Located in southern Andalusia, El Puerto de Santa Maria sits on the Guadlete River and the Bay of Cadiz. Many tourists overlook this area because the route to El Puerto de Santa Maria is lined with large factories and industrial complexes. The town is gorgeous and offers many clean, attractive beaches.

 

Spain has designated El Puerto de Santa Maria to be a Historical Monumental City. This is a special award going to towns and cities that take extra care in preserving their heritage and retaining the splendor of their town/city’s historic landmarks.

El Puerto de Santa Maria’s origins date back to the Paleolithic era. Artifacts at the El Aculadero offer proof.   It is not until the 8th century that the well-known founders appear. In the year 711, Moorish armies took over the area, settling the land, and erecting impressive buildings. They dominated for many centuries.

 

During the 1200s, Alfonso X’s armies battled and defeated the Moors. The area became under Christian control. Alfonso distributed the area among settlers. Two centuries later, one of the area residents, Juan de la Cosa’s, ship named the Santa Maria would be one of the ships selected for Christopher Columbus’s famous journey.

 

In 1812, the area that is now El Puerto de Santa Maria received her name and became a city under King Fernando VII. The town could now grow and thrive with its own local government at the reins.

The House of Lions is a fine example of the area’s Baroque houses. So named for the statues of lions at the front of the house, some areas of the house are open for tours. Impressive period furnishings, artwork, and architectural details are all key features of this glorious house.

 

A replica of the Santa Maria ship is on display at docks near Plaza de las Américas. Built by a class at the Nautical School of Cadíz, the replica is an impressive site to see.

 

The 18th century Capuchinas Convent is now the Hotel Monasterio de San Migyel. Though some changes have been made, the key features of this building - high arches, a large dome, a lintel entry surrounded by pilasters still remain.

 

San Marcos’s Castle, originally a 10th century mosque, underwent many changes in the 13th and 14th centuries. Huge stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and impressive stonework are only part of the building’s allure. Reservations are needed to do one of the daily free tours that occur from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M.

 

Formerly the gardens to an old monastery, Victoria Botanical Gardens are now behind the Hotel Duques de Medinacely. Hibiscus, jasmine, and date palms are only a sampling of the trees and flowers that can be found on paths leading to breathtaking water fountains.

 

El Puerto de Santa Maria houses a huge bullring. Built from stone, iron, and brick, this 60-sided ring is worthy of some photographs from both inside and out. The bullring is open from 11:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. and again from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Admission into the bullring is free.

 

Several beautiful beaches are free to the public. Valdelagrana Beach covers two kilometers. Levante Beach is four kilometers long and is open for nude sunbathing. Both are located on the left side of the Guadelete River.

 

To the right, you can find La Puntilla (closest to the city center) and El Aculdero that cover a span of area until the Puerto Sherry Harbor. Historic artifacts have been known to wash up on the beach of El Aculdero. A rocky alcove leads to La Muralla and La Calita Beaches. Finally, the most dramatic of the beaches, Santa Catalina Beach is the prettiest in the area and the widest. The final beach is Fuenterrabía Beach.

Thanks to the fertile farmlands, grapes thrive in the area of El Puerto de Santa Maria. Wine is produced locally. Many surrounding industries also play an important part in the area’s economy. Soap, glass, and liqueur are all made locally.

 

Tourism is another important factor in El Puerto de Santa Maria’s economy. Tourists bring in money through shopping, hotel fees, restaurant proceeds, and more.

Thanks to the plentiful supplies of fresh seafood from the Bay of Cadiz and the fertile fields surrounding the town, El Puerto de Santa Maria’s cuisine is exquisite. Prawns, crab, lobster, winkles, sea snails, and shrimp are all readily available. Asparagus, peas, tomatoes, and artichokes are a sampling of local produce. Combined with the seafood, incredible dishes are prepared in many eating establishments.

 

One area specialty, Tortillitas de Camarones, can be found in many restaurants. These flattened tortillas are created from a paste of fresh shrimp, flour, seasonings, and water. They are deep fried and served crispy. Another specialty is Caldillo de Perro. In this dish, fresh whiting are sliced and boiled with fried onions, garlic, and then tossed in fresh squeezed orange juice. Clams steamed in sherry, tomatoes, and garlic is another popular dish. For dessert, try Tarta Imperial, a delicious tart made from almonds and buttermilk.

 

El Faro del Puerto is one of the area’s best restaurants. The restaurant offers a delicious sherry ice cream that is requested by many diners.

Dancing, drinking, and live music are only some of El Puerto de Santa Maria’s highlights. There is a wide array of activities and clubs to suit any age.

 

Karaoke el Estanque is the area’s popular karaoke club. Have a drink to loosen your nerves and then hop up on stage to perform for the crowd. Karaoke is certain to get everyone talking. It is also a way to get to know people.

 

Sala Habaña Club offers lively music and large dance floors. This spot is popular with the younger crowd. A similar establishment, Sala Amanecer Disco, is also a great spot for dancing.

 

Club Milwaukee and Bugatti are two spots known for offering live bands and solo artists. If live music is your ideal, do not miss these two establishments.

 

There are many area bars offering tapas, cold beers, luscious wines, and locally produced sherries. Bodega del bar Jamón offers homemade breads and locally crafted ham typically as their tapas. Casa Eugenio is famed for their delicious seafood stew. El Gazpacho serves impressive cubes of fried fish. Venta Durango serves a yummy dish of fried shrimp and fresh peppers.

Because El Puerto de Santa Maria is an area with beautiful beaches, marshes filled with impressive wildlife, and buildings of historical value, it is an excellent destination for tourists. If you want to see a different side of Spain, El Puerto de Santa Maria should be added to your itinerary.

 

There is plenty to do, so plan to spend at least two days in the area. Allow yourself one day for visiting the sites and one day for the beaches.