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Municipality in Andalusia, Spain
Photo: Luu, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
El Puerto de Santa María (El Puerto for short) is a city in Cádiz Province in Andalusia. With a population of 90,000 in 2025, it's the south tip of the sherry-producing triangle also delineated by Jerez and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
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This was originally a fortified church, built by Alfonso X of Castile around 1264. It was built over a demolished mosque after the city was recaptured from the Moors, just to rub salt in the wound. The walls, towers and battlements were renovated in the 20th century.
Priory church founded in the 13th century but opened in its present form in 1493. Initially in late Gothic style, it was amended down the years, with the magnificent Puerta de Sol added around 1540. The church collapsed in an earthquake of 1636 and was rebuilt piecemeal in a hotchpotch of styles.
One of a dwindling number of active bullrings in Spain, with bull fights in summer. Come another day to admire the grand 19th century stadium.
Alberti (1902-99) was a distinguished writer, painter and left-wing politician. His early years were here, and his career was amidst the Spanish civil war.
Busy, long-established fish restaurant, doing the simple things well. There’s also a counter where you buy fresh to take home.
Slick quality seafood restaurant.
Great reviews for this Andalusian restaurant. Booking essential.
Pleasant seafood restaurant near Las Redes beach.
1200 places on the city beach, clean and secure.
Cosy welcoming guesthouse.
Friendly central guesthouse. Rooms are en suite, no dorm.
Charming old town hotel in a former monastery.
The Place
Comfy central place in a former sherry bodega, some repairs needed. Check whether there’s a function on, when music will blast out late night.
Swish aparthotel in a 17th century mansion.
Clean and comfy.
Atmospheric hotel in a 17th century ducal palace, great scores for comfort and service.
Beachfront spa hotel open March-Oct. Pricey for what you get.
By train
Estación de tren Puerto de Santa María is northeast side of town.
By bus
Socibus run from Madrid Estacion Sur, with two per day and one overnight taking 7 hr 30 min on their way to Cádiz.
By road
From Madrid, Cordoba or Seville follow A-4 (toll).
By boat
Foot passenger ferries cross the bay hourly from Cádiz to Terminal Marítima. When the sea is rough, there’s a replacement bus.
Walking gets you to the central sights, but the beaches are several km out.
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Jerez de la Frontera · Regional · XRY
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