádiz was wonderful and the front of house staff were so friendly as well. I would advise to call or email if you are unsure about what time to book if you cannot understand Spanish because at the moment the tour is given in Spanish.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hola MLandiu!
Muchas gracias por tomarte el tiempo en compartir tu experiencia en Torre Tavira y por entender las especiales circunstancias y medidas de seguridad vigentes en el momento que nos visitó. Significa mucho para nosotras las palabras que nos haces llegar, quiero trasladarte que tu amable comentario nos motiva a seguir trabajando en ofrecer lo mejor a cada visitante.
Saludos y hasta la próxima!
Written November 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
alanb
Lewes, UK472 contributions
Feb 2020
When we went the camera obscura was off the agenda due to the time however we made it up the stairs to the top where you are rewarded with views across the city.
The following day we climbed the cathedral tower which offered (in my opinion) better views of the city at a much reduced cost as it was included with the visit to the cathedral and the museum. If we had known before we probably wouldn't have climbed the tower unless we were going to see the camera obscura.
The following day we climbed the cathedral tower which offered (in my opinion) better views of the city at a much reduced cost as it was included with the visit to the cathedral and the museum. If we had known before we probably wouldn't have climbed the tower unless we were going to see the camera obscura.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
¡Hola Alan n Sarah!
Muchas gracias por haberse tomado el tiempo de compartir su experiencia en Torre Tavira con las personas usuarias de TripAdvisor.
Sentimos mucho que no tuvieran ocasión de ver la cámara oscura, ya que es la principal atracción con la que cuenta la torre, y lo que la hace especial como "mirador" de la ciudad. La última visita guiada siempre comienza media hora antes del cierre.
Esperamos que tengan oportunidad de verla en su próxima visita a Cádiz :-)
Saludos cordiales.
Written March 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
radio_hack
London, UK122 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Fab 360 degree view from the top of this historic watchtower with the added bonus of also seeing it via a camera obscura.
Booking is essential if you want the camera obscura experience. They do them in several different languages - probably best to book for your own language if you can but when we were there, the lady spoke very clearly and slowly and we understood pretty much everything even with our limited Spanish.
The stairs to the top are suspended and might not be for the nervous.
Other than that, this is an imaginative use of one of the iconic features of the Cadiz skyline and worth a visit.
Booking is essential if you want the camera obscura experience. They do them in several different languages - probably best to book for your own language if you can but when we were there, the lady spoke very clearly and slowly and we understood pretty much everything even with our limited Spanish.
The stairs to the top are suspended and might not be for the nervous.
Other than that, this is an imaginative use of one of the iconic features of the Cadiz skyline and worth a visit.
Written March 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
¡Gracias por tu comentario, por compartir tu experiencia con otros usuarios y por la excelente puntuación Radio_Jack!
Written April 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mike N
Gibraltar47 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
We were recommended to visit this tower and so pleased we visited. Normally we would be happy with walking and tapas bars. We spent €7 each on the guided tour of the tower and demonstration of the lens / mirror. Absolutely fascinating. It’s a must see. Need c 45 mins and you must book ahead so the tour is in the right language. One English language tour a day when we visited.
Written February 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hola Mike!
¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario y por compartir tu experiencia con otros usuarios! Nos alegra mucho que disfrutarais de vuestra experiencia y de que ésta cumpliese e incluso superase vuestras expectativas. Gracias por la recomendación a otros viajeros que esperamos que, como en vuestro caso, pasen de ser recomendados a recomendar la vista a nuestra Torre. :)
Written February 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
peterwV975TL
Malaga, Spain907 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I agree with the large number of previous TA reviews that this is well worth the €5.50 entrance fee for us OAPs.
Light and informative presentation by the guide, in English, during the late morning tour.
There is no lift and there are a lot of steps to the top of the tower.
Make sure you walk the very short distance from the tower to "Hospital de Mujeres"...pick up a map in the tower..... where for the princely sum of €2 you can see the El Greco painting of St Francis in the Capilla (Chapel) of the old hospital.
Light and informative presentation by the guide, in English, during the late morning tour.
There is no lift and there are a lot of steps to the top of the tower.
Make sure you walk the very short distance from the tower to "Hospital de Mujeres"...pick up a map in the tower..... where for the princely sum of €2 you can see the El Greco painting of St Francis in the Capilla (Chapel) of the old hospital.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
¡Hola Peter!
Muchas gracias por haber compartido una reseña tan informativa sobre Torre Tavira con la comunidad de TripAdvisor.
Nos alegra mucho saber que la visita a la torre mereció la pena para ustedes y que también disfrutaron de la sesión en la cámara oscura en su propio idioma.
La cuestión de las escaleras es un tema a tener en cuenta para personas con dificultades de movilidad, ya que son 173 escalones y desgraciadamente aún no contamos con ascensor. Aún asÃ. tenemos la confianza de que pronto conseguiremos las licencias para instalarlo por parte de las administraciones competentes.
Reciba un cordial saludo.
Written January 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EvalKnievel
Boston, MA103 contributions
Mar 2022
We loved our visit to Torre Tavira. We were there for mid-morning on a cloudy day and were still wowed by the views. Make sure you pay attention to the language of the guide for the camera obscura. We bought our tickets last minute and there weren't any English spots left yet. We were able to make out a good amount of what was said on the Spanish tour as the guide kindly spoke slowly. It's worth it even if you don't understand a word because the camera is amazing. If possible, go upstairs to the roof first to get the lay of the land, and then do the camera obscura. They let us go early as it wasn't busy, and that made the images the camera produced much more interesting to us.
Written March 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Muchas gracias por compartir tu experiencia y por tus consejos a otros usuarios Eva. Nos alegra mucho ver que disfrutaste de la visita y comentarios como el tuyo nos ayudan mucho a seguir trabajando y mejorando cada dÃa.
Written April 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aleksandra G
Oslo, Norway154 contributions
Hi, how much the entrance cost? Is it better to go there morning, evening or doesn't matter?
Torre Tavira
1 contribution
Hello Aleksandra,
Thank you for the interest on coming and visiting Tavira Tower :-)
There are different prices for the entrance, depending on what would you like to attend. Regular price, including the guided tour at the camera obscura is 7€. If you're student, disabled or over 65 years it would be 5,50€. The price without camera obscura is 5€, and includes the visit at the terrace and the exposition halls.
It doesn't matter when you come to see the tower, but the sunnier the day is, the clearer and brighter the image at the camera obscura will be (although cloudy days have also their special charm...)
Kind regards.
encarnacion r
5 contributions
Hola alguien me podrÃa decir donde se sacan las entradas, se pueden sacar en taquilla?
Torre Tavira
1 contribution
Hola kaxhti,
MuchÃsimas gracias por su interés en visitar Torre Tavira.
Las entradas se pueden adquirir en la misma recepción tras su llegada a la torre. Aún asÃ, siempre recomendamos hacer una reserva previa, ya que a pesar de ofrecer visitas guiadas cada 20 o 30 minutos ininterrumpidamente durante todo el dÃa, éstas tienen un aforo limitado y unos idiomas concretos, y puede que en el momento de su llegada no tenga la posibilidad de unirse a ninguna visita guiada inmediata.
Puede hacer una reserva previa llamándonos por teléfono al +34 956212910 o a través de nuestra página web: torretavira . com / reservas . De esta manera se asegurará contar con su plaza en la cámara oscura. Si elige reservar de manera online, su reserva será efectiva una vez reciba nuestro correo de confirmación :-)
¡Saludos!
Silvia G
10 contributions
Hola ¿tiene ascensor?
Torre Tavira
1 contribution
Hola,
Desafortunadamente aún no contamos con ascensor. Llevamos más de 10 años solicitando los permisos necesarios para instalarlo, pero las administraciones competentes nos lo deniegan. Después de presentar distintos estudios y proyectos arquitectónicos, seguimos sin obtener dichos permisos.
Lamentamos que la torre todavÃa no sea accesible para todos los públicos, pero no dejaremos de poner todos nuestros esfuerzos en conseguirlo.
Saludos.
Tyra
Gothenburg, Sweden1 contribution
Is it free to just go up in the tower, i mean without a tour?
Torre Tavira
1 contribution
Good morning Tyra,
There are different prices to climb up the tower, depending on what would you like to attend. Regular price, including the guided tour at the camera obscura is 7€. If you're student, disabled or over 65 years it would be 5,50€.
The price without camera obscura is 5€, and includes the visit at the terrace and the exposition halls.
Kind regards.
kis496
Belfast, UK
How often do the tours run and how long do they last? Is it necessary to book in advance? Could we walk to it from cruise ship port, and if so, how long would it take? Thanks
Torre Tavira
1 contribution
Good morning kis496,
Thanks for your interest in visiting us. The walk from the port to the tower takes about 10 minutes.
We offer tours at the camera obscura every 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the attendance of public. It is not necessary to book in advance, but it's advisable, as every tour has a different language and there's a limited number of tourists in each of them.
You can make a reservation through our website torretavira . com / reservas
The whole visit at the tower lasts about 40 minutes: 20 minutes to enjoy at the terrace and see the halls, and 20 more minutes approximately to attend the guided tour.
Regards.
60graeme
Scotland, UK6 contributions
What are the opening hours?
Torre Tavira
1 contribution
Good morning, 60graeme :-)
First we would like to thank you for your interest in visiting our tower.
These are our opening hours: October - April: 10:00 - 18:00 hrs. May - September: 10:00 - 20:00 hrs.
The last session in the Camera Obscura starts half an hour before closing time. We are open continuously all days during the year except the 25th of December and the 1st and 6th of January. You can find more information by visiting our web torretavira . com
Frequently Asked Questions about Torre Tavira
- We recommend booking Torre Tavira tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Torre Tavira tours on Tripadvisor
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