Sanlucar de Barrameda

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Sanlucar de Barrameda is a place overflowing with history. It is everywhere - in the noble facades, churches, convents, palaces and bodegas. Sanlucar de Barrameda is both unique, and at the same time, many things. In the 16th century, after the discovery of the new world by Christofer Columbus, it was the final port for the explorers and colonizers; the domain of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia; the successful centre of maritime trade; the seat of foundations and convents; the summer retreat of ten monarchs; the home for peasant and fisherman; and last but not least, the cradle of a select and delicate wine – Manzanilla.
Its location at the estuary of the Guadalquivir, the main navigable river of Andalucia and, at the same time, the only port of access to the National Park of Doñana, a UNESCO designated global biosphere site, makes Sanlucar one of the most privileged places in the whole of the province and beyond.

Sanlucar's Bodegas and Manzanilla

Sanlucar is famous for its Manzanilla wine (a kind of Sherry) and its bodegas throughout the whole of the old town. In fact, there are two very different areas – an upper and a lower quarter. The former gets the fresher air from the sea and the lower has a more humid atmosphere. Both localities are used in the careful nurturing of all the Wines of Jerez and especially Manzanilla.
Sanlucar’s cuisine is a major attraction for visitors. Not surprisingly, fish and seafood are the specialities, particularly lobster; but the high quality of its market garden produced should not be overlooked.

Beaches at Sanlucar de Barrameda

Furthermore Sanlucar also has beaches of exceptional quality on the Costa de la Luz, surrounded by pine forests, marshes and fertile countryside that produces vines from which comes the famous manzanilla. In 1851 the Duke of Montpensier set up his summer residence at Sanluncar and spread the word to his visitors about the excellence of its beaches and waters. The enjoyment of those assets was different in those days, as people were attracted by the therapeutic benefits of the waters.

The beaches continue to attract people who enjoy the sea and all it has to offer. Additionally, they have the benefit of the surroundings of the Doñana countryside and all its attractions, especially during the winter bird migration months. The best known beaches are: Playa de Bajo Guia, Calzada, (where they have the famous horse races), Pilates and La Jara.

Nature and Activities

The variety of the countryside around Sanlucar offers the visitor many choices, including – walking, horse riding, ballooning, mountain-biking, scuba-diving, bird watching, especially the river trip into Doñana, one of the most important National Parks of Spain and Europe. To get the best out of a visit to Doñana we recommend that you first visit the Information Centre in the Park to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Sanlucar has good provision, both public and private, for sports visits and other activities. Water sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, fishing and canoeing are well catered for. Land based sports like golf, horse riding, walking, biking, and birdwatching are among the more popular pursuits.

The farming and livestock traditions of Sanlucar depended greatly on horses – of all kinds – from pure-breds like the Spanish and Arab stallions to the more common, but still essential, cross-breeds most frequently found on farms. Among the many events that are celebrated in throughout the year the horse has a central part. Two events stand out: Carreras de Caballos (Races) on the beach, where a lot of money is won………and lost. Secondly, the Romerio de El Rocio, the famous gypsy pilgrimage where the horse drawn traditional carts are a feature.

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