The Most Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Jerez de la Frontera is home to some beautiful parks and green spaces. Spread out throughout the centre and outlying neighbourhoods, these are great places for an early evening stroll or a rest in the shade. Read on for the best parks and gardens in this gorgeous Andalusian city.
Alameda Vieja
Park
This lovely park separates the cathedral and the Tío Pepe bodegas from Jerez’s mighty Alcazar, making it a great spot for a break whilst sightseeing. Its elegant boulevards are lined with trees and benches and run parallel to the Moorish fortress’s defensive walls. The Alameda is particularly beautiful around sunset, with many locals coming here to enjoy an early evening stroll before heading for tapas.
Botanical Gardens
Botanical Garden, Zoo
For a great family day out, head to Jerez’s botanical gardens, sometimes also referred to as the El Tempul Park. Cultivated from the end of the 19th century, they are home to more than 1,000 species of trees, shrubs, plants and flowers. Particularly notable because of their sheer size are the Himalayan Cedars, whilst other trees, such as the Araar, are very rare in European gardens. There is a small but well-maintained zoo on the same site.
González Hontoria
Park
The Parque González Hontoria is a superbly-maintained area of palm trees and sandy boulevards on the outskirts of Jerez. Every May, it’s the setting for the enchanting Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair), which has a strong claim to be Andalusia’s best feria. But it’s well worth a visit at any time of year, offering as it does a couple of great cafés/restaurants with ample outside seating space and some gorgeous trees.
Picadueñas
Park
Located in the north-western corner of the city, Picadueñas offers plenty of space for ball games and picnics as well as a childrens’ playground and a canine training and activity area. Although it’s only a 15-minute walk from the heart of Jerez, tourists tend to stick to more central parks, meaning that you’ll be chilling with the locals here; indeed, it’s where Jerezanos from nearby neighbourhoods take their evening paseo (stroll).
La Plata
Park
Parque La Plata is a spacious area of greenery with a large, crystal-clear pond. It’s ideal for jogging and strolling and has a play area for dogs as well as an open-air gym for senior citizens. Given La Plata’s proximity to the prestigious Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, it’s also a good spot for a break on your way to or from the famous equine ballet – a must see show when in Jerez.
El Retiro
Park
Although it could do with a bit of TLC, El Retiro is still a lovely place for an early-evening stroll. Situated the other side of the train tracks from central Jerez, it’s very much a locals’ hangout; indeed, many Jerezanos who live in the surrounding barrios have been using the park for decades. It has all the amenities that you’d expect, including kids’ play areas, water fountains and outdoor exercise apparatuses.
Atalaya Gardens
Park
The Jardines de Atalaya can be found in between La Plata Park and the Royal Equestrian School. Surrounding the building that’s home to two of the city’s best museums, these are some of the most beautiful and romantic gardens in Jerez: wandering along their shaded boulevards, surrounded by the magnificent peacocks that roam free here, it’s easy to image you’ve been transported back in time at least a hundred years.