Experiences and Things to Do Around the MotoGP Grand Prix of Spain at Jerez

Grand Prix of Spain

Grand Prix of Spain

JEREZ EXPERIENCES

Jerez is not just a race — it is a destination. Sherry bodegas, flamenco, Andalusian horses, and historic Moorish architecture make this one of the richest race weekends on the calendar.

Quick Picks

Sherry

Bodega tours and tastings in the home of sherry wine.

Flamenco

Raw, authentic flamenco in one of its birthplaces.

Horses

World-class Andalusian dressage at the Royal Equestrian School.

History

Moorish alcazar, Gothic cathedral, and white village day trips.

Sherry Bodegas

Sherry Bodega Tours

Jerez is the heart of the sherry triangle. Bodega tours combine history, cellar architecture, the solera ageing system, and tastings. Most tours take 60-90 minutes. Book in advance, especially for race week.

Sherry

Tio Pepe / Gonzalez Byass

60-90 minFirst-timersTop pick

One of the most famous sherry producers in the world. The Gonzalez Byass estate in the city centre offers guided cellar tours, vineyard walks, and tastings of their full range from dry fino to rich Pedro Ximenez. The most accessible bodega visit for first-timers. Tours run daily. Book online in advance — race week slots fill up.

Sherry

Bodegas Lustau

60-90 minWine enthusiasts

Lustau is one of the most respected sherry houses for quality. Their cellar tours focus on the solera ageing system and culminate in a tasting of their premium range. A more in-depth experience than the larger estate tours. Smaller groups. Book well in advance for race week.

Sherry

Bodegas Fundador

60-90 minHistory lovers

Pedro Domecq's historic cellar, now Bodegas Fundador. Tours cover both sherry and brandy production. One of the most atmospheric cellars in Jerez — the scale of the ageing barrels is impressive. Check opening times as they vary by season.

Sherry

Bodegas Alvaro Domecq

60-90 minOff-the-beaten-path

A family-run bodega using traditional methods. Smaller and more personal than the large estates. Good for visitors who want a less commercialised introduction to sherry production. Smaller capacity — book directly.

Flamenco

Flamenco

Jerez is one of the recognised birthplaces of flamenco and has its own distinct style — more raw and rhythmically complex than the tourist shows you find in Seville. The best experiences here are the unplanned ones.

Flamenco

Tabanco El Pasaje

EveningEveryoneMust-see

The most accessible flamenco experience in Jerez. This traditional sherry bar hosts impromptu flamenco performances at night — not a staged tourist show, but real flamenco from local performers. Go after dinner, order sherry, and wait. Race week is particularly lively.

Flamenco

Pena Flamenca La Buleria

EveningFlamenco enthusiasts

A local flamenco club (pena) in the old town. These clubs exist for the local community, not tourists — which makes them the most authentic flamenco you can see. Shows are in the evenings and the standard is very high.

Flamenco

Festival de Jerez

Multi-dayExtended trips

One of Spain's top flamenco festivals, held annually in late February to early March. This predates the race by roughly 2 months, so it won't overlap with the April race weekend — but if you are planning a longer trip to Spain, it's worth knowing about.

Horses & Equestrian

Horses & Equestrian Culture

Jerez is the home of Andalusian horse culture. The Royal Equestrian School and the annual Horse Fair are two of the city's most celebrated attractions.

Equestrian

Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art

1.5-2 hrsEveryoneMust-see

The world's pre-eminent Andalusian dressage school. Their show "Como Bailan los Caballos Andaluces" (How the Andalusian Horses Dance) runs multiple times a week and showcases precision horse training at its most spectacular. One of the top cultural experiences in Spain. Shows run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (times vary). Book well in advance — tickets sell out.

Equestrian

Feria del Caballo — Horse Fair

Multi-dayExtended trips

Jerez's biggest annual event. In 2026, the Feria del Caballo runs 9-16 May — two to three weeks after the race. If you can extend your trip, it's an extraordinary event: parades of Andalusian horses, casetas (food and drink marquees serving sherry), flamenco dresses, live music, and celebrations across the city. The race is 24-26 April; the Feria is 9-16 May. They don't overlap in 2026, but extending your stay is worth considering.

Historical Jerez

Historical Jerez

Jerez has a compact historic centre with Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque architecture within easy walking distance.

History

Alcazar of Jerez

1-2 hrsHistory lovers

A well-preserved Moorish fortress in the city centre with gardens, an ancient bathhouse, and panoramic views over the city. One of the best examples of Moorish architecture in Andalusia. Compact enough to visit in 1-2 hours.

History

Jerez Cathedral

30-60 minArchitecture fans

An impressive Gothic/Baroque cathedral built over a 17th-century structure. The bell tower is climbable for good city views. Located in the heart of the historic centre.

History

Mercado Central de Abastos

30-60 minFoodies

The city's central market. Good for local produce, fresh food, cheeses, and Andalusian specialities. An excellent morning stop on non-race days to pick up provisions.

Extend Your Trip

Nearby Day Trips

Worth considering if you have extra time around Jerez.

Cadiz

45 min by train

One of Europe's oldest cities with a compact, beautiful historic centre built on a narrow peninsula. Excellent beaches on the Atlantic side, good seafood restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere. The most popular day trip from Jerez.

Beach lovers, history fansNon-race dayPopular

White Village Route — Arcos de la Frontera

30 min drive

The closest of Andalusia's famous white villages (pueblos blancos). Arcos sits dramatically on a clifftop ridge above a gorge. Whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and views over the countryside. A 2-hour visit is enough to get the atmosphere.

Photographers, couplesThursday or Friday

El Puerto de Santa Maria

20 min drive

A sherry town on the coast with excellent seafood restaurants and a more relaxed pace than Jerez. Good for an afternoon or evening if Jerez restaurants are fully booked during race week.

Foodies, evening outAny evening
Travelling As

Find Your Style

Sherry & Food

Tio Pepe bodega tour . Lustau tasting . Mercado Central . Tapas crawl through tabancos

Culture & Flamenco

Tabanco El Pasaje . Pena La Buleria . Alcazar . Jerez Cathedral

Horses & History

Royal Equestrian School . Alcazar . Old town walking . Feria del Caballo (if dates align)

Day Trips

Cadiz beaches . Arcos de la Frontera . El Puerto de Santa Maria seafood

Your Weekend

Race Weekend Itinerary

How to combine the racing with the best of Jerez across the four days.

Thursday (arrival day)

  • Bodega tour in the afternoon — Tio Pepe or Lustau
  • Explore the Alcazar and old town
  • Tapas dinner in the city centre — Bar Juanito or walk the tabancos

Friday (practice day)

  • Morning at the circuit for free practice sessions
  • Afternoon: Royal Equestrian School show (book ahead)
  • Evening: Flamenco at Tabanco El Pasaje

Saturday (sprint day)

  • Morning: Mercado Central for breakfast provisions
  • At circuit for qualifying and sprint race
  • Evening: Street party atmosphere in old town — Plaza Plateros area

Sunday (race day)

  • Arrive at circuit by 9 AM (over 100,000 fans expected)
  • Moto3 and Moto2 races throughout the morning
  • MotoGP race at 14:00 local time
  • Post-race: late dinner once the crowds have cleared