Clutching to the tip of the peninsular, the old town of Cadiz in Andalucía, is a quaint, ancient centre brimming with delicious succulent seafood and is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement. Visitors are lured by the town’s tidy plazas and snug cobble streets, not to mention the handful of churches and sights that won’t break the bank.
The Andalusian beaches that crash around the townships perimeter, lure travellers to its icy Atlantic waters in the stifling summers, but there is one event in the height of winter that only the locals seem to know about. Cadiz City Carnival. An imitation of Venice’s famed Carnival, Cadiz turns into one big party for the month of February – a light hearted and unique fiesta that has the whole city involved.
As soon as the winter sunlight begins to dim, music vibrates and pulses on every corner as revellers add final touches on their ‘tipos’ (fancy dress costumes). The heart, soul and creativity of everyone involved results in a dazzling livelihood of amusing and satirical and obligatory costumes. Cadiz Carnival is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the city and most fun-filled and entertaining of all Spanish carnivals.
It was my turn to get into the spirit of things and do as the locals do. I had found my dream costume only days before whilst exploring the picturesque town on Rhonda. I wanted something that would be warm and protect me against the harsh winter elements and there it was. A fat stripper costume. It was a fat suit with bulging arms and legs. With more tyres than the Michelin Man and an overhanging gut with saggy boobs complete with a gstring and see through negligée. It was hilarious. When I saw it, I knew it was perfect.
I started getting ready at 2pm. I had to allow plenty of time for all the makeup which of course was to be heavy and trashy. My blonde wig was securely on and my fat stripper costume was already doing its job of keeping me toasty warm against the sharp Atlantic winds fiercely whipping the coast. As we neared the fiesta, there were floats and drag queens galore. Everyone was dressed up and colourful and the atmosphere was electric.
Glittering bright lights and thousands of people all in festive mood were screaming, cheering, dancing and singing and just on a natural high. Breathing space in the huddled streets was non-existent. It was crushing. Rows of floating lanterns zigzagged across the streets as Venetian masks swung from trees and small homemade floats squeezed through the tight streets.
At every turn there was dancing, singing, clapping to the beat of bongo drums. The fun everyone seemed to be experiencing was abetted by huge quantities of alcohol. There were bars with patrons overflowing out on to the streets. This was a true Spanish fiesta. It was pouring with rain but no spirits were dampened, just a lot of soggy costumes and ruined make up. The locals treated you like they’d known for years. Everyone wants photos of you and with you.
There were bands thumping, matadors pretending to have bull fights with shopping trolleys, people somehow sliding through the crowds on skis! There were Supermans, Spidermans, Batmans, Where’s Wally, Mexicans, Sponge Bob, Duffman, Cross Dressers, Transvestites, people dressed as Death, nuns, flamenco dancers, matadors, adult sized babies in oversized nappies with dummies, doctors carrying a fake body on a stretcher, Vikings, people dressed as street signs, msn messenger icons, people who painted themselves to be Jamaicans, Shrek and Fiona, oriental costumes, policeman, fireman, bees, lady beetles, giraffes, tigers, Elvis, cowboys-girls, the list just goes on and on it was just unbelievable!
The plaza leading to the main cathedral oozed with bopping party goers. Sprawled all over the steps and in the vast square, would have to have been a good couple of thousand people. It was so spectacular – it was crazy! People crafted their own music and entertainment and were just having the time of their lives! Smurfs, seven dwarfs, Cinderella’s, priests, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, crash test dummies.
Exploring the buzzing streets, we shadowed the Spaniards and joined in the action attaching ourselves to human trains and conga lines through the crooked streets, dancing, clapping and singing. A spacious park opened before us on the waterfront surrounded by cars with their music pumping. The Spaniards were all having a bit of a boogie and creating their own random dance parties. There were even more people here than at the first square!
People were in trees, climbing on statues, running around and just loving life. We walked along the old wall in search of beachside action despite the pouring rain and the freezing temperatures. It seemed like nothing was too much for this nation of party goers. Bonfires dotted the wet sandy shore with silhouetted bodies bumping and grinding along to uber cool flamenco tunes while fellow gatherers cheered and clapped on. Those who were becoming weary created make-shift shelters by overturning boats and seeking solace under jetties.
4 am – the streets were still electric with action. Come 7am, it was like a cease fire. A few people were stumbling around, but the majority just vanished. I don’t know where to, but everyone was just gone. It was suddenly like an eerie ghost town. The narrow streets were deserted but overflowing with garbage. Broken glass crackled beneath your feet and the odour of sewage assaulted your senses. Small street sweepers whirred into life as fire hydrants were used to wash down the alleys and monuments, the heavy rain still relentlessly slapping the cobblestones. It was like a vivid dream. Suddenly over. Did we really just experience one of the most amazing Carnivals in all of Spain or did we just wake up? The glamour, zest and zazzle of such a fiery fiesta is one to be experienced to be believed.
Looking for more Festivals? Download the Crooked Compass Travel App for further inspiration.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Back to Our Blog
