Horse races on the beach in Sanlucar de Barrameda

Sanlucar de Barrameda is located on the left bank of the mouth of the Guadalquivir and lies directly opposite the Doñana National Park.

The Doñana National and Nature Park is considered Europe's largest ecological reserve.

The town is famous for its historic centre, its wine - and its manzanilla cellars - horse racing on the beach, and its rich gastronomy. Tuna and prawn dishes are the most famous.

Sanlúcar de Barrameda is a small coastal town in the province of Cadiz. It has long been a holiday resort for the Sevillian bourgeoisie. This is quickly apparent in the large number of palatial houses in the town.

Finally, it is around 20km from what is known as ‘little Seville’, i.e. the splendid town of Jerez de la Frontera.

The origins and dates of horse racing on the beach

These are the oldest English-style horse races - turf - in Spain... on a racecourse .... which is actually a beach!

These sand races are located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir and just across from the famous Doñana Natural Park. The races have been held since 1845.

The races are held twice, in mid-August and at the end of August.

The 2025 dates, in the late afternoon: 5, 6, 7 August and 19, 20, 21 August.