Few places can boast such a strong cultural heritage as Jerez de la Frontera, a city in the province of Cádiz with a historic quarter that has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site.
What makes Jerez de la Frontera special can be encapsulated in three things: horses, flamenco and wines. These three basic pillars make this town one of the most visited and recognisable cultural sites in Spain - or even the world.
You can reach the city by car or by train. The train station is connected to the city by a regular bus service.
The city and its surrounding municipal area is the largest region in the province of Cadíz, with an area of over 1,180 square kilometres. It’s also the most populated part of the province, with more than 200,000 inhabitants.
What to see and do in Jerez de la Frontera
There are many tourist attractions in the city, mainly found in the old town, where you can see the essence of Andalucian culture on display, and the Ensanche, which is the more modern part of the city.
One of the historic emblems of Jerez de la Frontera is the cathedral, an imposing monument that is worth visiting both during the day and at night. If you’re here for just one day, it should be at the top of your must-see list.
The cathedral is not the only religious landmark, as there are several churches, including those of San Miguel, San Mateo and Santiago (a Historic-Artistic Monument in its own right), around the city. You can’t leave without visiting the Carthusian monastery of Santa María de la Defensión, one of the most important sites of its kind in the province.
On a stroll through the town centre you will find numerous stately homes and several palaces as well as interesting museums such as the Andalusian Flamenco Museum and the Archaeological Museum. The Old Town Hall is in Renaissance style, as is the Botanical Garden.
The surroundings of Jerez de la Frontera can't be understood without getting to know the wineries that are scattered throughout the landscape. Wine is of paramount importance here, a foundational principle of the gastronomy of the region and a sign of identity for the inhabitants. Most famous are the sherries. We recommend a tasting tour to a vineyard, which will introduce you to some wonderful traditional architecture as well as world-leading wines.
Another of the day trips on offer, especially if you come here in May and you want to get fully involved in the life of the region, is the Horse Fair. This annual event is so important that it has been declared of International Tourist Interest.
After so much excitement, do you fancy a refreshing swim? The beach of El Puerto de Santa María is nearby, where you can relax and enjoy the waves.
Looking for accommodation? There’s no need to worry because in Jerez and the surrounding area there are ideal holiday cottages for visitors of all kinds, whether you want to enjoy the city centre or if you prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle. There are country houses with swimming pools for the summer and even farmhouses that could be the best place to stay during your trip to Cadiz.
