Introduction
Jerez is a quintessentially Spanish city famous for its Moorish Alcázar, Cathedral, bull ring, flamenco tabernas, tapas, horses and the GP Motorbike Circuit.
No visit to Jerez is complete without a visit to the Royal Equestrian School where the immaculately groomed and impeccably trained horses and riders put on a show twice a week. There is also a carriage museum and wonderful grounds to explore before or after the visit. Every Saturday, there is an exhibition at the Carthusian Horse Stud on the outskirts of Jerez. This is the most important stud farm in the world for preserving the lineage of the Spanish horses.
The heart and soul of flamenco can be found in Jerez, particularly the Barrio de Santiago neighbourhood. There are performances, concerts and exhibits throughout the year.
Alcázar and historic monuments
The 11th Century fortress is a reminder of Jerez’s past and Moorish influence. The jacaranda lined streets and squares of the old town are also home to various Baroque churches and the Cathedral.
Sherry and tapas
The Spanish called the marriage of wine and tapas a maridaje. Of course, the Jerezanos say the perfect maridaje is sherry and local delicacies such as tortilla, meatballs, paella, seafood, cured meats, olives and cheese. There are plenty of restaurants and wine bars to sample the cuisine in the city centre, as well as the outskirts amongst the vineyards. The tabancos have gained popularity in recent years, they serve sherry (dry, medium and sweet) straight from the barrel, tapas on paper on the bar and are often the places to enjoy flamenco performances. On a visit to a sherry bodega, visitors are also given the opportunity to learn about and taste sherry vinegar and brandy.
Nearby beaches
The fine sandy beaches along the Costa de la Luz are just a short drive away. El Puerto de Santa Maria is well-known for its ferry across to the city of Cádiz, its seafood restaurants, waterpark and variety of long beaches and sheltered bays.
