A Vibrant & Old-School City In Southern Spain Is Part Of The 'Sherry Triangle' Wine Region

Spain is one of those European countries where, upon visiting its different cities, you feel as though you've stepped into another world completely — each with its own level of charm and tradition. Valencia is known for its incredible mix of old and new architecture, Bilbao for its outstanding cuisine and industrial feel, and Seville for its authentic Andalusian charm (and one of the better places to escape a frigid winter). And while the larger cities are, of course, more popular with tourists, there's a certain allure to be found along the cobbled streets of smaller Spanish towns. One smaller town found in the south of Spain, located about an hour from Seville and 30 minutes from Cadiz (via train, ALSA Bus, or car), is a great combination of authenticity, beauty, and historic charm. 

Jerez de la Frontera is the place to go if you are searching for Andalusian heritage and history, and it's a majorly underrated destination in Spain. It's a place where the buildings and traditions show the remnants and influences of the many cultures and peoples that once called this place home, everyone from the Phoenicians to the Moors.

It remains not only as an important and large part of the Sherry Wine Triangle (the other two places being Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlucar de Barrameda), but the town is steeped in equestrian history too. From the numerous bodegas and wineries where visitors can drink and learn about sherry, the incredible mix of Moorish and Medieval architecture, and the countless festivals and events, this underrated town surprises and enthralls those lucky enough to be in the know. 

You can't come to Jerez de la Frontera without carving out time to sip on sherry. Even if wine is not your cup of tea, the tours of the wineries (or bodegas) themselves offer a fascinating and informative look back into the origins of this popular Spanish delicacy. If you're unsure which bodegas to choose from, the most popular options are Tio Pepe (Gonzalez Bypass), Sandeman, Fundador, Lustau, Tradicion, and Luis Perez.

As someone who took a tour at Tio Pepe, I would say that the grounds themselves are one of the more spectacular parts. Visitorstravel via small train through different areas, while guides provide information about the sherry-making process. At the end of the tour,  you will be taken to a room and provided with a tasting. Make sure you book your tour ahead of time, as you need to choose a specific time for the day, and busier seasons tend to sell out.  If a tour is not something you're interested in, but you would still like to try sherry, Jerez is filled with plenty of small bars that offer extensive tapas and wine lists to satisfy everyone's taste buds. 

Aside from sherry, Jerez is also known for its deeply rooted equestrian traditions. The city is known as the birthplace of the regal Carthusian Breed, known today as the Pura Raza Española, or pure Spanish horse. Visitors can come and witness these horses and their riders in action (every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:00) at the show "How the Andalusian Horses Dance", which draws spectators from all over to see different choreographies, complete with Spanish music and intricate costumes. If your visit to Jerez falls on a different day, you can still take a tour of the Spanish riding school. 

Now, if horses, sherry, and tapas don't pique your interest, what the heck are you doing in Jerez? Only joking — for those of you not interested in the finer things in life, Jerez is also chock full of beautiful architectural buildings just waiting to be explored. Although not as grand as the Alcazar of Seville or Granada, Jerez's Alcazar has an understated beauty. Complete with a garden, fountains, arab baths, and the occasional peacock, this beautiful former Moorish fortress is a wonderful place to explore and learn more about both Jerez and Andalusian history. From here, visitors can make their way to the Cathedral, a stunning 17th-century building that houses not only beautiful architectural designs but also a collection of different artistic works. 

Feeling tired after a long day of exploration? Luckily, Jerez has just the thing to help you relax. With such deep Moorish influence, Jerez is home to the Hammam Andalusi Arabic Baths, a beautiful bathhouse built in the 18th century. Here, visitors can bathe in warm and cold pools, book massages, facials, and other spa treatments.

After spending time relaxing, you can head to one of the many Tabancos (small sherry bars) to grab dinner or a snack, or to one of the many local Flamenco shows hosted throughout town. If you happen to be here in May, don't miss out on Feria, a week-long event celebrating a combination of dance, drink, food, and horses (and don't forget to dress up!). Whether you come to Jerez for the sherry, the flamenco, or the horses, Jerez de la Frontera delivers a distinctly Andalusian experience that feels authentic and unhurried. It's a city where tradition runs deep, but the atmosphere remains welcoming and vibrant.