Once only famous for its sherry exports around the world, the town of Jerez de la Frontera in the Andalucia region of Spain is now a major tourist destination, thanks to its history and range of cultural activities. Located near Cadiz, almost exactly between the Mediterranean and the mountains, Jerez has become a popular day trip destination for tourists staying on the Costa del Sol, with many travel companies offering coach trips, which usually also take in a sherry bodega or cellar en route.
Jerez is much more than just sherry; it has a beautiful old town, established in the 11th century when the area was under Moorish control. Indeed, one of the most visited buildings in the town is the Alcazar or Moorish fortress. Not much of the original building remains; just the outside defensive walls and towers and a mosque. Much of the interior that was once full of religious and functional constructions has now been converted into pleasant gardens. The town's rather ornate 17th century cathedral is also worth an hour or so of your time and features some impressive religious art. It is also possible to climb the bell tower to the roof to enjoy the view over this sprawling city to the mountains beyond.
However, while you shouldn't ignore the history of Jerez, you shouldn't also miss out on the chance to sample some of the local sherry in one of the many bodegas or cellars open to the public. Many in the city centre don't offer the best quality sherry, and it is worthwhile finding a way to get to one of those on the outskirts, such as Harveys or the Hidalgo La Gitana bodega where Manzanilla sherry is made. Jerez is also famous for its equestrianism and its flamenco dancing, being home to both the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and the Andalusian Centre of Flamenco.
While both of these put on shows for the tourists, the former displaying their dancing horses similar to the more famous ones from Vienna and the latter putting on shows of traditional and modern flamenco, it might me more fun to find smaller, less formal environments, particularly to enjoy some traditional Andalusian flamenco music and dancing. Jerez is full of small, dark bars and restaurants that advertise flamenco shows during the summer months, and a trip to this part of Spain would not be complete without taking in a performance. Should you decide to stay overnight and combine an evening of flamenco and sherry, there are plenty of guest houses and hotels in the old town to choose from.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Jerez? Then below is a selection of holiday apartments in Jerez and holiday villas in Jerez that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
