Hotels in Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Barrio Bajo and Plaza del Cabildo

The Barrio Bajo is Sanlúcar’s commercial heart. Around Plaza del Cabildo are the terraces, shops and bars where people order shrimp fritters with a manzanilla. From here everything is on foot: the town hall, the market and the streets running down to the river.

It is the best fit if you are visiting the town for the first time and do not want to depend on the car. It is lively until late, especially in summer and at weekends.

Barrio Alto

Climbing the Cuesta de Belén you reach the Barrio Alto, the oldest part. Here are Santiago castle, the parish church of La O and the ducal palace of Medina Sidonia, with manzanilla bodegas open to visitors in the surrounding streets. The streets are quieter and there is hardly anyone about at night. It suits those who come for the bodegas and the history and do not mind the daily climb.

Bajo de Guía

This old fishermen’s quarter looks straight across at Doñana. Its promenade is full of fish and prawn restaurants, and boats leave from the jetty to sail up the Guadalquivir through the national park. The Fábrica de Hielo visitor centre is also here. Staying in Bajo de Guía makes sense if you want to dine by the river every night and get up early for the Doñana trip.

La Calzada and the beach

The Calzada del Ejército is the great avenue linking the centre with the beach. It is an area of flats and apartments, convenient for families spending the day on the sand who want the centre close by. In August, the beach opposite hosts the horse races, so those weeks are much busier.

Further towards Chipiona, La Jara beach has a more residential, quiet feel, with villas and holiday homes.