Located across from the Doñana National Park, on the left bank of the Guadalquivir river, this town is famous for its "manzanilla" sherry cellars, and the horse races at the beach.

The origins of the city centre go back to Muslim times, as can be observed in the present appearance, with its narrow streets, zigzagging towards the river and the sea. Its most attractive features include its mild climate, the beaches of Bajo de Guía, Calzada, Las Piletas and La Jara, as well as numerous monuments, such as the castle of Santiago, from the 15th century; the palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Borbón, present site of the City Hall; the church of Nuestra Señora de la O; the palace of the dukes of Sidonia, which at present houses the municipal archives; and the convent of Santo Domingo, from the 16th century.