El Puerto de Santa María is a charming community in the midst of sherry wine country. Its wineries and quaint historic district add an air of sophistication to the pristine and spacious beaches with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Consider the town as an elegant and fascinating base from which to explore the vineyards and picturesque coastline of the Cádiz province.
Bring your family to one of the splendid beaches that decorate the shore. Note that the beaches here are calmer and less crowded than their busy counterparts in the neighboring Costa del Sol. Work on your tan during a hot, sunny summer or warm spring or autumn.
At the mouth of the Guadalete River that runs through the town lie Puntilla Beach and Valdelagrana Beach. Make your way to the town’s western outskirts for the serene Las Redes Beach and continue north to reach Fuenterrabía Beach.
Learn about the city’s sherry wine tradition at various wineries, including Bodegas Terry and Bodegas 501. The most iconic is the Bodegas Osborne, which is near the town center. Its logo of a bull has become famous throughout Spain. Try brandy and various types of sherry wine, which include dry, sweet and pale cream.
Enter the town center and dine at one of the many bars and restaurants serving international delicacies as well as local dishes, such as tapas. Here you will find historic highlights, including the 13th-century San Marcos Castle.
The town is near the border with Portugal in the Andalusia region of southwestern Spain. Fly to the nearby Jerez International Airport or to Gibraltar International Airport, which is 75 miles (120 kilometers) east. Trains from Madrid and Seville stop here and at several other cities in the region. Get around the town via public buses, taxis and bicycles from public stands.
A trip to El Puerto de Santa María usually includes sherry wine tastings, family beach outings and walks along the cobbled lanes of the old town.
