The Most Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

This lovely park separates the cathedral and the Tío Pepe bodegas from Jerez’s mighty Alcazar, making it a great spot for a break whilst sightseeing. Its elegant boulevards are lined with trees and benches and run parallel to the Moorish fortress’s defensive walls. The Alameda is particularly beautiful around sunset, with many locals coming here to enjoy an early evening stroll before heading for tapas.

For a great family day out, head to Jerez’s botanical gardens, sometimes also referred to as the El Tempul Park. Cultivated from the end of the 19th century, they are home to more than 1,000 species of trees, shrubs, plants and flowers. Particularly notable because of their sheer size are the Himalayan Cedars, whilst other trees, such as the Araar, are very rare in European gardens. There is a small but well-maintained zoo on the same site.

The Parque González Hontoria is a superbly-maintained area of palm trees and sandy boulevards on the outskirts of Jerez. Every May, it’s the setting for the enchanting Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair), which has a strong claim to be Andalusia’s best feria. But it’s well worth a visit at any time of year, offering as it does a couple of great cafés/restaurants with ample outside seating space and some gorgeous trees.

Parque La Plata is a spacious area of greenery with a large, crystal-clear pond. It’s ideal for jogging and strolling and has a play area for dogs as well as an open-air gym for senior citizens. Given La Plata’s proximity to the prestigious Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, it’s also a good spot for a break on your way to or from the famous equine ballet – a must see show when in Jerez.

Although it could do with a bit of TLC, El Retiro is still a lovely place for an early-evening stroll. Situated the other side of the train tracks from central Jerez, it’s very much a locals’ hangout; indeed, many Jerezanos who live in the surrounding barrios have been using the park for decades. It has all the amenities that you’d expect, including kids’ play areas, water fountains and outdoor exercise apparatuses.

The Jardines de Atalaya can be found in between La Plata Park and the Royal Equestrian School. Surrounding the building that’s home to two of the city’s best museums, these are some of the most beautiful and romantic gardens in Jerez: wandering along their shaded boulevards, surrounded by the magnificent peacocks that roam free here, it’s easy to image you’ve been transported back in time at least a hundred years.