In the shadows of Seville and the rising popularity of Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera gets way less attention than it deserves. But there are plenty of things to do in Jerez de la Frontera, and it’s long been a city I’ve loved going to, just to soak in the Andalusian vibe.
The quaint city boasts energy and traditional character and is a popular getaway among locals from nearby cities and towns. Being mainly known for its sherry, Jerez de la Frontera has so much more to offer!
Whether you’re on a day trip or want to spend a few days in the city, here are the best things to do in Jerez de la Frontera, or just call it Jerez, as it’s locally known.
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 Jerez de la Frontera
For being such an underrated city in Spain, Jerez de la Frontera is full of delightful surprises. With over 20 churches and convents, Jerez is the perfect place to stroll around and explore.
Besides, I’ve pointed out the highlights so you know what to do in Jerez de la Frontera before you let yourself get completely lost in the streets in what I believe is one of the most stunning cities near Seville.
Visit Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral
Visiting Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral is one of the must-see things to do in Jerez. The 17th-century splendid blend of Gothic, Neoclassical, and Baroque-style church is built on top of what used to be the Great Mosque of Jerez.
Today, the grand cathedral is one of the most outstanding buildings in the city both outside and inside.
The bell tower stands individually from the cathedral and is said to be built on top of the old mosque’s minaret. I highly recommend getting tickets for the bell tower too, the views are unmatched!
Check out Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral’s official site for up-to-date opening hours and entrance fees here.
Visit the Alcázar & Camera Obscura
The Alcázar of Jerez was built in the 12th Century. Originally surrounded by a 4-kilometer wall that housed 16 000 people.
This is one of the absolute must-visit sites in Jerez de la Frontera, with its beautiful gardens and walks between ruins.
You can also visit the Camera Obscura, which is also at the entry and includes entry to an exhibition of all camera obscuras in the world and another one about Jerez.
I highly recommend joining this guided city tour that includes the Alcázar. It’s a great way to introduce you to the history of Jerez!
Stroll around Alameda Vieja
Alameda Vieja is a large park next to the Moorish Fortress. While it’s quite calm on weekdays, every Sunday it comes to life when locals mingle around the busy flea market. You’ll find anything from antiques to toys with eager locals bargaining for the best price.
The park also holds a large area of orange trees, which gives delightful shade on a sunny day. If you happen to be there during orange blossom (late winter/spring), sit down and breathe in the sweet scent of Andalucia.
Visit Iglesia de San Juan de los Caballeros
This moderate church in the San Juan neighborhood has a moderate Mudejar-style facade to the otherwise Gothic and Renaissance structure.
The inside is breathtaking with golden ornaments contrasting with the modest Gothic style, rays of sun illuminating the floor, and dramatic statues of virgins and Jesus Christ.
If you make it to this side of the city, make sure you take a peek inside Iglesia de San Juan de Los Caballeros outside of mass time. I absolutely loved it.
Go on a sherry tour of the city
As the world’s sherry capital, Jerez is dotted with sherry factories and bodegas where you can go sherry tasting like a pro!
The most famous is Gonzáles Byass, who also owns Tío Pepe, which is another big name within Jerez sherry.
Tío Pepe (which stands for Uncle Jose, Pepe being a common nickname for people named Jose in southern Spain) is a local legend from back in the early-mid 1800s, when he was often seen on the steps of the cathedral with his sherry and wine.
Bodegas Tradicion is one of the younger sherry bodegas in Jerez, though the founder is a descendant of the owners of a 17th-century bodega.
Not only does Tradicion use traditional methods, but it also houses one of Spain’s greatest private art collections. Truly a must-visit while in Jerez de la Frontera.
I really enjoyed this sherry tasting tour, as I learned so much about the history and process of the art
👉BOOK A BODEGA & SHERRY TASTING TOUR HERE
Watch a Flamenco show in Teatro Villamarta
The theater Teatro Villamarta in Jerez was built in 1926 and is today frequently used not only for flamenco shows but also for classical concerts and ballet shows. This is a great choice if you want to mingle with the locals at a cultural event.
The theater seats 1226 people. It has a magnificent interior, and if you look up at the windows of the towers, you’ll see that they are shaped like wine bottles.
This is one of the first buildings in Spain to use concrete walls and still holds artwork from 1927 by the local artist, Teodoro Miciano.
There is also a cute cafe at the entrance with a couple of outside tables.
Get lost in the historical center
Spending a day getting lost in the historical center is one of my favorite things to do in Jerez de la Frontera. There are so many cute streets and hidden bars, and did I mention all the beautiful churches?
There are beautiful squares and old structures everywhere you go so make sure you have your camera at hand!
You might even practice your Spanish by talking to locals in a park to learn more about the local traditions and history.
Visit the Mercado Central de Abastos
If you like wandering around markets, then it’s a must to visit Mercado Central de Abastos, the main food market in Jerez de la Frontera.
While it is best known for its quality fish, you also find fruit, vegetables, and olive oil. The building housing the colorful and lively Mercado Central de Abastos is a stylish neoclassical artwork from 1885.
Opening hours: 8:00-14:45 Monday to Saturday
People watch at Plaza del Arenal
Plaza del Arenal is the main square in Jerez and is surrounded by restaurants and bars to have lunch or just a glass of Tinto de Limon on a hot day.
The square is usually full of people crisscrossing, kids playing, and buskers playing. Plaza del Arenal is a short walk from the cathedral and the gateway to the shopping street.
Whether you choose to sit down at a bar or at the edge of the fountain, this is the place to people-watch and enjoy the atmosphere.
Visit Iglesia de Santiago
One of my favorite churches in Jerez is the Iglesia de Santiago, built in the 15th and 16th Centuries. Starting off in a late Gothic style and is finished with a Baroque touch.
The church is situated right outside the old medieval walls, where there used to be a chapel of the same name. It was a sign of the city’s growth as they started building outside the existing city walls and expanding its size.
Though this attractive structure pulls you in, you’ll be met by a surprisingly modest interior of light, large, plain arches. Iglesia de Santiago is truly a calm place of worship with an important history.
Monasterio de la Cartuja de Santa Maria
A short drive outside the city center of Jerez de la Frontera, you find Monasterio de la Cartuja de Santa Maria. An outstanding late Gothic structure constructed from the 15th Century, and finished off in the 17th Century with a Baroque finish.
It’s got this kind of calm and magic feeling only a monastery can hold, when it’s all quiet, and you feel present, noticing all the colors, sounds, scents, and details around you. When you park the car outside, you’re already met by the song of birds.
I’ve stopped by several times on my way when leaving Jerez, and I’m still in awe of this place.
The complex consists of the Arrayannes courtyard, monastery, and chapel. It is also worthy to note the spectacular Greco-Roman portico when you enter. There is no arguing that this is considered one of the structures with the greatest artistic value in the province of Cadiz.
DISCOVER MORE OF CADIZ PROVINCE
⭐Things to do in Arcos de la Frontera
⭐Things to do in Conil de la Frontera
⭐Guide to Bolonia Beach and dunes
Responsible tourism in Jerez de la Frontera
As you might know, I’m an advocate for ethical animal tourism and responsible tourism in general, meaning respecting the locals, the customs, and leaving no trace.
Here are some of the main things I think you should avoid when visiting Jerez as an ethical traveler:
- Critize the local customs
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Equestrian shows
- Visiting the Jerez bullring
As Jerez de la Frontera still isn’t getting too touristy, it’s especially important to respect their customs and traditions. Obviously, this should be done anywhere, but I think it’s important to embrace the authenticity of this charming Andalusian city.
You might not agree with it all, but as a visitor, you’re an observer and not there to change how the locals live their lives.
I mean, I’m a life-long vegetarian and have eaten mostly plant-based food for the last decade, but I don’t try to convince bars not to sell meat or tell people off for what they order. Instead, I’ll spend my money on plant-based food in the restaurant and eat what I feel is ethical. I do me, and you do you.
Another thing to pay attention to is that they have horse carriages hanging out in several places in town, but please opt out of this activity.
The horses are standing long hours in the heat of the day, and it is just not an ethical activity. You can read more about unethical animal tourism and rides here.
I also see that a lot of organized tours include equestrian shows, which are basically dancing horse shows. Jerez is known for its beautiful horses and is a leading city for equestrian shows.
While it might seem harmless at first glance, it’s not really natural for a horse to dance for an audience, is it?
Finally, avoid visiting the Jerez bullring as long as they still do bullfights there. Even though you just get a ticket to tour the arena to learn about its history, the money you leave for your ticket will still go to maintaining and preparing the arena for more bullfights.
Stand up against animal tourism and don’t support it as a tourist attraction!
Summing up what to do in Jerez de la Frontera
Summing up, there are so many things to do in Jerez de la Frontera, whether you’re into sherry or history. But you should also be aware of what not to do. As in the rest of Spain, there’s still a lot of unethical animal tourism to be aware of.
I think Jerez is one of the best cultural day trips from Seville and Cadiz, as it’s easy to get to by public transport as well as by tour or car.
Altogether, Jerez has so much to offer and truly transmits a local, Andalusian vibe. Besides, who can resist a city with so few tourists?
Happy travels!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
