Sanlúcar de Barrameda, located just in front of the Doñana National Park, It is one of the most visited cities on the Cádiz coast. Occupied since prehistoric times and thanks to its strategic position, it was inhabited by the Tartessos, it was the founding place of the noble house of Medina Sidonia, one of the most important in Spain, and it was established as a key point for the export of goods during the colonization of America. Today, its streets keep and reflect all those centuries of history.
The cultural, historical and natural wealth of Sanlúcar de Barrameda make it an ideal destination to visit on vacation. Beaches, monuments, nightlife and bars to eat well, it has all the necessary ingredients so that you cannot get bored. If you do not know what to see and what to do in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, you cannot miss this post where you will find one list with the places of tourist interest that will be essential in your visit to this jewel of Cadiz.
Visit the Barrio Alto
The Barrio Alto de Sanlúcar is the oldest part of the city, in the Middle Ages it concentrated all the activity and was protected by a wall. Walking through its streets is a true trip to the past and a great opportunity to learn about the importance of the coastal city as a strategic point for commerce.
Religious buildings, gardens, wineries and palaces, each corner has a story. Next, I will show you what stops you should make on your walk through the Bairro Alto.
the caves
Located on the Cuesta de Belén, next to the Palacio de Medina Sidonia, Las Covachas or Tiendas de Sierpes were a old merchants market. With a marked Gothic style, they were ordered to be built at the end of the XNUMXth century by the II Duke of Medina Sidonia, Enrique Pérez de Guzmán y Meneses, in one of the streets that, at that time, it brought together a large part of Sanlúcar's commercial activity. The building attracts attention for its wide gallery of arches and a beautiful frieze decorated with reliefs of dragons.
Auditorium of La Merced
It was built in the XNUMXth century and it was used as a convent and, later, as a hermitage. Like most of the city's historic buildings and monuments, the Auditorium of La Merced is also It was built thanks to the patronage of the noble house of Medina Sidonia.
In the 80s, the old convent was in an advanced state of disrepair. Thus, the XXI Duchess of Medina Sidonia decided to donate the space to the Sanlúcar City Council and currently works as a municipal auditorium and headquarters of the Delegation of Culture of the City Council and the Sanlúcar International Music Festival.
Basilica of Our Lady of Charity
The Basilica of Our Lady of Charity was ordered to be built by the VII Duke of Medina Sidonia. The work lasted from 1609 to 1613. The temple was controlled by chaplains appointed directly by the noble house.
The commission was entrusted to Alonso de Vandelvira, senior architect of the Casa de Medina Sidonia, who endowed the sanctuary with an evident mannerist style. The facade of the church is sober and highlights the beautiful bell tower that crowns the outside. Inside, an almost flat dome lets light pass through a hole that, located at the top, illuminates the main altar.
Rota Gate
The Gate of Rota it was one of the entrances to the old city, surrounded by Guzmán el Bueno. It owes its name to At that point on the wall, the route that linked Sanlúcar de Barrameda with Rota, neighboring village. In Sanlúcar it is known as "The Arquillo" and its construction dates from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXth century.
Our Lady of the O Parish
The Parish of Our Lady of the O It is the Greater Church of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Its construction dates from 1603 and was made thanks to the patronage of the First Duchess of Medinaceli, Isabel de la Cerda y Guzmán, who was also the granddaughter of Guzmán el Bueno.
Of Mudejar style and rectangular plant, the temple stands out for its sandstone stone façade, enriched by the noble coats of arms of the noble houses of Guzmán and de la Cerda. Inside, the Mudejar coffered ceiling catches all eyes.
Medina Sidonia Palace
The Palace of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia It was built in the XNUMXth century on a XNUMXth century Muslim riat. Different architectural styles coexist in the palace, predominating the Mudejar style, of the old construction, and the Renaissance. The interior is filled with works of art acquired by the noble house. Paintings by artists of the stature of Zurbarán and Francisco de Goya stand out. The garden has a forest of 5000 m2 and it is another of the great jewels of the building.
Today, the palace is the headquarters of the non-profit organization Fundación Casa Medina Sidonia and It houses one of the most representative and authentic hostels in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Orleans-Bourbon Palace
The palace was built in the XNUMXth century, as summer residence of the Dukes of Montpensier, Antonio de Orleans and María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón. Today is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, functioning as the City Council of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Its architectural style and its beautiful gardens make it a unique work of art, The neo-Mudejar style façade contrasts with the Italian classicism present in some areas of the interior. Styles such as Rococo, Egyptian or Chinese, are present in other rooms of the palace.
Castle of Santiago
Built in the XNUMXth century under the patronage of the Casa de Medina Sidonia, The Castillo De Santiago stands out for its late Gothic style and for the keep, a replica of the Torre de Guzmán el Bueno from the Castle of Tarifa. The complex served as a ducal fortress and was visited by important figures who stopped in Sanlúcar due to its privileged location, such as Colón, Fernando de Magallanes and even Isabel la Católica herself.
The Castillo De Santiago is undoubtedly one of those places that you have to see in the city. Currently houses inside the Costume Museum and Weapons Museum, access to both is included with the general admission ticket to the fortress. In addition, it has numerous gardens and rooms that are offered to host all kinds of celebrations.
The best beaches in Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Sanlúcar is a city that offers so many plans and possibilities that, despite being a coastal area, it is worth visiting even in winter. However, If you go to the city in summer and are looking to escape the southern heat, you can go to the best beaches in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, enjoy the sun and cool off with a good bath.
Bonanza Beach
Located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir, this beach is very popular with locals and, curiously, little frequented by outsiders. It is a very authentic beach, quiet, with clear sand and very calm waters. Near the shore, you will see small boats, owned by local fishermen. Although it is not the best beach to take a bath, it is ideal for walking, having a drink at a beach bar and enjoying the sea breeze.
Beaches of La Calzada and Las Piletas
Both beaches, located next to each other, are perhaps the best known in Sanlúcar. The famous horse races are held there in August, one of the most important traditions of the city.
The level of occupation of these beaches is usually high, but it is worth going to them, especially if you want to take advantage of all kinds of facilities and amenities, while you delight in the scenery.
Jara beach
If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend the day in a more unspoiled environment, Playa de la Jara will enchant you. Located about 15 minutes from the center of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, this beach is ideal to enjoy a good bath, disconnect and get in touch with nature.
Although it lacks many services and facilities, the beauty of the landscape makes up for it. There are usually not many people, so tranquility is guaranteed, and watching the sunset resting on the sand is a real spectacle. Of course, if you go to this beach I recommend you to wear booties, there are rocks and this type of footwear will help your bathroom not to spoil.
The Plaza del Cabildo
The Plaza del Cabildo is the heart of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Bars, terraces and restaurants are distributed around it and a large part of the atmosphere is concentrated. The central fountain and the large palm trees that grow inside the square, make it a unique space and, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic of the area.
It is full of life and If you want to know the culture of tapas, this place is the one to do it. Those with a sweet tooth will also find their perfect plan here, because among the locals that surround the square you will find some of the best ice cream parlors in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Bonanza Market
As in many other coastal cities, Fishing is one of the oldest and most relevant activities in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Knowing the fish trade is a very good way to soak up the Sanlucan culture. For that nothing better than to go to the Bonanza Market.
Located next to the port, the fish market is the epicenter of the city's fishing business. It is divided into two areas, one dedicated to the sale of purse-seine fish and the other to trawling. The fish auction is, without a doubt, one of the most authentic shows that you can witness during your visit to Sanlúcar. It is attended by fishmongers and local businesses that bid for the best fresh produce. If you want to discover the essence of the city, you can also go to the pier to see the fish unloading.
Visit the Doñana National Park from Sanlúcar
Doñana National Park It is one of the most important protected areas in Spain. The reserve is made up of a great variety of ecosystems that endow it with a diversity and rich landscape that is unique in Europe. Sanlúcar de Barrameda is fortunate to be located very close to the park and Visits to Doñana are organized from the city. If you are looking to see something more than monuments and would like to enjoy the most unspoiled nature, booking one of these excursions is a great idea.
The park is accessed by boat, through the Guadalquivir And, although the walk along the river is already a marvel, if you want to know all the ecosystems of Doñana, you can also hire an all-terrain service, which usually includes a specialized guide, with whom you can visit every corner of this natural treasure .
The boats leave from Bajo de Guía beach and cross the Guadalquivir to the shore of the nature reserve. Once there, se continue in the all-terrain vehicle and start a journey through the most impressive landscapes of Doñana: beaches, white sand dunes, preserves, marshes ... The route ends at «La Plancha», an old town where the inhabitants who once settled in the park lived.
The boat will drop you back in Sanlúcar, so you can continue having fun in the city. So now you know, if you don't know what to see in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, keep in mind that one option is to explore its surroundings and You can do this excursion in just one day.
Flamenco in Sanlúcar
Flamenco is one of the most representative cultural elements of Andalusia. However, there are cities where the love for this musical genre is breathed in every corner, Sanlúcar de Barrameda is one of those cities.
To enjoy singing and dancing, In Sanlúcar there are local specialized in transmitting and displaying the art of these lands. If you want to get closer to the culture of Sanlúcar, you cannot leave without visiting one of the peñas and still lifes that offer this type of shows (and about which I provide more information below).
Where can I see a flamenco show in Sanlúcar de Barrameda?
Still Life to Setback
Located on Calle San Miguel, just a three-minute walk from the Orleans Palace, this mix of traditional tavern and tablao gives the tourist the possibility of enjoying a unique flamenco show, carried out by professional artists, while tasting typical dishes of the area.
Flamenco club Puerto Lucero
About 300 meters from Castillo De Santiago, on Calle de la Zorra, is the Peña Flamenca Puerto Lucero. This non-profit cultural association organizes flamenco shows. Bringing together artists from the area and helping young talents, the peña strives to show that flamenco is a living heritage of Sanlúcar and they try to transmit the love for this art to everyone who comes to their tablao.
Rociera El Rengue Room
Tapas, drinks and live music, the Sala Rociera El Rengue is the ideal place for those looking to have fun in Sanlúcar from Barrameda to the rhythm of rumbas and sevillanas. Located on Calle de las Cruces, the place offers a relaxed atmosphere that will allow you to get closer to flamenco in an authentic and different way.
Sanlúcar wineries
Wine production is, historically, an important economic activity for Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Although there are wineries that sell wine from different denominations of origin (Jerez, Vinagre and Brandy de Jerez), Manzanilla is the one that has traditionally been associated with the Sanlúcar culture.
Es one of the most special wines in the world, It has a unique character and it is the land where it is born that endows it with such particular nuances. It is ideal to accompany the aperitif, It is eaten cold (between 5º and 7º C) and pairs very well with all the foods that come from the sea and, luckily, Sanlúcar offers a very good raw material, fresh and top quality products.
I'm sure I've already convinced you to try a glass of Chamomile, but… Wouldn't you like to know how it is obtained? Wine tourism is a great option for wine lovers who come to spend a few days in the city. There are wineries that organize visits for tourists and in which they will explain the entire production process of the drink that has become a symbol of Sanlúcar.
Some wineries that organize visits to their facilities
Hidalgo La Gitana Winery
Founded in 1972, Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana is a traditional business that has been passed down from father to son. They owe their fame to their star product: "La Gitana" Manzanilla, one of the best known in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Organizers daily tastings and different types of guided tours. Reservations can be made from their website and the prices are quite reasonable.
La Cigarrera Wineries
Talking about Manzanilla «La Cigarrera» is synonymous with tradition. The origins of the winery are attributed to a Catalan merchant who ended up staying in Sanlúcar, Mr. Joseph Colóm Darbó, and who in 1758 founded a wine cellar in a local in the Callejón del Truco.
Today, more than 200 years later, the business has grown to make «La Cigarrera» one of the most commercialized Manzanillas. To bring the culture of La Manzanilla closer to the general public and transmit the love for tradition and Sanlucan history, the owners of the winery decided to open it to the public, offering Guided tours of the facilities and including in it a tasting of their best wines. Reservations can be made from the contact they offer on their website.
Bodegas Barbadillo
Opened in 1821, Bodegas Barbadillo not only offers a guided tour of the facilities and tastings, but also They have a museum dedicated to the history and production of Manzanilla in Sanlúcar. Between barrels, they will transmit you the love of what they define as a "way of life" and will bring you closer to the culture of the area in a unique way.
La Manzanilla Solear is the winery's best known wine and it has become famous for dressing and animating a large part of the traditional Andalusian fairs.
Where to eat in Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Gastronomy is another of the great tourist attractions in the area. Sanlúcar has become famous for offering the best seafood products, being the prawn its star product. The taste for fish, the pleasure of enjoying a well-made frying and seafood paired with wine, make Sanlúcar gastronomy a representative of the culinary tradition of Cádiz.
So that you do not leave without enjoying the good cuisine of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, I present below some of the best rated bars and restaurants in the city.
Casa Bigote Restaurant
Located in Bajo de Guía, This restaurant has been open since 1951 and is one of those places that are a symbol of tradition and excellence. Its gastronomic offer is based on local products, seafood and fresh fish of the highest quality, well cooked and in a unique environment.
Balbino House Bar
What began as a grocery store, is today one of the reference bars in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The exquisite shrimp omelettes that are prepared in their kitchens have conquered the stomach of locals and foreigners. Respect for the product and the typical food of the area are the pillars that sustain its excellent gastronomic offer and its success.
Betic Corner
If you are one of those who love the authentic, this place will fascinate you. Away from the hustle and bustle of the center, this tavern is the typical one that locals go to. In my opinion, Rincón Bético offers the best fried fish in town, fresh, crispy and at a great price. The whole fried cuttlefish is its star dish, difficult to find in other establishments.