Sanlúcar de Barameda

Sanlúcar, 35km from Jerez de la Frontera, is separated by the River Guadalquivir from the wild Coto Donana Natural Park. The Roman town of 60,000 inhabitants sees hoards of Spanish tourists in summer lapping up the local Manzanilla (a pale-coloured dry sherry which is a popular aperitif) and superb seafood. Early June sees the lively celebration of the Feria de la Manzanilla, a festival which neatly spills over into the flamenco season and coincides with various classical and jazz festivals.

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The old, lower part of town – El Barrio Bajo – is particularly charming with its spacious main square, Plaza del Cabildo, lined with palm trees and cafes, faded palaces and churches which hint at Sanlucar’s prosperous past, and straight roads of whitewashed houses with pretty tiled internal courtyards.

The newer side of town, El Barrio Alto, is where you will find most holiday apartments near the beach, a lovely 7km stretch which sees horses thundering across the sands in August. These popular races date back to 1845 and attract participants from all over the world competing to claim the 2.5 million euro prize.

There is also Bajo de Guía to the north of the town centre, the old fishing district with a row of bars and excellent fish restaurants along the recently modernised seafront. Sanlúcar also has its own golf club.

There are new developments emerging near the beach in Sanlucar, including Irina Playa, due for completion in 2005, where apartments start at 88,000 euros.