Puerto de Santa Maria ( The Port of Saint Mary ) is located along the Costa de ls Luz , some 15 minutes across the bay from Cadiz in Andalucia, Southern Spain.
And although the entrance to the town may be a little uninspiring , as you have to travel through the commercial area with garages and warehouses, once inside the towns border you will be greeted by a very picturesque Andalucian harbour village.
It has 8 prime beaches located along 22 kms of clean Atlantic shoreline which offers clear pristine sea water. This prime location is one of the main reasons that has made El Puerto de Santa Maria an important fishing village. There is also a castle where Christopher Columbus stayed
a long large palm lined avenida and a maize of narrow bustling backstreets to explore. It also houses one of Spains oldest bull rings bult in 1880. The Casa de los Leones and the Museum are well worth visiting.
If you into British bars and food this is not the place, this is where you come to0 soak up the real Andalucian atmosphere as this area is very popular with the Spanish holiday maker.
There are many good tapas bars and fish restaurants serving up plenty of good value dishes, try the local white prawns ( gambas blancas ) and the fried fish platters .
The well known marina, Puerto Sherry is located at Muralla Beach and a great place to spend quality beach time.
Being located so close to the famous sherry producing area of Jerez there are a good number of sherries and brandies on offer. the town has several wine bodegas including the well known brands of Osbourne and Terry, all of which offer arrange visits.
The area boasts two natural parks, the Sierra de Grazalema and the Coto Doñana park where some of the few remaining pairs of Iberian Lynx inhabit.
There a many fierias and fiestas held throughout the year with the main one being held in early may which is dedicated to the local fine wines ( Finos and Sherries ) , revelers will consume tens of thousands of bottles of the local brew so be prepared for much fun.
