Sanlúcar de Barrameda is a beautiful coastal city in the province of Cadíz, Spain. If you’re planning a trip to Sanlúcar it’s important to stay in a centrally located neighborhood. Below we’ll go over 3 of Sanlúcar’s central neighborhoods and some great rentals and hotels you can stay at! Also, if this is your first time visiting, check out my post on how to get to Sanlúcar from Seville or Jerez de la Frontera.
El Centro
The center of Sanlúcar revolves around the Plaza de Cabildo and Calle Ancha. The Plaza de Cabildo is the main square of the city and has some fantastic and authentic restaurants to enjoy! Calle Ancha is the main avenue of Sanlúcar and is full of local shops, bakeries, and businesses. The fresh market is located just one block from the plaza too. You’re also just a 15 – 20 minute walk to the beaches and Bajo de Guia. so if you stay in the centro you’ll have easy access to some great fresh local seafood too!
Plaza de Cabildo at sunset
Favorite thing to do in Sanlúcar’s center? EAT!
Bajo de Guía
Bajo de Guía is Sanlúcar de Barrameda’s maritime neighborhood and home to some of the best seafood in Andalusia! In summer it’s a favorite spot for afternoon cocktails and nightlife too. If you want quick access to the beach then you’ll want to look for accommodation in this area; Macia Doñana is the closest hotel, otherwise you should be able to find lots of rentals nearby. Bajo de Guía is a 15 – 20 minute walk to the center.
Bajo de Guía has fantastic restaurants and bars located along the shore
The view from El Botero of Doñana National Park
Barrio Alto
Barrio alto (“uptown”) is where many of Sanlúcar’s bodegas (wineries) are located, as well as the Castillo de Santiago (the same castle where Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan and Queen Isabella have been), some of the oldest churches in the city, and the botanical garden (see my post on free things to do). A lot of locals live in this neighborhood and there are some great restaurants in uptown too. I love walking around this part of town and admiring the architecture while noting the scent of wine in the air! Barrio Alto is a 10 – 15 minute walk to the center. Note it’s a steep climb from the center to barrio alto, so if mobility is a concern you’re better off finding accommodation in the center.
The church Nuestro Señora da la O is located in barrio alto
Exploring the botanical gardens in barrio alto
Places to stay in Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Rentals in Sanlúcar
My go-to sites are Airbnb and Booking.com when searching for apartments. My family also has a rental in the heart of the city if you’re interested—it’s got 15 ft ceilings, central air, and a brand new kitchen. Plus a balcony for watching pasos if you visit during holy week.
Hotels in Sanlúcar
The following places were ‘approved’ by my mother…which says a lot, so they’re safe to recommend as far as I’m concerned. 😂
- Hotel Los Helechos is located 2 minutes from the main square. This place is affordable and the location is unbeatable. It’s definitely got that Andalusian charm, plus a rooftop pool! All my wedding guests stayed here when Javi and I got married in Sanlúcar.
- Hotel Alcoba is a beautiful boutique hotel located a few blocks from the main square. It’s modern and clean, and has a cool pool area. This was the first place my family stayed when they came to visit me and loved it.
- Posada del Palacio is located in uptown (barrio alto) and it’s a 5 – 10 minute walk from the main square. This gorgeous hotel is actually an 18th century palace, and you’ll find one of my favorite restaurants here too (El Espejo).
- Hotel Barrameda is as central as you can get, located smack dab in the center with views of the plaza. May family hasn’t stayed here yet, but I’ve heard good things!
The interior courtyard of Hotel Los Helechos
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