It’s easy to fall in love with El Puerto de Santa Maria, a sun-drenched town fringed by sandy beaches and lush pine forests. The historic centre will charm you with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and palm-lined plazas. Beach hop along the Bay of Cádiz, devour ocean-fresh seafood and enjoy a concert at one of the oldest bullfighting rings in Spain.
Things to do in El Puerto de Santa María
El Puerto de Santa Maria is a sunseeker’s paradise, with easy access to dozens of beaches strung along the Atlantic Coast. There’s plenty of action at Playa de Valdelagrana, a lively beach with gold sand and gently rolling waves. Beach clubs dot the shoreline and offer sun lounge and umbrella rentals, as well as free-flowing cocktails. Muralla Beach is another popular stretch of sand, flanked on either side by the ancient city walls.
San Marcos Castle is an architectural jewel and combines elements of Roman, Islamic and Christian architecture. Marvel at the sawtooth battlements and venture inside to admire the horseshoe-shaped arches and stained-glass windows. Gothic-style Priory Church is another impressive landmark featuring a dramatic sandstone façade and an elaborate silver altarpiece.
El Puerto de Santa Maria is brimming with restaurants where you can try traditional Andalusian cuisine. Enjoy ocean-fresh seafood and refreshing “salmorejo” cold tomato soup. Dine al fresco in the Old Town or enjoy a breezy meal at a riverside restaurant. Finish with a glass of sherry, which has been produced in the region for centuries. Organise a visit to one of the many sherry bodegas in the city to find out more about the booming industry.
Getting around El Puerto de Santa María
El Puerto de Santa Maria is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is located on the Bay of Cádiz, a 1.5-hour drive from Seville and three hours from Málaga. Boats are a fast and scenic way to travel between El Puerto de Santa Maria and Cadiz.