Founded by the Phoenicians, it is undoubtedly one of the most charming places in the province of Cadiz. If you are looking for a reason to come to Medina Sidonia, today we give you 8! Crowning Cerro del Castillo, this town will delight those who visit it. The exchange of cultures in Medina Sidonia, thanks to all the civilizations that have left their mark through the centuries, has transformed this precious town into a must-see of the province.
A perfect location
In the middle of the region of Laguna de la Janda, Medina Sidonia is located in one of the best places to visit not only this wonderful town, but also some of the best-known municipalities in the province. Chiclana de la Frontera is only 22 km away; 35 km away is located Jerez de la Frontera; 10 km away you can find Paterna de Rivera; Puerto Real is 25 km away; San Fernando is 30 km away; or Conil de la Frontera at 40 km away. These are some municipalities that you will be able to visit from Medina Sidonia due to their proximity.
Culture and history
The footprint left by Phoenicians, Romans and Muslims over the centuries has made Medina Sidonia a mandatory stop for lovers of culture and history. The town has several churches such as the Iglesia Mayor La Coronada, a Gothic-Renaissance temple whose altarpiece and carving of the Christ of Forgiveness are considered authentic treasures. You can also visit the oldest hermitage in Andalusia, Ermita de los Santos Mártires, on the outskirts of town. You also cannot miss the walled historic center of the town. You can access it through the Arco de Belén, the Arco de la Pastora (Muslim style) or through the Puerta del Sol. Walking down the town you will be able to visit buildings and places with as much history as the Duke Stable, the Town Council, the Alameda or the Abastos Market.
Medina Sidonia Castle
The Medina Sidonia castle, located at the top of the Cerro, deserves a special mention. Excavations began in 2005 that have uncovered ruins through which up to four civilizations have passed. There are tools such as axes, and sickles, amphoras and other materials dating back to the Bronze Age and remains of a military castle from Roman times, an Arab fortress and a medieval castle. Some of these ruins are in very good condition, so the visitor can enter completely into the eternal history of this castle.
No one hates sweets, right?
Maybe one of the most important tourist claims of this town is its pastries. The pastry-making tradition of Sidonia dates back to ancient times. Its sweets are known both in the province and throughout Andalusia. The quintessential sweet of Medina Sidonia is the alfajor, which even has the Protected Geographical Indication “Alfajor de Medina Sidonia”. This Arabian sweet is made with ingredients as natural as pure honey, spices or almonds and can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The local bakeries make it daily. Although the alfajores are, without a doubt, the star product of Sidonia, you also have to try other typical sweets such as tortas pardas filled with angel hair’s jam, almond amarguillos, piñonantes, sweet egg yolks or pastas.
Active tourism and nature
Another way to visit Medina Sidonia is through the different routes that this municipality has. We can walk through the Cañada Real de Algeciras to see the two Roman bridges and observe the typical landscape of Sidonia. Follow the so-called “ruta de las fuentes” that runs through the town and the wooded areas around it. Learn about the breeding of bulls, thanks to Bull Route, a touristic route that crosses the different towns of Cadiz where this livestock activity is carried out. Also, we have the Alcornocales Natural Park just 40 km away from Medina Sidonia. This park has an extremely rich landscape value, with spectacular fauna and flora that is very characteristic of our land.
Gastronomy
Medina Sidonia is not only known for its famous pastries, but also for its recipes and traditional dishes that have been maintained throughout the years. You will be able to eat in his famous ventas and restaurants. Stew is one of the star dishes of Medina Sidonia. Dishes like the collard greens, the stew, Spanish oyster thistle stew, artichoke stew or asparagus with rice will exceed the expectations of those looking for a traditional hot dish. There is also room in this beautiful town for those who like to eat meat. Retinto meat, oxtail meat, deer meat, wild boar meat, pork rinds, pollo campero and countless other meat dishes from the area will not disappoint you. Finally, be sure to try the snails. By April the favorite tapas of people from Sidonia start to appear: tomato snails and pennyroyal snails. Visiting Medina Sidonia is a mouth-watering experience.
Charming accommodations
Hotels with impressive views or farmhouses and rural apartments are some of the alternative accommodations that we offer you to complete your perfect getaway to this wonderful town. Enjoy all the essence of Medina Sidonia having a rural experience and let yourself be pampered by the best professionals. Design your getaway to your heart’s content, adapting it to your budget and needs.
A setting that will make you fall in love.
The tranquility of its streets, the beauty of its historic center, the hospitality of its people, a warm and welcoming weather, the tradition and roots of parties such as the fair or the romerias and a thousand-year-old culture and history await you in Medina Sidonia. A way of seeing and living life that you will love and, of course, you do not want to miss. What are you waiting for? Travel back in time to the streets of Medina Sidonia. Medina Sidonia is waiting for you.