The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Jerez de Frontera, though often passed over in favour of more famous Spanish destinations, is one of Andalusia’s most beautiful cities. Here’s our pick of the top ten things to do here, from touring the world’s best sherry bodegas to partying with the locals at the May Horse Fair.
Tio Pepe Bodegas
Winery
Arguably the most famous sherry in the world, Tio Pepe is part of the González Byass group that was founded in 1835 by local entrepreneur Manual González Angel. Angel’s uncle, known as Tio Pepe, gave this dry white sherry the name it bears to this day. Tours of the beautiful cellars (bodegas) run three times a day in English, Spanish and German.
Alcazar
Building
Situated directly opposite the Tio Pepe headquarters, the other side of the Alameda Vieja park, is Jerez’s mighty Alcazar. Dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, this was the Moors’ chief defence against Christian invaders, who finally took the city in 1264. Impressively conserved are the Arabian baths, a mosque and the chunky defensive walls and towers.
Cathedral
Church
Originally built as a collegiate church between 1695 and 1778, the San Salvador cathedral only became the seat of a bishop in 1980. Uniquely in Andalusia, its bell tower stands on a separate site, which was previously occupied by a smaller church (and, before that, a mosque); its lower half dates from the 15th century and the top half from the 17th.
Bodegas Tradición
Art Gallery, Winery
Founded in 1998 by a descendant of one of Jerez’s oldest sherry dynasties, Bodegas Tradición produces sherries and wines in their purest state, or en rama (without any filtering or tampering). It also houses one of most Spain’s most important private art collections, which contains works by Goya and Velázquez, amongst others.
HORSE FAIR
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Every May, Jerez celebrates the Feria del Caballo, or Horse Fair – one of the most enchanting ferias in Andalusia. Traditionally-attired riders parade their magnificent horses around the fairground, stopping at the marquees (casetas) for a glass of fino with friends and family. The joyful celebrations last for a week and include several bullfights.
Tabanco San Pablo
Bar, Spanish
Jerez’s local bars are called tabancos and specialise in the region’s sherries and wines. Tabanco San Pablo, located on a bar-lined street of the same name, is one of the best: a wonderfully old-fashioned tapas joint that has barely changed since it opened its doors in 1934, it’s the perfect spot for a few slices of cured jamón and a glass of the local tipple.
Tabanco El Pasaje
Bar, Spanish
Another of the city’s most loved sherry bars is Tabanco El Pasaje, located just a couple of minutes’ stroll from the stately Plaza del Arenal. Locals and visitors crowd into this cosy joint several times a week for intimate live flamenco; and as you keep the sherries and tapas coming, your bill is etched on the wooden bar in chalk. Jerezano through and through.
PLAZA DE LA ASCUNCIÓN
Plaza de la Ascunción is one of old Jerez’s loveliest spaces and home to two of the city’s most beautiful buildings: the 15th century Iglesia Dionisio and, right opposite, the former town hall building dating from 1575. The bars here usually put out tables, giving you a great spot from which to soak up the square’s rich history.
PLAZA DE LA YEBRA
Just up from Plaza de la Ascunción is Plaza de la Yebra, another beautiful square and a great spot for tapas. It’s shaded by several tall trees, which lend the square a romantic ambience and provide respite from the strong summer sun. Particularly popular with Jerezanos is La Cruz Blanca, which has a spacious outside terrace and serves excellent local dishes.
DANCING HORSES SHOW
Jerez is home to the prestigious Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, which every Thursday stages a show that has become known all over the world. ‘How the Andalusian Horses Dance’ is not misleadingly named: the pure-bred, specially-trained horses that star in these spectaculars are incredible performers. Read our introduction to the equestrian ballets of Jerez here.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
