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El Puerto City Information
History: El Puerto de Santa Maria was founded after the Trojan wars more than 2,800 years ago where it received the name El Puerto de Menestheo. The Phoenicians and the Greeks created the harbour, which began a growing commerce in the area. Romans and Visigoths later occupied the town until the Moors entered Spain in 711. In 1,260 the Spanish King Alfonso X conquered El Puerto and later changed its name to El Puerto de Santa Maria. Today El Puerto is a popular tourist destination and also known for its wine production.
Attractions: In El Puerto visitors can find remains from nearly all the civilization which once lived in the town. One of the most important monuments here is the castle San Marcos, which was build on a mosque in the 13th century. Other interesting monuments include the Bull Ring constructed in 1,880 (see photo) or the Monastery De la Victoria from the 15th century built in Gothic style.
For nature lovers there are many national parks such as the 'Parque Natural Bahía de Cádiz', 'El Coto de Doñana' and 'La Sierra de Grazalema' as well as one of the oldest botanic gardens in Spain dating back to the 17th century.
Going Out: The center of El Puerto has a very diverse nightlife with many bars and restaurants. You can go out to the bars and discotheques until the early hours of the morning all week long or just enjoy tapas in one of the many small tapa bars (small bars where you can go for a typical Spanish snack or a drink). El Puerto also offers other types of entertainment like cinemas, flamenco dancing shows and Spanish concerts.