Best Day Trips from Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera makes a brilliant base for exploring western Andalusia. Within an hour, you can reach sherry towns, white villages, golden beaches and one of Spain’s great cities. Better still, many of these trips work by train, so you can skip the stress of parking. Here are six of the best day trips from Jerez, from easy coastal escapes to historic hilltop towns.
El Puerto de Santa MarÃa
First up is the easiest trip of all. El Puerto de Santa MarÃa sits on the Bay of Cádiz, and the train takes only about 15 to 20 minutes. It forms part of the famous sherry triangle with Jerez and Sanlúcar. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio.
Start with a tour of Bodegas Osborne, home of the famous black bull logo. Guided visits end with a tasting, and they often sell out, so book your tickets in advance. Next, explore the Castillo de San Marcos, a 13th-century fortress with a former mosque inside. For lunch, stroll along the Ribera del Marisco and order grilled prawns. You can also drive here in around 20 minutes. If you are already in Spain, get directions. Read more in our guide to El Puerto de Santa MarÃa.
Cádiz
Next, head for Cádiz. This ancient port city sits on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic. The train from Jerez takes around 40 minutes, and services run regularly. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio.
Climb the Torre Tavira for views over the rooftops. Its camera obscura, the first in Spain, projects a live image of the city. Sessions have limited space, so buy your tickets online before you go. Then visit the Cádiz Cathedral, with its famous golden dome. Finally, relax on La Caleta beach beside the Castillo de Santa Catalina. Driving takes about 40 minutes, but parking in the old town is tricky. If you are already in Spain, get directions. For more ideas, see our guide to the things to do in Cádiz.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Sanlúcar de Barrameda is the third corner of the sherry triangle. It sits where the Guadalquivir river meets the sea. Buses link it with Jerez, but a car is quicker, at around 25 minutes. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Visit Bodegas Barbadillo to taste manzanilla, a crisp sherry aged by the sea. Tours are popular, so book ahead online. Then climb to the 15th-century Castillo de Santiago in the upper town. At lunchtime, head down to Bajo de GuÃa beach for fresh prawns. Nature lovers can also visit the edge of Doñana National Park from here. Learn more in our guides to Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Andalusian sherry.
Arcos de la Frontera
Inland, Arcos de la Frontera clings to a rocky ridge above the Guadalete river. It is one of Andalusia’s famous white villages. There is no train, so you will need a car or a bus. If you plan to explore more villages, consider this option. Hire a car with Discovercars. The drive takes about 30 minutes. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Head straight to the Plaza del Cabildo. Its balcony gives dizzy views over the gorge below. Next to it, the BasÃlica de Santa MarÃa de la Asunción mixes Gothic and Baroque styles. After that, wander the steep, narrow lanes of the old town. Wear comfy shoes, because the streets climb sharply. Read more in our guide to Arcos de la Frontera.
Vejer de la Frontera
Vejer de la Frontera is another gorgeous hilltop town, closer to the coast. The drive from Jerez takes roughly 50 minutes. Public transport is slow, so a car works best. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Begin at the Plaza de España, where a tiled fountain sits among palm trees. Then walk through the Arco de la Segur, an old city gate. Inside the walls, you will find the Castillo de Vejer and the twisting lanes of the JuderÃa quarter. Afterwards, stop for tapas on a sunny terrace. Vejer feels quieter than Arcos, so it suits a slow, relaxed day. Find out more in our guide to Vejer de la Frontera.
Seville
Finally, for a big city day, go to Seville. Direct trains take about an hour, which makes it very doable. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. You can also drive in around an hour, but central parking is expensive. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Start at the Real Alcázar, a stunning royal palace with Moorish courtyards and lush gardens. Tickets sell out fast, so buy yours in advance online. Then visit the Seville Cathedral and climb the Giralda tower. Lastly, get lost in the Santa Cruz quarter. Our guide to Seville has plenty more tips, and our things to do in Seville page will help you plan.
Planning Your Day Trips
Overall, trains suit El Puerto, Cádiz and Seville best. For Sanlúcar, Arcos and Vejer, a car gives you the most freedom. Whichever you choose, start early and book popular tickets ahead. If you want to see even more of this coast, try our 7 day Costa de la Luz itinerary.