San Fernando Car Hire

Guide of San Fernando

Geography

San Fernando is located in the province of Cadiz, in the sunny southern Spanish region of Andalusia. It is situated around 7.4 miles (12 km) east of Cadiz, on the Island of León, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The town is surrounded by the marshes and wetlands of Bahia de Cadiz Natural Park, a wildlife-rich habitat for migratory birds.

Climate in San Fernando

San Fernando enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with over 3,000 hours of sunshine all year round. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and wet. Summer begins in June and lasts until September, with average temperatures of 27°C throughout the period. The coldest month to visit San Fernando is January, though temperatures linger around a relatively pleasant 12°C. For those looking to avoid the rain, summers see little to no rainfall for months. The wettest months of the year are November and December.

Culture

San Fernando boasts a rich cultural heritage. In the 13th century, the Moors conquered the city and it became part of the Kingdom of Granada until the region was re-conquered by Ferdinand and Isabella in the late 15th century. In the 18th century, it became an important naval and military town, with a huge shipyard and arsenal. The town continued to grow rapidly during the 19th and 20th centuries and today it is a vibrant city with a population of over 90,000 people.

Like many Andalusian towns and cities, the residents of San Fernando love to celebrate. The Carnival, which takes place in February, is one of the largest in Spain and features parades, costume contests, music performances and traditional dancing. The town is famous for flamenco music and dance too, performed at the town’s many bars and restaurants.

Things To Do in San Fernando

People-watch in the Plaza del Rey

Plaza del Rey is the beating heart of San Fernando. Lined with historic buildings, churches and bustling cafes, it’s the perfect spot to sit back and soak in the local atmosphere after a morning pounding the pavements or basking in the heat on the beach.

Explore the Castillo de San Romualdo

Castillo de San Romualdo is the town’s most iconic landmark. Built in the 18th century, it was first used as a military barracks. Today, it is open to the public and offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding bay.

Take a stroll along the seafront

San Fernando is blessed with a prime location right in front of the sparkling sea. Take a stroll before dinner or spend the day at one of the town’s many beaches. Playa de Camposoto offers up 5.5 miles (9 km) of golden sands and is renowned for its excellent windsurfing conditions, rolling sand dunes and clear waters. On the other side, the more diminutive Playa del Castillo has been awarded Blue Flag status.

Marvel at ornate frescoes at the Iglesia Mayor

This 18th-century church features a spectacular baroque facade and equally impressive interiors, featuring ornate altarpieces and centuries-old frescoes.

Pick up souvenirs and local treats at the Mercado Central

There are several excellent local markets scattered across the town, but Mercado Central is the most well-known. Stop by to pick up picnic supplies of freshly baked bread, olives and cured meats and other local treats.

Eating Out in San Fernando

Much like the rest of the region, San Fernando is fiercely proud and protective of its rich culinary traditions. Given its seaside location, there’s bountiful fresh seafood on offer, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes and game from the countryside. Some of the town’s most famous dishes include tortillas de camarones (crispy fritters made with shrimp and chickpea flour), langostinos de San Fernando (sweet prawns grilled or sauteed) and Almadraba tuna (a local tuna delicacy caught using traditional fishing techniques in the Strait of Gibraltar).

The town is located in the so-called ‘Sherry Triangle’, so no visit would be complete without sampling some the San Fernando’s famous fortified wine. Manzanilla, another type of dry sherry produced in nearby Sanlucar de Barrameda is particularly popular in town too and you’ll find it in most bars and restaurants.

San Fernando is brimming with brilliant bars, cafes and restaurants and it’s difficult to go wrong. Follow your nose and be prepared to wander off the main thoroughfares for the most authentic and affordable home-style cooking. If you’re looking for inspiration, Venta de Vargas, Fogon de Mariana and El Bartolo are all local crowdpleasers.

Transport

Airport

The closest airport to San Fernando is Jerez Airport (XRY), located around 25 miles (40 km) northeast of the town. Most major international and domestic airlines offer flights to the airport, including some of Europe’s most famous budget airlines. Seville Airport (SVQ) is 75 miles (120 km) north of the town.

The drive between San Fernando and Jerez Airport is around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Visitors can also take a 50-minute bus or an hour-long train to the town centre.

Getting around San Fernando

San Fernando is a comparatively small town and most of its most famous sights are within walking distance of each other. The town also has a train station, with regular services to major cities in the region like Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera and Saville. Local buses are cheap and reliable too.

However, if you’re planning on exploring the town’s rural surroundings and smaller towns, we recommend hiring a car. Public transport further inland can be unreliable and it can be difficult to reach some of Andalusia’s famous pueblos blancos (white towns) without a car. Transfers are expensive too. Driving will give you the flexibility and freedom to some of the region’s lesser-explored spots at your own pace.