In short: Jerez de la Frontera is the home of sherry and the Royal Riding School, and one of the strongholds of flamenco. One day is enough for a bodega tour, the riding school and the old town, provided you book both in advance. The city lies on the railway line between Seville and Cádiz and is far less crowded than either.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 day, 2 to 3 days with Sanlúcar and El Puerto
- Best time: spring and autumn, or for the Feria in May
- Getting there: direct train from Seville and Cádiz, its own airport
- Booking: reserve the bodega tour and the riding school in advance
- Prices: depend on the bodega and the show, current rates on the providers’ websites
What is sherry and how does a bodega tour work?
Sherry is a fortified white wine that may only be made in the triangle between Jerez, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María. It matures in barrels stacked in several rows on top of each other. Every year, part of the wine is drawn from the bottom row and topped up with younger wine from above. This system is called solera, which is why sherry usually has no vintage.
On a tour you walk through the tall, cool cellars, have the system explained and taste several types at the end. The big houses offer tours in English and some in German; smaller bodegas are more personal but often only open by appointment. Times and prices are on the bodegas’ websites.
| Type | Taste | Goes well with |
|---|---|---|
| Fino | pale, very dry, light | olives, ham, fish |
| Manzanilla | like fino, saltier, from Sanlúcar | seafood |
| Amontillado | amber-coloured, nutty | mushrooms, white meat |
| Oloroso | dark, full-bodied, dry | stews, cheese |
| Pedro Ximénez | almost black, very sweet | dessert, ice cream |
The Royal Riding School
The Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre trains riders and Andalusian horses in classical dressage. On certain days it puts on the show “Cómo bailan los caballos andaluces” (How the Andalusian horses dance), a kind of ballet on horseback with music and historical costumes. On the other days you can visit the grounds, the stables and the training sessions.
The show days change with the season and are often sold out. You can only find dates and prices in the official shop of the Real Escuela. Check them before you fix your day in Jerez.
Flamenco in Jerez
Jerez is considered one of the cradles of flamenco, especially the old quarters of Santiago and San Miguel. Instead of big shows, there are peñas, club venues where people sing and dance on some evenings, and small bars (tabancos) that serve sherry straight from the barrel, sometimes with live music.
In spring the Festival de Jerez takes place, one of the country’s major flamenco festivals. In May comes the Feria del Caballo with riders and carriages. The city sets the dates anew each year; more on this under Festivals in Andalusia.
What is there to see in the old town?
The centre is small and flat, and you can walk around all of it in two to three hours.
- Alcázar: Moorish fortress with a mosque, baths and gardens, plus a camera obscura in the tower.
- Cathedral: right next door, with a free-standing bell tower.
- Barrio de Santiago: flamenco quarter with simple white houses.
- Plaza del Arenal: the central square, good for a break.
- Mercado Central de Abastos: market hall, liveliest in the morning.
The sherry triangle: Sanlúcar and El Puerto
If you have more than one day, include the other two sherry towns. Both are on the water and known for their food.
- Sanlúcar de Barrameda: at the mouth of the Guadalquivir, home of manzanilla and langostinos. In August, horse races are held on the beach here.
- El Puerto de Santa María: fish restaurants by the river and a catamaran across to Cádiz.
What to eat with your sherry is covered under Andalusian food. From Jerez it is also not far to the white villages and the Costa de la Luz.
Getting there and planning
Jerez is on the Seville to Cádiz railway line, with trains several times a day. Journey times and prices are on Renfe. From the station you can walk into the centre. Jerez Airport also has flights from Germany, depending on the season.
In July and August it gets very hot in Jerez, and in high summer some bodegas have reduced hours. Spring and autumn are more pleasant. If you are thinking about staying longer in this area, you will find details on the region under Studying in Cádiz.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jerez worth a day trip?
Yes, from Seville and from Cádiz. By train you get there without a car and can taste sherry without worrying.
Which bodega should I choose?
The big, well-known houses are well organised and offer tours in several languages. Small family bodegas are quieter and often cheaper. The important thing is to book in advance.
Can I fit the bodega and the riding school into one day?
Yes, if the times work out. Book the riding school first, because it has fewer dates, and plan the bodega around it.
Will I like sherry if I do not like sweet wine?
All the more so. Most sherries are dry. Start with a well-chilled fino or manzanilla.
Sources
- Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre: official website
- Real Escuela: official ticket shop
- Renfe: timetable Seville, Jerez, Cádiz
As of: October 2026
As of October 2026. Opening hours, prices and entry rules change. Check them on the official websites before your visit.
Cover image: Fortun2023 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
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