Jerez Local Attractions

The city of Jerez has a remarkably aristocratic air with its wide streets, traditional squares and spectacular rows of jacaranda trees during the spring. The sherry production houses are located in the centre of Jerez and you can take a guided tour of the many bodegas, including Gonzalez Byass, Pedro Domecq and Sandeman. Tours of the cellars take place on weekdays, followed by sampling of the various types of wine produced.

The Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art on Avda. Duque de Abrantes is famous for its dancing horse shows, where the famous thoroughbreds are trained to perform high precision dances to music. You can either watch a show which takes place twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon or see the training taking place on other days of the week. Jerez celebrates its famous annual Horse Fair (Feria de Caballo) at the beginning of May, which is also an agricultural fair with shows and competitions with prizes.

Jerez is famous for its long - standing Flamenco tradition with an annual Flamenco Festival which is one of the most important in the world, with two weeks of fantastic music and dance from international performers. Flamenco dancing centres around the Barrio de Santiago which faces the cathedral. On the Plaza de San Juan you will find the Andalucian Flamenco Foundation in a stylish eighteenth century mansion, the Palacio de Pemartín, which has a museum with some fascinating musical instruments and flamenco dance origins illustrated by audiovisual presentations.

There are a number of churches to visit in Jerez incudingThe Church of Santa Maria which was built in 1764 and has a grand doorway, some dreamy spires, pinnacles and broken crests. The Church of San Pedro has a nave which is divided into three sections and a triple vaulted ceiling which covers the entire church and which was constructed during the Gothic era of the 14th century. During the 16th and 17th centuries another six chapels were added in mainly Baroque and Renaissance styles.The Church of San Agustin was founded in 1539, and houses an image of the figure of Jesus of Nazareth which was created in 1564 under the guidance of the Augustine brothers.

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car. There are a number of car hire firms based at Jerez Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

To make sure you get the most from your visit to Jerez, we have written a Jerez Area Guide detailing the best Shops in Jerez as well as Jerez Local Markets and Golf Courses in Jerez.. There is detailed information on the Jerez Beaches and recommended Restaurants in Jerez. If you want to find out something about the local culture and history of the area then visit our Jerez Local Attractions Guide