What to see in Puerto de Santa María.
 


Located in the Bay of Cadiz, is Puerto de Santa María, one of the most typical towns in the province. A city with deep roots in seafaring tradition, not only for its strong fishing heritage, but for its connection to the discovery of America.

The different civilisations that have inhabited Puerto de Santa María have left an immense legacy, which, on account of its monumental wealth, has seen the entire city granted Cultural Heritage Interest status. The first archaeological remains in the area date back to the Palaeolithic period, although the origins of the city date back to Roman times. It is also home to remains of its Andalusian past and, as goes without saying, treasures dating to mediaeval times, one of its times of splendour.

What are you waiting for? Ready to discover what to see in Puerto de Santa María? Pack your bags and hop on board one of our trains.

Places to see in Puerto de Santa María

Getting lost in its whitewashed streets is the best way to discover the secrets of Puerto de Santa María, although here are a few tips about what to see on your train trip to Puerto de Santa Maria:

  • Castillo de San Marcos: constructed around a former mosque, it is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. A veritable symbol. It boasts a peculiar blend of styles that pay testament to the passing of the centuries.
  • Iglesia Mayor Prioral: its construction dates back to 1486, coinciding with the surge in construction promoted by the Dukes of Medinaceli in the city. The Portada del Perdón or the Puerta del Sol are worth particular mention.
  • Monasterio de la Victoria: granted Cultural Heritage Interest status, this former hospital and penitentiary centre was once located outside the city walls. Its fortress-like appearance blends characteristics of the late Gothic period with the Renaissance period.
  • Casa de los Cargadores de Indias: this building is an example of a typical dwelling in which Indies merchants would live in. Indies merchants became particularly rich during the period of increased trade with the New World. They demonstrated their power in the form of imposing palace houses and constructed so many that Puerto de Santa María become known as "The city of one hundred palaces". Today, some of them remain standing, such as the Reinoso Mendoza, Oneto, Araníbar, Villareal and Purullena, Vizarrón or the famous Casa Palacio de los Leones, now converted into tourist accommodation.
  • Plaza del Polvorista: another of the city's icons, closely associated with the houses of these merchants. This tree-lined square is surrounded by these palace houses and the centre is adorned with a fountain and a monument to Alberti.
  • Plaza de España: one of the central points in the historic centre of the city and the starting point for heading to Barrio Alto. The square is overlooked by the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Milagros, an imposing temple that stands out on account of its main door, the Portada del Perdón, built in late Gothic style and belonging to the first stage of the temple, before it suffered from the effects of an earthquake. Opposite the temple is the Municipal Museum and the headquarters of the Santa Cecilia Academy of Fine Arts.
  • Other religious buildings of interest that you can't miss during your visit include: the church of San Francisco, the church of la Concepción, as well as the Convent of the Capuchinas and the Convent of the Holy Spirit. All of them depict the typical religious art of Cadiz.
  • La Casa Vital de Rafael Alberti: the poet of the Generation of '27 was born in Puerto de Santa Maria and his childhood home now houses a unique collection with documents and works by the author. It is also the headquarters of the Rafael Alberti Foundation.

Plans in Puerto de Santa María

Sightseeing is just one of the many attractions in Puerto de Santa Maria. Sports fans can visit several golf courses in the perfect setting and hiking lovers can visit Marisma de los Toruños Natural Park, a one-of-a-kind landscape on the peninsula. What's more, this city is full of life and atmosphere: its countless terraces and nightlife are a testament to this. Are you going to miss out on it all?

Without a doubt, this is the perfect destination for sun and sand lovers. The Costa de la Luz, where Puerto de Santa María is located, is famed for its climate and its more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Its fine golden-sand beaches contrast with the lush pine forests that back onto the coast. An endless variety of water sports are on offer here: surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, windsurfing, catamaran, sailing. While you're there, explore the best beaches in Puerto de Santa María, including La Puntilla, La Muralla, Santa Catalina or Fuentebravía.

The pleasure of the local cuisine

When it comes to eating, you'll have no problems, as El Puerto de Santa María is the ideal destination for foodies. Its gastronomy is based on produce caught in the Atlantic, with quality fish and seafood combining with the best fresh products grown locally, allowing you to taste local cuisine in all its splendour. From typical shrimp omelettes, fried fish, its marinated fish or clams to the most modern cuisine that put a spin on classic tapas.

Wine lovers are also in luck. Puerto de Santa María is considered the "cradle of Fino wine", on account of its peculiar biological ageing system. There are a variety of wines with their own designation of origin and there are several wineries that organise visits and tastings that you cannot miss. So what are you waiting for?

How to travel to Puerto de Santa María by train

Looking forward to discovering this gem? Puerto de Santa María awaits, with its beaches, its climate, its monuments, its food and its people! Renfe makes it easy for you with our routes, meaning you can travel in the fastest, most comfortable and sustainable way possible.

And remember, if you are in Puerto de Santa María and want to travel hassle-free to Cádizthen take a look at our Cercanías (commuter) trains. Make sure not to miss out on this opportunity and travel with Renfe! Ready to go?