El Puerto de Santa Maria

Free at last, after the chore of house painting, to get out again on our travels, this time to "El Puerto", a town located to the north east of Cadiz at a distance of about 10 kms across the Bay of Cadiz.

Arriving about 10.30 am with our lovely friend Inma, the air was slightly chilly with a cool breeze blowing off the sea......mucho frio.

We had parked the car at the Playa de Valdelagrana, one of several beaches that front El Puerto. There were a few people setting up for a day on the beach but in the vastness of it, it looked deserted.

After a coffee, we headed further into the town and parked up on the harbour side for a euro all day, which was brilliant.
We headed for the Centro, admiring the old buildings in the streets, while looking out for the Oficina de Turismo to obtain a guide to the features and history of the town.

As is clear from the pics, the weather had now greatly improved.

The streets were quite busy, some pedestrianised and others operating a one way system but we unfortunately could not locate the Tourist Office.

At the end of one street we came upon the Plaza de España and the impressive Iglesia Mayor Prioral.





















Perched high up on the roof were several storks and their nests.

Another accidental find was the ornate entrance doors to the Convento de la Concepsión, founded by Franciscan nuns in the 16th century. Being a Monday of course, it was closed.

Working our way slowly back in the direction of the harbour side, we passed many "Bodegas" (Wineries) open to the public but on this occasion we didn't partake of the free samples on offer.

The 15th century Castillo de San Marcos, set in a quiet square and another pleasant surprise but again unfortunately closed today.

Our circular route eventually brought us back to the harbour side, to the ferry service which has been operating between El Puerto and Cadiz for the last 76 years.

Inma taking a few pictures of the "barco's" (boats) in the harbour.












On this trip we clearly did not do El Puerto justice as I am sure there is much more to be seen.

Next trip, we really must find the tourist office, get a map, and explore it further.

More detailed information on El Puerto can be found by clicking here.