Jerez has a long and rich cultural history. In ancient times, it was part of the border between the Nazari kingdom of Granada and the Crown of Castile. This emblematic city has been able to combine avant-garde, culture and tradition to become a reference for Andalusian folklore. Wine, horses and flamenco are the hallmarks of this wonderful place in Andalusia. Are you going to miss it?
THE WINE
This city is a must for wine lovers. Vines everywhere around, cellars, Palomino grape variety, brandy, Sherry vinegar and the Jerez-Xerès-Sherry denomination of origin are some of the reasons why Jerez is definitely worth visiting. In Jerez you will find 20 wineries, museums , enotecas, bars and restaurants offering food and wine pairings and, of course, the traditional “tabancos”, perfect meeting points for those who wish to enjoy a good wine and a tapa at the historical city center.
CULTURE AND HISTORY
Jerez is a cultural melting-pot. ; Phoenicians, Romans, Muslims and Christians have all left their mark on this city . Narrow streets, neighborhoods with character, squares of fountains and orange trees.
Strolling through the historic center you will find yourself surrounded by a multitude of palaces and churches, historical buildings such as the Mercado Central de Abastos, the railway station , the Villamarta Theater or the impressive Alcazar. A tour through history that you can not miss!
FLAMENCO
This beautiful city is also known as “cuna del flamenco” (cradle of flamenco). It is a land of “cantaores” (singers), “bailaores” (dancers” and guitarists. Do not miss the chance to visit the Santiago and San Miguel neighbourhoods, attend a flamenco show at any of the local “tablaos” and “peñas flamencas” or learn about history of this art at the Andalusian Center of Flamenco. Lovers of flamenco will also enjoy the International Festival of Flamenco de Jerez , usually held in February and March or the Festival of the Buleria in September.
FERIA DEL CABALLO AND EASTER
These are the most famous festivals in the city, usually held in March and May every year. Andalusian horses, beautiful flamenco dresses and delicious tapas will make your day. Take the chance to learn how to dance “sevillanas” (traditional dance) with the locals all day long. At night, the fun and the best atmosphere continues inside the “casetas” (large tents)the booths where you can dance and enjoy yourself until early in the morning. until the wee hours of the night. The Feria is also a theme park with dozens of attractions for all ages, fun guaranteed!.
Holy Week ( Easter) in Jerez is lived in a special and unique way. April smells of incense and sounds like a processional steady march. Do not miss the “Madrugá” on Good Friday or the Prendimiento procession on Holy Wednesday, very popular in Andalusia.
GASTRONOMY
Jerez is becoming a culinary point of reference. in the province for its ability in combining tradition and innovation. There is a wide offer on tabancos (typical local bars) where one can enjoy tapas, wines and traditional dishes like cabbage, hot garlic, artichokes or bull tail, and other bars restaurants where the most avant-garde techniques are used so that you can taste the most innovative gourmet combinations.
THE JEREZ MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX
Every year more than 200,000 people and 50,000 visitors travel to Jerez by motorcycle to enjoy the Grand Prix, attracted by the good weather and incredible atmosphere during this festival.
HORSES
Jerez is also a paradise for horse lovers. It is home of some famous horse breeds, like Cartujano horses, bred by Carthusian monks in the XV century. There are many events in the city where you can enjoy the equestrian art, being perhaps the Feria del Caballo in May, the best known of them all. You can also enjoy the beauty of horses at the Harvest Festival or at the different shows held at Bodegas Williams & Humbert, Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and the Yeguada of the Cartuja.
It is also possible to follow the Ruta Ecuestre de Jerez (local equestrian route) organized by many companies in the province, where you can also watch horses in their natural environment or being tamed , enjoy a horseback riding or take some lessons on how to do it.
NATURE AND ACTIVE TOURISM
Disconnecting and breathing pure air is also possible here. You can visit the lagoons of the Canteras and Tejón, the lagoon of Medina, the Tollos or the Torrox areas, stroll through the parks of Santa Teresa, La Suara or the Anguilillas and even follow a route through the Marshes and Doñana park,. It is also a spectacular destination for lovers of golf and active tourism in general.
ACCOMMODATION
In Jerez you will the the right accommodation dto suit your needs and budget, from big hotels to small apartments and charming hostels.
TRANSPORT
There are many transport options for those willing to visit Jerez de la Frontera. You can get there by bus, train or plane, so you will not have a problem organizing your trio. .The bus station is just a ten minute walk from the city center and there are connections from almost anywhere in Spain; Bilbao, Seville, Málaga, Madrid, Lugo, Zamora, La Coruña, Granada, etc.
The train station is placed next to the bus station, and from here you can connect with the AVE ( Spanish high-speed train connecting Madrid and Seville) and other suburban rail lines which will allow you to visit the whole province of Cadiz.