You already know that I love being your host, so let me tell you a few things about Sanlúcar to whet your appetite and encourage you to come and visit me and these places for yourself.
This city at the mouth of the Guadalquivir is a privileged place, full of life and with a lot to discover. It is an excellent starting point for visiting the province. It is also one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the region.
There is no shortage of things to do here, from strolling along the banks of the Guadalquivir and enjoying the wonderful sunsets in Bajo de Guía, to learning about its history, visiting centenary wineries, walking in the footsteps of history and visiting places such as the Ducal Palace of Medina Sidonia, the Palace of Orleans and Borbón, the Castle of Santiago and the many convents and churches scattered around the city: The Convent of the Carmelitas Descalzas, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la “O” and the Church of Santo Domingo. The hustle and bustle of the food market is a wonder to behold, and getting lost in the old quarter full of popular taverns is an unforgettable experience.
Eat, eat and eat, go out for a drink, sunbathe, shop, sit on a terrace and order a beer, or better still, a glass of chilled manzanilla accompanied by some tapas, yummm!
Doñana
Together with my team, I manage the visit to Doñana, guaranteeing a unique experience. Around twenty ecosystems, framed in three main environments: beaches (solid and mobile dunes), marshes (salt and fresh) and reserves (scrubland and pine forests), bathed by the Guadalquivir estuary, the true master of Doñana.
Sand/clay, drought/flood, fresh/salty water… The meeting of opposing elements creates inexplicable phenomena that give rise to legends and beautiful texts.
Numerous writers and poets have described these lands and sung their praises, such as J.M. Caballero Bonald, Francisco J. Cruz Pérez, Juan Ramón Jiménez, Carmen Laffon and Isabel Álvarez de Toledo.
You can also take a stroll through the Sanlúcar Natural Park, visit Las Salinas, near the Port of Bonanza and the fish market, La Algaida, with the Tarelo lagoon and its pine forest, El Faro de Bonanza lighthouse and a whole landscape of marshes on the Sanlúcar side of the river.
From Bajo de Guía, you can cross to th “other side”, without entering the National Park. You have to stay on the beach and be content to contemplate the horizon, a line of pines of an almost black green and a sun that inks everything as it pleases.
And I will be happy to provide you with all the necessary information and manage your booking so that you can experience and discover this natural space.
If you want a detailed description of each of the experiences to get to know Doñana click here
Gastronomy
My city is a gastronomic city. The cuisine of my hometown is based on the produce of the sea and the land, products of the highest quality that are prepared in family kitchens, restaurants and bars using traditional recipes and accompanied by the generous wines of the Jerez region, among which “La Manzanilla de Sanlúcar” stands out.
If you are planning to visit me, allow me to be your guide on this journey of flavours. I propose a gastronomic itinerary to help you find your way with a selection of my favourite tapas bars, taverns and restaurants.
Wines and wineries
I have something very special for you in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, which has had a long life. History has silently engraved the events that have taken place in its memory and stored them in its flavours. The passage of time and very special conditions have created the liquid gold of Sanlúcar, “La Manzanilla”.
At the end of the 18th century, the system of criaderas and soleras was established, and in the 19th century Manzanilla was consolidated among the Denominations of Origins of Vinagre de Jerez, Brandy de Jerez and Manzanilla de Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Now, in the 21st century, it has risen from the ashes to modernise and offer us new forms and nuances. More than 20 wineries are bringing us the revolution of Manzanilla de Sanlúcar and the wines of Jerez.
Monuments and churches
I live in a place with origins dating back to the mythical civilisation of Tartessos. Civilisations such as the Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs have left their artistic and architectural mark on this area, and there were even occasional Viking incursions over the years.
In the 13th century it was conquered by the Christian armies of Alfonso X of Castile and León. Later, under the rule of Alonso Pérez de Guzmán and the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, Sanlúcar had its moment of glory with the discovery of America and the subsequent trade with the New World. This city became a key hub, the starting point for many expeditions to the Americas and a meeting place for sailors, clerics, merchants, traders, pirates and nobles.
Cycling excursions
I hire out bicycles so you can explore the area in a different way. We have created three routes that take in salt marshes, swamps, pine forests, beaches, farmhouses, lagoons and much more. You can get to know the fauna and flora, including dozens of birds that will delight birdwatchers. The landscapes change with the seasons and never fail to impress.
Equestrian tourism
If you would like to go horse riding, I can help you by arranging a route with one of the equestrian clubs that offer excursions for all types of riders. You can ride down to the beach to watch the sunset or ride through the hills of Martín Miguel and its surroundings, among wheat fields and vineyards, remembering the civilisation of Tartessos and the treasures that were found in these lands.
Sightseeing tours
Would you like to discover Sanlúcar from the inside? I invite you to join a local guide to discover who we are, where we come from, mingle with the people of Sanlúcar, experience their “savoir vivre” and enjoy the special and pleasant way of life of this town. They will accompany you as you wander through the streets and over the rooftops, taste our wines and recipes, breathe in the scent of the marshes and the sea, listen to Doñana and be dazzled by our light.
Welness and Spa
Oh yes, I’m finally going to the spa, I’ve been waiting for this moment all year. I need a massage! And you? Do you need one too? Well, don’t think twice, you deserve to take care of yourself and be taken care of. So now you know, come and I will make the arrangements for you to be pampered and feel at one with your body. I know two wonderful places in Sanlúcar.
Flamenco
Ole! Ole! It’s hard not to feel flamenco here, because it permeates everything, you can feel it, you can dance it, you can listen to it, you can experience the pull of the “duende” that moves through the flamenco bars on summer nights. And I will take you by the hand so you can enjoy our beautiful flamenco shows. Ask me what you need and I will find it for you.
Local festivals
Sanlúcar horse races
“The races begin, the horses appear, held by their jockeys, and the spectators start to move and take up their positions, either in the tents and boxes or on the beach.”
On the afternoon of 31 August 1845, the first “English-style” race took place. Twenty days later, the “Sociedad de Carreras de Caballos de Sanlúcar de Barrameda” was founded. It is the second oldest horse racing society in the country.
Enjoy and contemplate the beauty of these festive and exciting summer days on the beach at the mouth of the Guadalquivir, in a unique setting.
Feria de la Manzanilla
This fair is held at the end of May, but the exact date depends on the Pilgrimage of El Rocío. It is held by the sea, which is very pleasant at this time of year due to the freshness of the tides. There are stalls, each with its own gastronomic specialities and decorations. In these stalls, you drink manzanilla and dance, especially sevillanas.
The women wear bright and colourful flamenco dress, which has evolved along with other designs and has been updated with each era. There are also bullfights at the Feria de La Manzanilla.
Holy Week
Declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia in 2002. The brotherhoods walk between the Barrio Bajo, in the lower part of the city, and the Barrio Alto, in the upper part. Accompanied by the sound of trumpets and the beating of drums, they walk up steep hillsides, between narrow streets and through beautiful squares, creating a winding path full of emotion, magic and faith that gives you goose bumps. The squares are filled with exciting encounters between the sacred images and the faithful, creating an atmosphere of meditation and community.
El Rocío
Let me guide you to one of the most universal pilgrimages, that of El Rocío, in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. An experience that transcends the earthly and touches the depths of the soul. A pilgrimage with such an intense religious essence that each step is imbued with devotion and love for the Virgin. A true celebration of emotions, among wild olive trees, junipers, mastic trees and blackberry bushes, to the sound of sevillanas and guitars, where faith merges with joy and companionship, creating a special bond between all those present.
Desafío Doñana
Do you want to work up a sweat? Join us for this unique physical and mental endurance race that combines three sporting disciplines. A “living” course, influenced by the tides and currents of the Guadalquivir River, which adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the competition, making each edition unique.
The order and distances of the disciplines are unique to this event: 97km of cycling, 1.4km of swimming and finally a 21km run on the sandy beach of the Doñana National Park. Push yourself to the limit, connect with nature and experience the thrill of crossing the finish line in this exceptional endurance race.
Motorcycle World Championship
The Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix is held at the Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto, about 20 kilometres from Sanlúcar. During the first two days, you can watch both the free practice sessions and the qualifying sessions for the different categories.
Fans from all over the world fill the streets of Jerez and the surrounding towns with camaraderie and good spirits to celebrate their passion and love for motorcycles, experience the excitement of the World Championship and cheer on their favourite riders.
