Should You Visit Santa Ana Cathedral?

The Cathedral of Santa Ana sits right in the heart of the old town. Expect a large, handsome 16th-century building with an ornate stone façade that looks impressive from the square. Inside it’s relatively plain but peaceful, with decent stained glass and a few side chapels worth a quick look. The real draw is climbing the bell tower for solid views over the rooftops and harbor. The whole visit takes 30–50 minutes unless you join a guided walking tour that bundles the cathedral with the surrounding historic quarter. It’s an easy stop if you’re already in the old town, but not a must-see that would justify a special trip from the beach resorts.

Best time is early morning (opens around 10) before tour groups arrive, or late afternoon when the light hits the façade nicely. Avoid midday in summer when it gets hot and crowded. Expect to pay around $8–18 total per person: simple entry is cheap, tower access adds a bit more, and a decent guided combo tour sits at the higher end. One honest tip: pay the small extra fee to climb the tower; the interior alone is nice but not memorable. Skip the overpriced cathedral café next door and grab a drink in the square instead.