17 Jul What to do in Jerez – 5 reasons to visit Jerez in 2024

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What to do in Jerez – 5 reasons to visit Jerez

A stroll down narrow, sun-drenched streets, toe-tapping to the intoxicating, soulful rhythm of a raw and percussive rasgueado guitar sound. A tapa in one hand and a copa of dry, refreshing, perfumed Fino in the other, all the while soaking in millennia of history of overlapping cultures and civilizations. If this sounds like bliss, then Jerez de la Frontera, one of southern Spain’s most charming and picturesque towns, should definitely be on your bucket list.

Jerez is the ideal destination for sun seekers, with incredible weather year-round. It is also a haven for foodies, with delectable cuisine and charming traditional eateries; and is perfect for culture enthusiasts too, as it’s considered the birthplace of flamenco. It is a city that awakens the senses and ignites your soul, offering visitors unique things to do and see, from exploring historical monuments like the Alcázar and the cathedral to visiting its world-famous Sherry bodegas.

With such a rich array of tourist attractions, deciding what to do in Jerez might be challenging, so we’ve compiled a list of the top things to do in Jerez in 2024 to help plan your visit.

Getting to know Jerez de la Frontera: Why is Jerez so highly visited?

The history of Jerez

Jerez dates back to Paleolithic times, but it was the Moors who first left an indelible imprint on its architectural landscape. They built mosques and palaces and extended the town center, creating much of the character that still defines the city’s incredible aesthetic today. This Moorish influence contributes significantly to Jerez’s unique appeal, leaving visitors with lasting, vivid memories of its distinctive beauty.

In the 13th century, the Reconquista brought Jerez back under Christian rule and by the 15th century, the town had become one of the most prosperous in Andalusia, exporting agricultural produce and wine to Europe and later to America. In the 18th century, the British market became a key destination for the wines of this region. Business partnerships between Jerez producers and their British agents led to the creation of winemaking firms whose legacy continues today. Jerez’s importance in the global wine trade was further solidified in 1933 when it was officially granted Spain’s first denominación de origen (DO) as D.O. Jerez-Xeres-Sherry.

With a rich winemaking history spanning over three millennia, Jerez is one of the most respected winegrowing regions worldwide. The city and its surrounding area have maintained this prestigious position to the present day, with the Sherry wine industry remaining the backbone of Jerez’s economy.

The magic of the unique location of Jerez

In addition to its exquisite architecture, food, wine, culture, and history, Jerez offers practical reasons for visiting, too, as it is strategically situated in southwestern Spain, just a few miles from the historic city of Cadiz and within close proximity to Seville, Gibraltar, Granada, and Cordoba. This strategic location makes it a convenient destination for travelers, as it provides access to both the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea, offering tourists plenty of exploration opportunities. Accessing Jerez itself is also remarkably easy for visitors. Major international airports in Seville and Malaga offer plenty of international flight options, with convenient connections to Jerez available by train, coach, or even taxi. Alternatively, travelers can fly directly into Jerez itself.

As an added bonus, Jerez’s mild climate means you can enjoy these wonders year-round, avoiding the high season crowds of Spain’s more famous tourist destinations.

Gastronomy and wines

Food tends to be one of the main reasons why people travel to Spain, and Jerez is no exception. In fact, Jerez de la Frontera may be one of the top gastronomic destinations in the entire country. Not only for its traditional fare like berza jerezana (pulses stew), Sherried kidneys, rabo de toro (oxtail), ajo de viña (a sort of garlicky bread pudding), and tocinos de cielo (caramelized egg flan), but also for its more avant-garde gastronomic offering that blends heritage with innovative cooking techniques.

A highlight of Jerez’s gastronomy is its famed Sherry wine, a true emblem of the town’s identity. Sherry comes in a wide range of styles, each delicious in its own way, so there is something to suit every palate. From crisp and refreshing Finos, for instance, which are perfect as aperitifs or for pairing with tapas, to decadently sweet PX that elevates ice cream to new heights when drizzled over it, passing through complex and nuanced Amontillado, Oloroso, and Palo Cortado. And that’s not all: most Sherries can be used in a variety of cocktails too.

How many days do I need to see Jerez de la Frontera?

A two-day visit is the minimum for an immersive experience of Jerez de la Frontera, however three is the ideal number of days to fully appreciate the top five things to do in Jerez in 2024. This ensures ample time to savor the delicious cuisine, explore the town, and indulge in its renowned Sherry. But, like Sherry, Jerez is moreish, so you will be back!

What is the best time of the year to visit Jerez de la Frontera?

Summer in Jerez can be scorching, so the best time of year to visit Jerez is in the spring, when temperatures are more temperate, ranging from 20°C to 27°C in May. Autumn is also ideal, especially in October, with maximum temperatures averaging around 26°C.

Your decision of when to visit Jerez de la Frontera in 2024 may also depend on the many festivals organized in the town throughout the year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, one such unmissable event is the wine-themed Fiestas de la Vendimia, held in September. This was originally a celebration marking the grape harvest, but has evolved to feature equestrian shows, flamenco performances, and plenty of food and wine tasting.

More yearly events include Semana Santa (Easter Week), the Feria de Jerez or Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair) in May, and the joyous Jerez Zambombas, a traditional Christmas celebration. Ever danced to Flamenco carols before?

Top 5 activities to do when visiting Jerez in 2024

1. Visit Europe largest bodega located in Jerez: Williams & Humbert

Visiting a Sherry bodega is undoubtedly the most unique thing to do in Jerez. A visit to a bodega isn’t just about wine, it offers insights into the town’s rich history, society, and culture. Bodegas Williams & Humbert is one of the premier destinations for such an experience. Spanning an impressive 50,000 square meters, this winery is among the largest in Europe.

During your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the bodega’s vast facilities and enjoy the sight and inebriating scent of its 60,000 wooden barrels, home to Williams & Humbert’s remarkable library of aging Sherries, Brandies, and Dos Maderas Rums. The winery is indeed the first Sherry house in the region to tap into its rich collection of wooden casks – particularly barrels that previously held Palo Cortado and Pedro Ximenez Sherry – to enhance the flavors and aromas of exceptional Caribbean Rum.

All tours at Bodegas Williams & Humbert include a tasting of their delicious wines accompanied by snacks. Additionally, guests have the option to attend the winery’s equestrian or Flamenco shows, touring the vineyards, or indulging in food pairings. It’s an experience that any wine and spirits enthusiast will love, but it can also captivate any traveler interested in Andalusian culture and the rich history of Jerez.

Insider Tip: Founded in 1877, the unique winery has been declared Andalusian Heritage Property, thanks to the significant engineering and design; it is an immense puzzle of 7,657 concrete pieces!

2. Dine at Mercado de Abastos: Jerez food market

For the foodies, the primary destination to visit in Jerez is undoubtedly the city’s vibrant and bustling food market, the Mercado Central de Abastos, housed in a magnificent neoclassical building dating back to 1885. The Mercado Central de Abastos is particularly renowned for its exceptional selection of seafood, sourced fresh daily from the coast, but it also boasts sections dedicated to meat, fruits, vegetables, and much more, showcasing the rich diversity of Andalusian food culture. It’s a truly exhilarating sensory experience, and a real must for food lovers.

Insider Tip: If you visit the market early in the morning, you can catch the freshest catches of the day and maybe witness the lively bartering between local chefs and vendors. It’s the perfect time to perhaps pick up ingredients for your own culinary adventures.

3. Flamenco tabancos route: Visit 5 tabancos in Jerez

Going tabanco-hopping offers a unique way to immerse yourself in the local culture. These charming and characterful establishments are Jerez de la Frontera’s traditional Sherry bars, serving classic dishes and often hosting Flamenco shows. The ideal tabanco crawl may include a tapa of caracoles (snails) at Tabanco San Pablo followed by an intimate live Flamenco performance at Tabanco El Pasaje (pictured above). More classic tapas can be found at Tabanco Plateros, alongside a range of Sherries straight from the cask – which is how people have been traditionally consuming wine in Jerez. The more modern El Almacén serves delightful salt cod fritters, and for a hidden gem, seek out Bar Juanito tucked away in a back street, renowned for its chicharrones (pork scratchings) and artichoke-based tapas.

Insider Tip: Many tabancos have a unique ambiance in the late afternoon or early evening, when the locals gather for a drink and some tapas. This is also when impromptu Flamenco performances are more likely to happen.

4. Be royally amazed at a Royal Equestrian Horses Show

Andalusian horses are renowned worldwide for their graceful demeanor and exceptional beauty and Jerez celebrates these majestic creatures through festivals and regular shows. For the ultimate equestrian experience, head to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, revered as one of the world’s finest riding centers, where you’ll have the opportunity to witness mesmerizing shows featuring Andalusian horses in all their splendor. A visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art includes watching training sessions inside the Picadero (the indoor arena), a guided tour of the stables and tack rooms, and access to the carriage museum and museum of equestrian art.

Insider Tip: If you visit on a training day, you might catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the riders and horses preparing for their performances.

5. Discover the Alcázar de Jerez

A visit to the Alcázar de Jerez is undoubtedly one of the top experiences in Jerez de la Frontera. This historic building dates back to the 11th century and is one of the best-preserved Moorish fortresses in Andalusia. The Alcázar offers a glimpse into Andalusia’s rich Moorish heritage. Its most striking features include its imposing walls, the impressive 14th-century octagonal tower, and remarkably preserved Arab baths. Within the confines of the Alcázar also lies a mosque, the sole survivor of the 18 mosques once present in the city, later converted into a chapel.

Insider Tip: Visit the Alcázar at sunset when the magical golden light casts enchanting shadows on the ancient walls.

Why visit Jerez in 2024?

These are only five of the best reasons to visit Jerez in 2024, but there are so many more things to do and see in Jerez de la Frontera. From iconic landmarks to delicious wine, Jerez’s rich history, vibrant culture, and unique gastronomy make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic toe-tapping and palm-clapping Andalusian adventure.

Author: Jacopo Mazzeo, award-winning wine, drinks and travel journalist, and photographer.