Jerez de la Frontera

Why visit Jerez de la Frontera

Jerez is the capital of the sherry triangle, surrounded by chalky albariza vineyards whose Palomino grapes become fino, amontillado and oloroso in the town's vast bodegas. It is also a city of horses and of flamenco, with the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and old gypsy quarters where the art still lives in the street. Its centre of palaces, churches and cathedral is larger and grander than many visitors expect. Jerez suits wine lovers, culture seekers and anyone wanting a lively provincial city with countryside close at hand.

What to see and do in Jerez de la Frontera

Tour at least one bodega: Bodegas Tío Pepe of González Byass, Lustau, Fundador and the art-filled Bodegas Tradición all offer visits with tastings. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art stages its show of dancing Andalusian horses several days a week. The Alcázar, a Moorish fortress, keeps a mosque, Arab baths and a camera obscura, and Jerez Cathedral stands close by. The Santiago and San Miguel quarters are the heart of flamenco, and the Festival de Jerez in late winter draws performers from around the world. Motor-racing fans can visit the Circuito de Jerez museum, and families the Zoobotánico. Golfers have Montecastillo and Sherry Golf. Cádiz and El Puerto de Santa María are within 30 minutes.

A day in Jerez de la Frontera

Start with a morning bodega tour and tasting, then visit the Alcázar and the Cathedral. After lunch, catch the dancing-horse show at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. In the evening, explore the tabancos of the old town, where flamenco often breaks out on weekends.

Food and local life

Jerez's tabancos, old sherry taverns, serve wine from the barrel with simple tapas; Tabanco El Pasaje and Tabanco San Pablo are classics, and some host flamenco. Try riñones al jerez, oxtail, berza jerezana stew and anything cooked with sherry. The Mercado Central de Abastos is good for a morning wander.

Around Jerez de la Frontera

Jerez is the main town of the Campiña de Jerez comarca. San José del Valle gives access to cork-oak woods, the white villages of the Sierra de Cádiz begin at Arcos, 30 minutes away, and El Puerto de Santa María, Sanlúcar and Cádiz complete the sherry and coast circuit.

See every town and village on the Campiña de Jerez page.

Getting there and around

Jerez has its own airport about 10 km north of the city, with trains to the centre, Cádiz and Seville (about 1 hour). The centre is walkable. The Feria del Caballo in May and the motorcycle Grand Prix bring crowds; spring and autumn are ideal. Guided day trips from Seville combine Jerez with Cádiz and the horse show.