Free walking tours in El Puerto de Santa María and what to see

Must-sees

El Puerto de Santa María is on the Bay of Cádiz, at the mouth of the Guadalete. It is known as the city of a hundred palaces for the houses of the Indies merchants, which you see as you walk through the centre. Visit San Marcos castle, built over an old mosque, the Iglesia Mayor Prioral, the Galeras fountain and the bullring, one of the largest in Spain.

El Puerto is part of the Sherry Triangle, and its bodegas of fino and other fortified wines can be visited. The Ribera del Marisco, by the river, is the classic place for fried fish and seafood. The town also has good beaches, such as La Puntilla, Valdelagrana and Fuentebravía. The poet Rafael Alberti was born here, and his birthplace is now a foundation.

Free tours and guided visits

There are free tours of the historic centre that take in the merchants’ palaces, the Prioral and the castle, explaining the town’s ties with the Americas trade and with wine. They last about two hours and you pay what you wish. Among paid visits, San Marcos castle and bodega tours with tastings are worthwhile. The catamaran across the bay to Cádiz is a trip in itself. It is also easy to arrange outings to Jerez, Sanlúcar de Barrameda or the white villages of the sierra.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the centre, the castle and a bodega. With two or three days you can combine beach time, an evening on the Ribera del Marisco and a catamaran trip to Cádiz. If you stay a week, El Puerto is a good base for exploring the whole bay and the Jerez countryside.

Where to stay

The historic centre, between the Ribera del Marisco, the Prioral and the castle, is the best area if you want to see the town on foot and go out to dinner without a car. The catamaran jetty to Cádiz is also right there. If you are mainly coming for the beach, Valdelagrana has a promenade and plenty of apartments, and the Vistahermosa and Fuentebravía area is quieter and more residential.