Jerez de la Frontera is one of Andalucia’s hidden gems and one of my favourite cities in the region. Can you believe it took me two years after I moved to the South of Spain to actually make it and visit Jerez de la Frontera? And it didn’t disappoint, on the contrary. I came here with no expectation, ok, maybe a little for the sherry, and left with another place added to my heart.
If you’re wondering, “Is Jerez de la Frontera worth visiting?”, the answer is a resounding yes. Below, I’ll share my reasons why you should add Jerez to your Andalucia itinerary. Let it surprise you too!
Amazing Reasons to Visit Jerez de la Frontera:
It is a Beautiful City Without the Crowds
While cities like Seville and Granada often steal the spotlight, Jerez offers a breathtaking cityscape without the overwhelming tourist crowds. Here, you can wander through picturesque streets and admire stunning architecture at your own pace, without anyone else around.
The city’s beauty is evident in its mix of architectural styles. From the Moorish influences in the Alcázar to the baroque splendour of the Palacio Domecq, Jerez is a visual feast. The Plaza del Arenal, the city’s main square, is a perfect spot to relax and people-watch, surrounded by orange trees and impressive buildings. And, if you’re visiting on a Sunday, as I did, don’t miss the flea market which takes place here every week.
It Has Unique Attractions, Like Watching Horses Dance
One of the most extraordinary experiences in Jerez is watching the famous dancing horses at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. This isn’t just a simple horse show – it’s an art form that has been perfected over centuries.
The school offers various shows throughout the year, with the “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” being the most popular. Set to Spanish music, these performances showcase the harmony between horse and rider, featuring complex dressage movements that truly look like a choreographed dance.
For horse enthusiasts, the school also offers guided tours where you can see the stables, the carriage museum, and the training sessions.
Jerez Is The Capital of Sherry
Jerez is synonymous with sherry, and no visit is complete without going for at least one bodega visit and a sherry tasting. The word “sherry” itself is an anglicization of “Jerez,” highlighting the city’s importance in the world of fortified wines. Did you know that Sherry is only produced in the area what is known as the Sherry Triangle, a small area between Jerez de la Frontera, Salucar de Barameda and Puerto de Santa Maria?
You can visit historic bodegas (wineries) like Tío Pepe, Lustau, or Tradición for tours and tastings. Learn about the solera system used to age sherry, see the cathedral-like aging rooms filled with barrels, and sample various styles from bone-dry Fino to sweet Pedro Ximénez.
Many bodegas offer unique experiences beyond standard tours. For instance, at Bodegas Tradición, you can also view a impressive collection of Spanish art while sipping on rare sherries. You can click here to see available tasting tours.
Jerez is A Charming Old Town
The old town of Jerez, with its narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed houses, is a delight to explore. It’s a maze of history where every turn can lead to a new discovery.
Start your exploration at the Alcázar, an 11th-century Moorish fortress. Then, lose yourself in the enchanting alleyways of the San Miguel and Santiago quarters. These barrios are home to some of the city’s most beautiful churches and convents, as well as hidden plazas perfect for a refreshing break.
Don’t miss Calle Francos, one of the main shopping streets, where you can find traditional products like handmade fans and sherry glasses.
It Has Authentic Flamenco Experiences
Jerez is one of the birthplaces of flamenco, and here you can witness this passionate art form in its most authentic setting. Unlike more touristy flamenco shows, the performances in Jerez’s tablaos are often spontaneous and deeply emotional.
Visit places like Tablao del Bereber or La Taberna Flamenca for soul-stirring performances. In these intimate venues, you’ll sit close to the performers, allowing you to fully appreciate the intricate footwork, passionate singing, and skilful guitar playing.
There is flamenco everywhere in Jerez de la Frontera. Whilst having lunch, at a simple outdoor terrace in front of the Cathedral, someone just grabbed the guitar on the wall and started to sing at their table. Then, someone else, started dancing.
For a truly local experience, time your visit with the Festival de Jerez, held annually in February/March. This prestigious event attracts flamenco artists from all over the world.
Click here to see available flamenco experiences in an authentic tablao.
Jerez de la Frontera Has A Unique Cathedral
The Cathedral of Jerez is a architectural marvel that tells the story of the city’s diverse history. Built over the course of the 17th century on the site of a former mosque, it blends various architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical.
The cathedral’s most striking feature is its bell tower, which was originally the minaret of the mosque.
Inside, don’t miss the intricate choir stalls, the beautiful chapels, and the impressive sacristy with its collection of religious art. The best part? Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge!
Take Part In The Feria del Caballo
If you’re lucky enough to visit in May, you can experience the Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair). This week-long celebration showcases Jerez’s equestrian heritage and is a feast for all senses.
During the fair, the fairground is filled with casetas (tents) where locals gather to eat, drink, and dance. The highlight is the daily parade of horses and carriages, where riders and horses wear traditional Andalusian attire.
Even if you’re not a horse enthusiast, the festive atmosphere, flamenco performances, and abundance of sherry and local cuisine make this an unforgettable experience.
Jerez Has An Outstanding Local Cuisine
Jerez’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional flavours and modern interpretations. Must-try local specialties include:
- Berza Jerezana: A local chard stew made with a mixture of pork, beef, morcilla, chorizo and chickpeas.
- Tagarninas: A wild thistle stew with potatoes, tuna and eggs.
- Rabo de toro: Oxtail stew, often slow-cooked in local sherry.
- Tortillas de camarones: Crispy fritters made with tiny shrimp.
For a culinary adventure, visit Mercado Central de Abastos, the local food market. Here you can sample fresh produce, local cheeses, and seafood from the nearby coast.
Pair your meal with a glass of sherry or local wine from the nearby Cádiz province for a true taste of Jerez.
I hope that I gave you enough reasons to understand why Jerez de la Frontera is worth visiting and why you will have an amazing time discovering its heritage and beauty.
For more articles about Jerez de la Frontera, check out my recommendations below:
Liked it? Pin it!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links.” This means that if you click on the link and do a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for booking your flights or hotels using the links on my website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
