From the very first moment I visited Cadiz, I have loved everything about it. The people of Cadiz are known as Gaditanos and they’re the party people of Spain. It’s the only city in Spain to hold a week-long satirical Carnival each February during which it is perfectly acceptable to wear fancy dress every day. They have a joyful spirit and love of life.

The most important things in life are family and food. It’s virtually impossible to eat badly in the true Gaditano restaurants.

Their main industry is fish, and the most popular dish is pescados fritos (mixed fried fish), fresh and delicious especially when paired with chilled dry Sherry. For centuries Cadiz was the main shipping port for all Sherry to the UK so Sherry remains really popular, especially when eating.

Ignacio is my Cadiz tapas guru, a born and bred Gaditano, he not only knows little tucked away places but also everyone you will meet there.

Down one narrow street you may find the best ensaladilla (tuna and potatoes with mayonnaise) which is just ridiculously spectacular when paired with a chilled Manzanilla (dry Sherry). On to another spot for phenomenal tortillitas de camarones (crispy prawn fritters).

Then sitting around old Sherry barrels in the sunshine of Cadiz, dipping bread in delicious chilled salmorejo (cold tomato soup), sometimes with the addition of mojama (air dried tuna) but more often with chopped jamon and eggs.

Fried fish of course is a must and for the meat eaters some spectacular riñones al Jerez (kidneys cooked in Sherry) paired with an Oloroso Sherry or a fruity glass of local red Entrechuelos.

A tapas tour in Cadiz is really like a city tour but with all the best food included. If you’re staying in Cadiz for a few days after this tour you will know what you want to eat – and where to find it – in a city that will by then seem surprisingly familiar.

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