If you’re looking for an authentic and vibrant coastal town where the beaches are ace and you have a short drive to some of the more popular cities in southern Spain, El Puerto de Santa Maria in Cadiz is the place to be.
The town is part of the Sherry Triangle together with Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Jerez de la Frontera, and is the perfect place to sample some of the finest sherries.
After spending a lot of time in what has become one of my favorite coastal towns throughout the years, it’s only fair that I share with you the best things to do in El Puerto de Santa Maria.
Only a short boat ride from the historical city of Cadiz, you can soak in some of the most delightful fine-sanded beaches, explore castles and churches, and of course stroll through enchanting streets between whitewashed houses.
There’s something exceptionally local to El Puerto de Santa Maria, and the number of foreign tourists is a lot lower than in other places on the Andalusian Coast, like the busy Costa del Sol. Read on to find out what to do in El Puerto de Santa Maria in southern Spain.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi, I’m Linn Haglund, the face behind Brainy Backpackers. I’ve been based in Spain for the last 10+ years, and travel locally and abroad whenever I have a chance. I’m passionate about responsible travel, slow and off the beaten path travel, and outdoor activities, especially hiking. I’m currently slow traveling in my van Persistence (Persi among friends) with my fiancée Mohammed and rescue puppy Atlas. I’m excited to help you explore this planet responsibly!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Things to do in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz
As one of the most popular day trips from Cadiz, let’s have a look at what to do in El Puerto de Santa Maria.
Grab a drink at Plaza de España
In the heart of the historical center, you find Plaza de España, a vibrant square with restaurants and bars, perfect for grabbing a drink and taking in the surroundings.
The most prominent landmark on the square is the Iglesia Mayor Prioral, which is one of the top attractions in El Puerto de Santa Maria.
Below the square, a number of 18th-century tombs of upper-class people were found when the square underwent restoration work a few years back.
Plaza de España has served as a central meeting point since El Puerto was founded in 1104 BC, and even today, it remains an energetic square. I love this square most of all because it feels really local.
Visi Iglesia Mayor Prioral
Located on Plaza de España, Iglesia Mayor Prioral is a must-visit in El Puerto de Santa Maria. The stunning church was started to be built in the 13th century, but wasn’t finished until the 17th century.
The church was dedicated to the Virgin of Miracles, and inside, you can see a religious image of the saint alongside others.
The Baroque entrance, Puerta del Sol, is particularly stunning, and possibly one of the main reasons I love sitting in Plaza de España with a cold drink.
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday 10:00-12:30 and 17:00-19:30
Saturday 10:00-12:30 and 18:00-19:30
Sunday (+ Public Holidays) 8:30-13:45 and 18:30-21:00
Visit Castillo de San Marcos
One of the top things to do in El Puerto de Santa Maria is to visit Castillo de San Marcos, which is easily one of my favorite castles in Andalucia.
The current castle dates back to the 13th century, but there are remains in the castle from a mosque, the Romans, and even from the Phoenician Era, which makes it an interesting historical site to visit.
From the castle’s tower, you can get sweeping views over the city, but my favorite part of the visit is actually the last room, where the old mosque was. It’s so colorful and beautiful with intricate details that always take my breath away.
You can also visit the castle’s bodega and winery and learn about their sherries while having a round of tastings.
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday 10:00-17:00
Stroll along the promenade
A stroll along the promenade is a must when visiting El Puerto de Santa Maria. In the summer months, there are often stalls selling handmade jewelry, clothes, and other items that you can take home as souvenirs or gifts.
Maybe you even want to get ice cream and sit down on a bench, people-watching, and soak in the atmosphere?
While El Puerto receives a good amount of Spanish tourism, there’s an enchanting local feel to the place, and it’s particularly vibrant in the summer months.
Chill at the beaches
The beaches in El Puerto de Santa Maria are absolutely stunning, with white, fine sand, and on a hot day, there’s nothing better to do than to relax at one of the beaches.
These are also some of the most beautiful beaches near Seville, if you’re looking for a beach escapade from the city.
For a large beach with all facilities, head to Valdelagrana Beach. The beach is really great with fine sand, sunbeds and parasols for rent, restaurants and bars lining the promenade, and crystal-clear water.
This has been a go-to beach with friends for years, but it’s easier to get there by car.
Other beaches I really love are Playa de la Puntilla, Playa de las Redes, and Playa de la Muralla, which is next to Puerto Sherry‘s bars and restaurants.
Sherry tasting at one of the wine cellars
A visit to a bodega is a must when you’re in the sherry triangle. There are several wineries in El Puerto, even inside the castle! But the biggest one is possibly Osborne wineries.
Osborne dates back to 1772 in El Puerto and holds some of the most exquisite brandies and sherries.
A tasting tour takes you through the wine cellars, the colorful patios, and the museum. I highly recommend it, it’s seriously one of the top things to do in El Puerto de Santa Maria.
Explore Puerto Sherry
The colorful Puerto Sherry has turned into a leisure port and main hub for going to the beach, eating out, and doing water sports. You can enjoy lovely strolls along the waterfront with views of the Bay of Cadiz.
Puerto Sherry offers a great time both in the daytime when vivid lunches take place and at night when the port lights up, and animated tourists and locals alike hang out over drinks.
You can also enjoy some of the finest beaches in Cadiz in the area, so I highly recommend packing your swimwear and towel in the summer months. Puerto Sherry is a great day out, combined with the Playa de la Muralla.
Visit Monasterio de la Victoria
Monasterio de la Victoria is definitely an Andalucia off the beaten path site, and located right outside the town, I’ve heard it’s one of the best things to see in El Puerto de Santa Maria.
I’m a bit embarrassed, but I still haven’t been! But I guess it’s important to keep things for my bucket list.
The 16th-century convent was built by the Dukes of Medinaceli, but after serving as a cloister, it was a victim of multiple raids and natural catastrophes.
It has served as both a hospital and a prison, so a visit there will fill you in on an intriguing history of the coast of Cadiz.
Eat all the tapas over beers and Tinto de Verano
Ok, so one of the things I’ve spent the most time doing in El Puerto de Santa Maria is eating and drinking. True Andalusian style.
Order a number of tapas and grab a beer or a Tinto de Verano, my favorite is Tinto de Limón on a hot day.
Then let the time go by as you chat about life and order more tapas and drinks as you need a refill. It’s a great way to taste Andalucia like a local and truly lets you soak in the Andalusian vibe in this lively coastal town.
Take a walk along the old fish market
The Antigua Lonja in El Puerto de Santa Maria is a fantastic historical building that once housed the local fish market. It’s known as El Resbaladero, which is what you’ll see written above the entrance.
It dates back to the 18th century and is built in baroque style. The fish market has since moved, but I just love this building.
I love the old porticos, which you’ll see more of throughout the town. Altogether, it really breathes history.
Go on a day trip to Cadiz
If you are staying in El Puerto de Santa Maria for a few days, make sure you go on a day trip to Cadiz. You can easily take the ferry across the Bay of Cadiz; it is a nice 45-minute trip that lets you see the historic city from the water.
There are a lot of great things to do in Cadiz so I suggest you go as early as possible to get the most out of the day. Start by visiting the Roman Theater and take a peek inside the narrowest street in Cadiz, Callejón del Duende, which is one of the many hidden gems in Cadiz.
Then continue to the Cadiz Cathedral and climb the clock tower for exquisite views. If you want more views, I highly recommend visiting the Tavira Tower, where you can learn more about the city’s history and its watch towers.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the old town where you can grab lunch, but you might want to check out the food market.
One day in Cadiz gives you time to walk through Genoves Park, which is the most prominent of the parks in Cadiz. Finally, head to Santa Catalina Castle, and walk along the historical La Caleta Beach to San Sebastian Castle before returning down the promenade back to the old town for dinner.
Go on a day trip to Jerez de la Frontera
Another must-do day trip from El Puerto de Santa Maria is to the sherry city of Jerez de la Frontera. It is a 20-minute drive from El Puerto and is well worth the trip.
Often underrated, there are a lot of things to do in Jerez, besides sherry tasting, of course. There are what seem like hundreds of splendid churches worth visiting, but the main attractions are the cathedral, the Alcazaba, and the Camera Obscura. There are also a number of opulent palaces worth your attention.
This is truly one of the prettiest cities in Andalucia and a great place to walk around, soak in the Andalusian vibe, and watch a Flamenco show. There are plenty of local restaurants and bars to grab a tasty tapas lunch between exploring the sites.
There’s no doubt why this is also one of the best day trips from Seville.
Reflections on El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain
There are a lot of fun things to do in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz, Spain, and whether you go on a day trip or decide to stay a week and base yourself in the charming beach town, you will have enough to spend your days on.
With some of the most beautiful, fine-sanded beaches in Andalucia, a local feel, and still full of life, this is a fantastic option if you want something more Spanish than what the towns in Costa del Sol can offer.
I highly recommend visiting and think that the town deserves a lot more attention than it gets. This is also one of the top towns near Seville, so if you stay in the Andalusian capital city, make sure you make a visit.
Happy travels!
FAQ on El Puerto de Santa Maria
Is Puerto de Santa Maria worth visiting?
There is a lot to do in El Puerto de Santa Maria and whether you are a sherry lover, beach dweller, or enjoy culture and history, there is something for you.
Where is El Puerto de Santa Maria?
El Puerto de Santa Maria is situated west of Cadiz on Costa de la Luz.