Portray of the Destination
On the Guadalete riverbank, on the coast of Cadiz, lies a city that achieved great splendour during the discovery of America, due to its shipping tradition when it was part of the duchy of Medinaceli. The El Puerto de Santa María lords donate contributions to Christopher Columbus when he was about to embark on a journey to discover the new continent, and it was also here where he prepared his second journey. Juan de la Cosa served with his caravel "Santa María" and, in 1500 designed the first known world map of the history. During that period the rich traders, otherwise known as "Cargadores a Indias" (Merchants to the Indies), built magnificent palaces and manorial houses which still can be appreciated.

The first settlements in this territory date back to the prehistory period, as the archaeological site "El Aculadero" and the vestiges located close to the medieval tower of Doña Blanca witness. It was also under the Moorish domination when it was just a small hamlet, although the Christians recovered it in 1260. Many military expeditions departed from this city as it was the base of the Royal Galleys and seat of the "Capitanía General del Mar Océano" (military command) during the 16th and 17th centuries, and also the headquarters of the French army during the 19th century Independence War.

El Puerto de Santa María, with calm cobbled streets with beautiful orange trees and wrought iron balconies, is one of the most important tourist centres in Andalusia. It features fine golden sand beaches with warm waters, facilities to practise several sports, and excellent golf courses.

Its popular "jerez" (a kind of sherry), specially light and dry, is a must, as well as visiting the wine cellars in order to get to know the traditional wine making process.