A guide to visiting Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
I’m delighted to share my guide to visiting the Spanish city of Jerez de la Frontera. Located 50 miles from the city of Seville in the south of Spain, Jerez is best known for being the birthplace of sherry (fortified wine). For me this Spanish city is shamefully overlooked given just how much of a cultural hotspot it is. Did you know that Jerez de la Frontera is considered to be the birthplace of flamenco? It is also the capital of the Andalusian horse and home to the prestigous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian, which hosts its famous dancing horse shows. Jerez also has a rich history and plenty of that quintessential Andalusian charm to make for an unforgettable visit.
My name is Emily and I’ve been living in the Andalusia region of Spain for the past two years. I’ve visited Jerez de la Frontera many times so I’m confident this travel guide will give you all the information and tips you need to plan your own trip there. This travel guide will share must see sites and attractions, recommendations of places to eat, places to stay and more. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
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How to get to Jerez de La Frontera
Jerez does in fact have an airport called La Parra airport, with connections to other major airports across Spain and Europe. You can also fly in to the nearby city of Seville and either hire a car (I recommend using DiscoverCars to find the best price options) or catch a train to Jerez. You can reach Jerez by train from other major cities in Spain too, including Madrid and Malaga, and the station (which has beautiful architecture) is located close to the main city centre. You can purchase train tickets at the station ticket office or in advance online through the Omio website or app.
The best way to explore the city is on foot so you can enjoy exploring the historic centre and sites, together with the quintessential cobble stone streets lined with white washed terraced houses. Jerez does also offer a CitySightseeing Hop-on Hop-off bus tour.
top places to see in Jerez de la frontera
Plaza del Arenal and Calle Larga
This is the main historic square of Jerez de La Frontera and the central hub of the city. With its striking fountain and statue in the centre surrounded by a selection of shops, bars and restautants, this is a great place to enjoy soaking up the atmosphere and enjoy a tapa. I also use this plaza as a reference point to circle back to, as you can reach most sites and attractions in every direction from here.
Just off the Plaza del Arenal is one of Jerez’s most exciting streets called Calle Larga, which is fully pedestrianised and lined with a selection of shops and coffee bars. It also is home to the iconic circular fronted building El Gallo Azul (translates to the blue rooster) and is one of the most famous buildings in Jerez. It was in fact built fact the Ibero-American Exhibition that took place in Seville in 1929 as a place visitors where welcomed with a glass of sherry. Today you can still mark your visit to Jerez with a glass of sherry as this historic building is now a popular bar!
Visit the Gonzalez Byass Bodega
Even if you are not a fan of sherry, a visit to one of Jerez’s sherry bodegas cannot be missed. I highly recommend a tour of the world renowned Gonzalez Byass, bodega, best known for the leading sherry brand Tio Pepe, which is an historic landmark in its own right. There is sherry and then there is Tio Pepe. Situated in the heart of the historic centre, the bodega tour takes you on a train through the grounds and cellars and gives you the chance to learn how sherry is made. It also includes a tasting with tapas pairing at the end! The bodega has been visited by a number of celebrities and dignitaries over the years, with some even signing some of the wine casks here. TOP TIP: Look out for the resident mice - there is a long standing tradition of leaving a glass of sherry out with a little ladder for them to reach as a deterrent from nibbling the ground level barrels!
This bodega is also home to what has been called one of the prettiest streets in all of Spain called ‘Calle Ciegos’. It has a beautiful grapevine canopy that blooms in spring and summer, and has a view of Jerez Cathedral at the end. Booking a tour of the Tio Pepe bodega in advance is essential which you can do online on the official Tio Pepe website. You are spoiled for choice when it comes to other great bodegas to visit in Jerez de la Frontera too and you can book tours through GetYourGuide.
Jerez Cathedral
A visit to the impressive cathedral of Jerez is a must! For me its the most impressive building in the whole city. The facade is truly spectacular so make sure to look up and take in the towering arches and variety of baroque and gothic features, including the stone gargoyle drains. The entrance to the cathedral is equally impressive, with intricate stone carvings, stained glass windows and three imposing doors. Fun fact: The building was formerly known as El Salvador church, and was only elevated to cathedral status by Pope John Paul II in 1980.
The catherdral is also home to a bell tower separate from the main building and is believed to have been built where the minaret of the old mosque used to stand when the Moors ruled Spain. Inside you will find towering dark stone columns, impressive vaulted ceilings and a beautiful alter piece. The Cathedral also recently introduced virtual reality headsets so you can see the details of this incredible building up close.
Alcazar of Jerez
Situated close to the Cathedral is the the ancient Alcazar, one of Jerez’s most significant and must see historic sites. This fortress dates back to the 12th century when the region was was under Moorish rule, and was later taken over by the Christians during the reconquest. Inside you can explore the grounds of the castle, with it’s charming gardens and fountains, walk the fortress walls and step inside a well preserved bath house. The grounds are also home to the Palace of Villavicencio which is home to an old pharmacy and a camera obscura to enjoy great views of the city.
Visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
A visit to one of the world’s most prestigious riding academies is a must. You can enjoy a guided tour that takes you into the stables and tack rooms and get a glimpse into the training regime here. The school is also home to an impressive carriage museum, pretty gardens and a 19th century palace. The school is home to the famous dancing horse shows, which I highly recommend booking in advance of your trip to Jerez. This impressive balletic display by Andalusian horses to music is spectacular! Be sure to book your guided your and dancing horse show tickets in advance!
Flamenco at a Tabanco bar
Jerez de la Frontera is considered a city with strong links to the art of Flamenco. It is fact often referred to as the cradle of Flamenco and it has a long standing history to the celebration of the art form. The best way to experience authentic Flamenco in Jerez is at a Tabanco! That is a Tabanco? They are traditional sherry bars where the wine is served straight from the barrel accompanied by tapas, and where an intimate flamenco performance may start up at any time.
One of my favourites in Jerez de la Frontera is Tabanco El Pasaje, the oldest tabanco still in operation that first opened in 1925. Located right in the centre just a short walk from the Plaza del Arenal, here I paid just €2 to enjoy a drink and a show. How? If you visit during the day you can drink at the bar and enjoy the show for free. You can of course book and pay for a table to enjoy food and the show, but for me the essence of a Tabanco is the atmosphere together with the locals. Other Tabanco’s I’d recommend are Tabanco Plateros (the tapas are great here) and Tabanco San Pablo.
Jerez Horse Fair
If you plan to visit Jerez de la Frontera in May, make sure you time your visit for their annual Feria de Caballo. It’s one of my favourite annual events in all of Andalusia and is a true celebration of Jerez’s equine heritage, culture and traditions. This week long event sees locals and visitors dress in traditional flamenco outfits and horse drawn carriage processions throughout the main fairground at Parque Gonzalez Hontoria.
The fairground is filled with colourful marquees known as casetas, which are elaborated decorated inside and free to enter. Enjoy music, dancing, tapas and of course a glass of sherry or two throughout the day and night! There is a nearby funfair with rides and rollercoasters too, with street foods stands usually serving traditional Spanish treats like paella and churros.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA
Jerez is home to a selection of great bars and restaurants serving traditional Spanish dishes and cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a light bite or a fine dining or Michelin star experience, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this city. I’ll share with you a few of my personal favourite places:
Albores is located along Calle Consistorio just off Plaza del Arenal and offers traditional Spanish dishes, including popular dishes like croquettes, octopus, and steak. There is also a range of vegetarian and gluten free options on their menu. The staff here are always friendly and helpful too.
Chicuelo is one of my newest discoveries in Jerez and it has a beautiful interior and terrace. This restaurant can also be found not far away from Plaza del Arenal on Calle San Pablo, and offers a gastronomic twist on traditional Andalusian dishes. They also have a small bar next door if you just want a tapa and drink.
Bar Juanito is a tapas bar located in one of the prettiest places in Jerez - the last remaining area of the old Jewish quarter hidden off Plaza del Arenal. I recommend enjoying a tapa and drink al fresco and soak up the atmosphere.
La Carboná is on the Michelin guide and is definitely a place to treat yourself. Located close to the train station, this restaurant is housed within a former wine cellar and offers tasting menus and sherry pairings.
BEST PLACES TO stay IN JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA
Jerez de la Frontera has a selection of hotels, holiday apartments and hostels to suit any budget. I recommend staying within the historic centre so you can explore easily on foot and access most of Jerez’s best sites and attractions.
If you want to stay in one of Jerez’s most popular hotels with a rooftop pool and view overlooking the city, check out Hotel Bodega Tio Pepe, the world’s first sherry hotel! This five star hotel is next to the Gonzalez Byass Bodega and Jerez Cathedral and is known to have a bottle of sherry ready in the hotel room mini bar. The Hotel Casa Palacio María Luisa is another five star boutique hotel specifically for adults only.
I recommend using Booking.com where you can search for accommodation to suit your needs and budget. Right now they have 15% off their Late Escape Deals when you book before 7th January 2026!
Thank you for reading my guide to visiting Jerez de la Frontera. I hope it has inspired you to visit the birthplace of sherry and if you have any questions, please leave a comment or send me a message on Instagram.
Want to visit one the most cultural hotspots in the south of Spain? Then look no further than Jerez de la Frontera - the birthplace of sherry and the earliest known origin of flamenco. Situated in the Andalusia region less than 50 miles from Seville, Jerez is a charming small city that offers so much to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a longer getaway in the south of Spain, Jerez de la Frontera is an ideal location for anyone seeking traditional Spanish culture and charm.