Looking to take a trip outside of Seville in July or August? Why not visit Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia’s 5th largest city! Jerez has its own airport, a bustling train station, bus connections and a modern highway. Need more convincing? Here are our top four reasons you should visit Jerez in summer!
It’s close to the beach!
Our first reason to visit Jerez in summer are the sea breezes and nearby beaches. Jerez may sit inland, but light winds from the Atlantic ocean make it a cooler destination than Seville. Plus, you can get to nearby beaches in the blink of an eye!
Firstly, Valdelagrana in El Puerto de Santa María or Cádiz city beaches are both easily reached by car or commuter train in under thirty minutes. Next, if you’d rather get off the beaten path, try the sandy shores of Conil de la Frontera or Los Caños de Meca. Finally, if you’d like a little history to go with your suntan, visit the Roman Ruins at Baelo Claudia. Tickets are only a 1.50€ to visit the museum and archaeological sight, then drop by beautiful Bolonia Beach after.
Spain’s oldest wine-making region!
Rioja and Ribera may be household names, but in Jerez they’ve been making wines since before Roman times! The city has a sherry tradition over 2,000 years old and the name Jerez translates to sherry in English! Learn all about the fascinatingly complex and totally unique range of sherry wines in Jerez by touring a local bodega.
There’s Gonzalez Byass, home to the famous Tio Pepe and an annual live music festival in August. Likewise, a walk and tasting at Domecq is another option to see one of the city’s oldest bodegas, whose wine cellars once covered whole city streets!
Marvel at the Dancing Horses of Jerez
Our third reason to visit Jerez in summer is to see famous Andalusian horses in action. The iconic stallion breed is both beloved and revered in the city of Jerez. Catch a world-class dressage show at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (Avenida Duque de Abrantes S/N).
For a more laid-back look at these magnificent mares, don’t miss Jerez’s Feria del Caballo, similar to Seville’s iconic April Fair.
Immerse Yourself in Flamenco
Reason number four to visit Jerez in summer is for the music. Jerez has a flamenco tradition all its own, a dancing and singing style known as bulería. In summer, the city abounds with opportunities to enjoy fierce flamenco performaces alongside locals.
On Friday nights in July and August take in a live show at the Moorish fortress, known as the Alcázar de Jerez. There’s also the International Bulería Music Festival, celebrating its 50th anniversary! From August 24th through the 26th, singers, dancers and guitar players will pay tribute to this special style of flamenco.
Shows are easy to enjoy any day of the week at one of Jerez’s many tabancos. These local bars provide impromptu performances with music often spilling out into the streets. Tabanco El Pasaje (Calle Santa María, 8) is a must. There are evening shows Wednesday through Sunday, and don’t forget to pair with a tapa or two, and a sherry!
