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Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, is most famous for showcasing the best of what Andalusia has to offer. Visitors come to the city to enjoy sherry tasting, savor delicious food, and experience the local culture, including horse dancing and flamenco. Here are my favorite things to do in Jerez, including these activities as well as other historic landmarks.
One way to get a nice introduction to Jerez is to take a tour. Check out these excellent tour options & book now!
The Best Things To Do In Jerez, Spain
Sherry Tours & Tastings
One of the things Jerez is most famous for is sherry. This fortified wine is made only in the area.
The city is filled with sherry bodegas that you can visit for tours and tastings. It was my primary reason for visiting Jerez, and I had a ton of fun doing as many sherry tastings as I could.
Read about Jerez sherry tours and tastings here
Andalusian Horse Dancing & School
Jerez is home to the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art) (website). The school trains horses and riders for traditional Andalusian horse activities.
This includes the famous Andalusian horse dancing shows.
Book a horse dancing show in Jerez here
Feria del Caballo
Each May, crowds gather from not only Spain but the rest of the world to celebrate the Feria de Jerez.
The origins of the fair go back to agricultural gatherings that started in the medieval era.
Today, while horse-related events still take place, it’s also an opportunity for friends and family to gather and eat, drink, and dance in structures known as casetas.
Alcázar de Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez was under Moorish rule for centuries. Their influence can still be seen today through the local architecture.
The Alcázar de Jerez de la Frontera is a beautiful fortress and palace complex that dates back to the 11th century.
It’s a beautiful place to explore and learn more about local history.
Read more about the Alcázar de Jerez de la Frontera
Catedral de Jerez de la Frontera
The Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral is located right near the Alcázar.
It was built in the 17th century and includes a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical.
Plaza del Arenal
The Plaza del Arenal serves as a central gathering square in Jerez.
The plaza has fountains and is surrounded by bars and restaurants. If you want the best ice cream in Jerez, head to one of these shops located near Plaza del Arenal.
Claustros de Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo Church is home to the Real Convento de Santo Domingo.
The cloisters of the churchyard are one of the prettiest spots in Jerez.
Palacio Domecq
Palacio Domecq is an Andalusian baroque palace located near Santo Domingo Church and Plaza del Mamelón.
The Domecq family has lived at the property since 1885.
Yes, this is the same Domecq family that is prominent in Jerez, having founded both a sherry bodega and the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre.
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Book Palacio Domecq tickets here
Plaza del Mamelón
Plaza del Mamelón is a central plaza in Jerez that features fountains and other monuments.
The city has also placed a large “Jerez” sign in the plaza, making it a popular Instagram spot.
Museo Palacio del Tiempo-Museos de la Atalaya
Museo Palacio del Tiempo-Museos de la Atalaya (website) is an art museum located in the beautiful Atalaya Garden.
The museum’s focus is on clocks, showcasing a nice selection of timepieces from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Museo Arqueológico Municipal de Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez and Andalucia have been inhabited by various cultures for thousands of years.
Explore the archaeological findings from these groups at the Museo Arqueológico Municipal de Jerez de la Frontera.
Centro Cultural Lola Flores
Lola Flores is a famous flamenco dancer and actress from Jerez. You can find her inspiration all over the city, from parks and streets to restaurant tasting menus.
Explore the life of Jerez’s beloved Lola at the Centro Cultural Lola Flores.
Flamenco
Speaking of flamenco, one of the most popular things to see in Jerez is a flamenco show. I enjoyed the free performances at Tabanco El Pasaje, but other larger flamenco shows are also available.
Book a flamenco show in Jerez here
Day Trip to Cádiz
The coastal city of Cádiz is another one of my favorite places in Andalusia. Like Jerez, it has plenty of great food and drink, but it also has great sea views and historic sites such as the old Roman theater.
Cádiz is only a short train ride away from Jerez, making it a great place for a day trip. Should you be visiting Jerez during a busy time of year, such as the annual MotoGP race or the Feria, you can even stay in Cádiz to save money.
Day Trip to Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Sanlúcar de Barrameda is also part of the Sherry Triangle. The coastal town has tons of great restaurants, coastal views, and, of course, sherry.
Food & Drink
As I mentioned above, Jerez is best known for its sherry bodegas and bars. The city also has some decent craft beer and cocktail bars.
Jerez is also known for its excellent food. Some of my favorite spots include La Carbona, Tabanco El Anticuario, A Mar, and Las Banderillas. On hot days, there are a few places with great ice cream and gelato.
Here are some great Jerez tours.
