Jerez de la Frontera is a small town in Andalucía, Spain in the community of Cádiz. It is famously known for its Flamenco scene and its ‘sherry’ wine. When visiting southern Spain, Jerez is a pleasant stop that promises a delicious introduction to Andalucian gastronomy, captivating Flamenco shows, and charming sights.
This city is only a short 1-hour train ride from the capital, Sevilla, and can be explored on a weekend trip! Explore the historical center of Jerez de la Frontera and take advantage of a short trip with these tips.
eating in Jerez
Any bar in the center of Jerez will serve local wine paired with tapas. “Chicharrones” is one of the most popular tapas amongst locals and visitors alike. These are not like any other pork rinds you’ve tried. The perfect chicharrón will be crisp on the outside and meaty on the inside without being too greasy.
Tortillitas de camarón are more common in the nearby coastal town of Sanlucar de Barrameda. These are made of fried shrimp, flour, onion, and parsley. Although the recipe is quite simple, the taste is unique. Pair it with a glass of white or verdejo wine next to a beachfront view and the experience will be unforgettable.
If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish breakfast, “Entre Naranjos” is the choice of many locals. Their friendly staff, freshly squeezed Andalucian orange juice, crips bread, good coffee, and affordable prices will have you visiting every morning you are in town.
drinking & Nightlife in jerez
The biggest attraction of Jerez is its wine. You can find local barrels of all the different types at ‘Tabancos’ which are pubs with wine tasting and tapas. The one I visited and can recommend is Tabanco Plateros, next to ‘Plaza de la Yerba’.
There are many types of sherry wines that vary in color, smell, taste, and alcohol percentage. Although I tasted a few of them, I am still a bigger fan of vermouth at any time of the day or night. Still, I recommend doing a tasting so you can judge for yourself. There are several wineries where that offer tours of the site along with tastings. The most popular and centric ones are González Byass, Bodegas Lustau, and La Bodega de Tio Pepe. This last one also shared a quick wine guide to the many types of sherry wines on their site.
As a craft beer lover, I strongly recommend you stop by Cervecería Gorila. The friendly staff will guide you on a tasting of their local beers on draught. You’ll be able to enjoy your drink of choice on a sunny terrace in ‘Plaza Plateros’.
Nightlife
At night, Santos Pecados Cocktail Bar is an outdoor bar with sofas and a chill ambiance to start the night. Prices are definitely a bit steeper than most bars in Jerez since the vibe is very different from the regular pubs that don’t normally have music.
Damajuna Café Bar is frequented by locals. It has an open patio with murals of flamenco artists and colorful lights. Some nights it hosts live performances. There’s also a variety of drinks from local wines, beer on draught, and cocktails. You can also order tapas earlier in the night.
If you’re looking to dance the night away, Sala La Comedia is a nightclub that is open all night. The layout is very interesting since most of it is an open patio with different areas. The bar towards the deep end of this warehouse-type nightclub has a pool table, bar, and booths. The walls are covered with graffiti and diverse posters. The dance floor is closer to the entrance. Here you can find live music or dance music such as reggeaton or pop, depending on the night.
What to see in Jerez
There are many eye-opening landmarks in the historical center of Jerez de la Frontera. Most of them surround ‘Plaza del Arenal’, a public square surrounded by palm trees, restaurants, and bars. It has a large fountain in the middle. Below are some of the most popular and unique landmarks in the center of Jerez.
Catedral de Jeréz
The Cathedral is one of the most outstanding landmarks of the charming city. It was built in the 17th century and consists of gothic, baroque, and neoclassical styles. It is especially beautiful at night since the lights seem to enlarge this already tall church. You can access both the Cathedral and its tower. Tickets are 7 EUR and can be purchased on-site or on the Cathedral’s website.
The Alcazar de Jerez
“Alcázar de Jeréz” is another historical building surrounded by medieval walls where you’ll find Arab baths, a breathtaking garden, and a palace, among other sights. The entrance is also 7 EUR.
Flamenco Monument
The monument to Flamenco artist and Jerez native, Lola Flores, is one of the most iconic and unique landmarks in Jerez de la Frontera. The monument to Lola Flores is located at Plaza de la Cruz Vieja in the San Miguel neighborhood where Lola Flores grew up. Don’t forget to stop by and take a pic with the Palace of Marqués de Villapanés in the background.
Old Alameda
Near the Cathedral, you can wander off to ‘Alameda Vieja‘, an extensive park with an 18th-century kiosk and abundant greenery. The most beautiful time to visit is during the spring when the surrounding trees envelop the Alameda Vieja with fragrant purple flowers. This captivating scene seems like something out of a fairy tale.
Events and Flamenco in Jerez
Ironically enough, Spring/Summer can be the worst times to visit Jerez if you’re hoping to catch a Flamenco Show. The Jerez May Horse Fair, aka ‘La feria del caballo‘, is celebrated in late May/early June when most of the artists, and even the citizens of Jerez, have a full week of out-of-town celebration. Preparations for this event are done a year in advance.
An event calendar can be found on flamencodejerez.org. The strongest months for Flamenco in Jerez are February and March when you can visit during the Fiesta de Jerez. Another good time to visit is September during the wine festivities. Explore the many events happening in this captivating city on the city’s website.
Visiting Spain
There are many gorgeous cities and towns to visit when exploring Spain. I lived in this inspiring country for 2 years and can honestly say that it was not nearly enough time to explore every Spanish city on my bucket list. If you’re still undecided on where to start, here’s some inspiration for The Best of Madrid, The Ultimate Itinerary for the Balearic Island of Mallorca, Exploring the Canarian Island of Tenerife, or even venture into a local event such as the ‘Pilar’ festivities at Zaragoza.
Wherever you decide to go, Spain offers breathtaking views, affordable lodging, many transport options, fun nightlife, and so much more! Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram which Spanish city is your favorite! As always, have fun and always BE PRESENT.