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Latest update: 25 July 2023
White houses with dark wrought iron balconies. It is a typical image of Medina Sidonia in Spain. A village in Andalusia that is unjustly skipped by many people. Let me convince you to visit Medina Sidonia. Discover what to do.
The rich history of Medina Sidonia Medina
Sidonia is one of those places you probably never heard of until you come to the province of Cádiz in Andalusia. And with you, many others, which is why it is so nice to visit Medina Sidonia. It is still a village of the Spaniards, not of the tourists. Because it is relatively small, you can see all the sights of Medina Sidonia in one day, and you still have time left for an extensive lunch or some drinks.
The pride of Medina Sidonia is its rich history. For over 3000 years, all kinds of people have settled in Medina Sidonia. Phoenicians (from present-day Lebanon), Romans, Visigoths, Moors… They have all been here. The draw is Medina Sidonia’s strategic location: in the heart of Cádiz, high on a hill. Luckily, the village still captures its history today.
Medina Sidonia was once the capital of the Muslim quarter of Sidonia. The word ‘medina’ comes from North Africa. There, the medina is the oldest part of the city, most often enclosed by city walls.
Walking Tour of Medina Sidonia
You can join a walking tour through Medina Sidonia from the tourism office for a tenner. Highly recommended, because that way you learn a lot about the history and have access to the archaeological and ethnographic museum. My guide even happens to be Dutch. Carola takes us over 1.5 hours along all the highlights. I like the fact that we not only go back thousands of years but also learn more about life now in Medina Sidonia.
Interested in a walking tour? Email the tourism office.
Or drop by the tourism office for information and advice for your visit. It is located in the small market hall.
The city wall of Medina Sidonia
You can see the city wall of Medina Sidonia in several places. But sometimes, it’s entirely part of someone’s home. Yes, really. Not so long ago, that was still allowed, and well, it isn’t easy to undo, of course. Just walk along Calle Muro (Google Maps location), and you will see how ‘professionally’ the old city wall has been incorporated into the houses.
Moorish city gates of Medina Sidonia
In total, there are three original Moorish city gates. They have a typical horseshoe shape. In the time of the Christians, they closed the top to make it more Christian. But the gates have now been restored, and the horseshoe is back. The Arco de Belén is probably the most photogenic because you have a view of the church (Google Maps location). And the Arco de la Pastora is also in a beautiful spot where you have a good view of the city walls (Google Maps location).
Archaeological museum and Roman excavations
In the archaeological museum of Medina Sidonia, you will find all kinds of objects from thousands of years ago, so you can get an idea of how people lived back then. But the real highlight are the Roman excavations. Discovered by luck.
In the museum, you can walk through the underground sewers and see ruins of houses from Roman times. Found by chance by children playing in the street and followed a cat into the rooms. The municipality had to buy three houses to do the excavations!
A little further (here) is a Roman street belonging to the museum. Also accidentally discovered during work on a garage. The owner was not given permission to build the garage after the discovery but was allowed to finish his house above it. It’s an interesting realization that people already walked on these stones centuries ago.
Ethnographic Museum of Medina Sidonia
In an ethnographic museum, you see daily life in a region or a specific population group. Mainly utensils are on exhibit. The residents donated many objects to the Ethnographic Museum of Medina Sidonia. You can even view fully furnished rooms or parts of old shops and workshops. From a luxurious bedroom to a school classroom, a hardware store, and a pharmacy.
Buy cookies at Monasterio De San Cristóbal y Santa Rita
Unfortunately, you cannot visit the monastery next to the tourism office. A handful of nuns still live there. They don’t actually go outside unless they have to go to the doctor, for example. There is little new influx of nuns. Most of them are already elderly and, strangely enough, do not come from the region but from South America. The current market hall used to be the herb garden of the monastery.
To earn some extra money, the nuns make local sweets. You can enter at the side of the monastery to order something through a large cast-iron grille. That’s a bit tricky because you can’t really see what’s on offer. So try your luck. The small coconut balls are delicious.
Taste the local sweet: Alfajor de Medina Sidonia
At practically all bakeries in Medina Sidonia, you can try a local sweet, the Alfajor de Medina Sidonia. It is a sturdy round stick made of honey, almonds, hazelnuts, and all kinds of herbs, wrapped in paper. I find it very tasty: a combination of sweet and spicy. You can sell them individually. I buy a few at Confiteria La Paz. Maybe you can also buy them at the monastery, I forgot to check.
Santa Maria la Coronada Church
Like so many churches in Andalusia, the Santa María la Coronada church was built on the remains of a mosque. You can visit the Medina Sidonia church and climb the bell tower – if they open the doors according to opening hours. Unfortunately, I meet a closed door – twice.
The castle of Medina Sidonia
At the very top of the village are the castle ruins of Medina Sidonia. It was once a Roman military fortress, then a Moorish alcázar (a palace complex), and then it became a medieval castle. Excavations are still being done to this day. You cannot visit the castle on windy days. The wind is too strong and it’s too inclement at that height. But otherwise, I hope you have a clear day, because you can see incredibly far. Beautiful views!
Plaza de España
The Plaza de España is the central square of Medina Sidonia. Here you will find the beautiful town hall and many outdoor cafes. The inhabitants of Medina Sidonia also like to sit here on a bench. It really is a meeting place. Ideal for a short break to soak up some sun.
Restaurants in Medina Sidonia
The two most recommended restaurants in Medina Sidonia are Show and La Fábrica. At both restaurants, you can order tapas and dishes to share. La Fábrica is near the Plaza de España (Google Maps location) and is a nice mix of old and new. Old walls, new floor tiles. And plenty of choice in tapas.
Show de Tapas serves creative tapas. Or actually, a few small dishes from all over the world. The squid croquetas and gyozas are super tasty, and the service is very helpful. I also find it surprisingly nicely decorated. It all looks pretty cramped downstairs, but there is a lovely space with tables upstairs. (Google Maps location).
Parking in Medina Sidonia
You can park your car for free behind the town hall in Medina Sidonia. Just on the street or in the parking lot. (Google Maps location)
Haven’t arranged a rental car yet? Compare the prices at Sunny Cars and EasyTerra. These are reliable car rental companies where you organize everything in one go. So there is no hassle when you pick up your car about extra insurance and other things they might want to sell you.
Hotels in Medina Sidonia
Would you like to spend the night in Medina Sidonia? Good plan, because there are quite a few friendly hotels and apartments. But it’s hard to choose! I’ll help you on your way. Check out these options:
- Casa Arco del Cañon: clean, nicely furnished apartment with typical arcos (arches).
- Tugasa Hotel Medina Sidonia: simple, somewhat sober rooms. Right in the center.
- Victoria: Instagram-worthy hotel, so beautiful! Fantastic design.
- Casa Atahona: spacious two-bedroom apartment.
- Apartamentos Plaza de España: nice apartments with a good mix of new and old.
More Spain inspiration?
Helpful links for your Spain trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always a popular choice. But you could also check Homecamper | campspace or Hostelworld for more options. HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. You can also check out WithLocals. Book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour.com or GuruWalk and try Baja Bikes for bike tours.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Bus and train. If you want to travel by bus or train to or in Spain, Busbud and Omio are excellent companies for planning your transportation.
- Boat. You can take a boat from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, or take a ferry between the islands. Check out the options at Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could try Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Spain.
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