San Fernando – History of the Cortes, Nature and Culture

San Fernando showcases its history at prominent sites: the Iglesia Mayor is an 18th-century church where the deputies of Spain’s first constituent Cortes took their oaths in 1810.

Holiday Apartment in San Fernando

When choosing a holiday apartment in San Fernando, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation conditions on the respective property page. Take time to review this information and base your decision on your own travel dates, priorities and planned itinerary.

Culture and History

The Real Teatro de las Cortes opened in 1804 and, from 24 September 1810, served as the seat of the Cortes Generales y Extraordinarias. Puente Zuazo y Fortificaciones Anexas is a historic site and forms a defensive complex built at the end of the 16th century to defend Cádiz from attacks by land; in 1949, the site was recognised by decree as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The collection of the Museo Naval includes ship models illustrating the development of navigation, significant uniforms and flags of the Armada, as well as objects relating to the training of sailors.

The Ruta de Camarón de la Isla leads to places in San Fernando where Camarón de la Isla was born and grew up during his early years. The archaeological complex “Hornos Púnicos de Torrealta” displays the remains of two important pottery workshops associated with the ancient city of Gadir. The Centro de Interpretación Camarón de la Isla offers more than five hours of audiovisual material in the three sections “Origen”, “Leyenda” and “Revolución”. The Casa Natal de Camarón reconstructs aspects of the singer’s childhood and youth. Visits to the Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada are free of charge and require advance booking.

Nature

The Parque Natural Bahía de Cádiz is part of Andalusia’s network of protected natural areas and covers more than 10,500 hectares. The visitor centre of the Parque Natural Bahía de Cádiz is located next to Playa de Camposoto and near several hiking trails; it houses the permanent exhibition “Una historia de agua y fango”. From the viewpoint at the visitor centre, it is possible to observe birds in their natural habitat. The Sendero Salina Tres Amigos–Río Arillo leads close to an area of great ornithological importance in the Parque Natural Bahía de Cádiz.

Trails and Landscapes

The Sendero de la Punta del Boquerón is an easy 2.6-kilometre trail with a walking time of around 45 minutes; it is located at Playa de Camposoto. The Sendero del Carrascón runs for 5.6 kilometres along the Caño del Carrascón through marshland and past man-made salt pans that have long been used there for salt production. The EuroVelo 8 route follows the coast; two of its sections pass through San Fernando. Different trail lengths, landscapes and themes give you several clear options for structuring your day’s plans.

More Destinations

For further trip planning, you can also visit these destinations: Cádiz, San José Del Valle, Algodonales, Puerto Real, Bornos, El Gastor, Setenil and Alcalá Del Valle.

Regional Cuisine

Bienmesabe is a fried dish prepared with cumin, oregano, vinegar, garlic, oil and local salt.

For the overview of the wider destination: Cadiz.