Jerez de la Frontera

Jerez de la Frontera, on the Costa de la Luz, is one of the major cities in Andalusia, Spain, the fifth in terms of size and population (about 213,000 inhabitants in 2019). Jerez has gradually become a major transport hub and the main economic engine in the province of Cádiz.

Understand
Jerez de la Frontera, the resilient city on the Atlantic coast, has always enjoyed a privileged strategic location. Over centuries as a medieval border town with its castle high up, it has resisted first the Christians attacks and sieges, later the Moors that tried to conquer the city again. After the Catholic Kings took over the Kingdom of Granada and brought peace to the peninsula, the economic and intellectual life returned to the splendour of Moorish times.



There has been an intense rivalry between Jerez and Cádiz for a long time. Since Cádiz became capital of the province, Jerez has had to struggle for its current economic and cultural position without much institutional support. While a certain reluctant brotherhood binds the two cities together today, the rivalry continues, and the traveller is well advised not to conflate the two cities.

Nowadays, few places in Spain can be said to enjoy the international renown of Jerez as, thanks to its sherry wines, the name of the city has crossed international boundaries long ago. But Jerez is not just a city of wines and beautiful buildings, it has much more to offer: it is home of the Carthusian horses, cradle of flamenco, capital of motorcycle racing and home to international sporting events, and a recognised centre of artistic and historical interest.

Despite its relatively small size, Jerez is (and has for centuries been) an ambitious, proud, and dynamic place, aided by supportive municipal institutions. For example, Jerez was the first Spanish city to have street lighting and the Caja de Ahorros de Jerez was the first savings bank in Spain. It was also the first city in the province to ask for a university, though the request was denied by Madrid. Projects like the race track Circuito de Jerez or the National Flamenco Centre (Ciudad del Flamenco) started as local initiatives, and then gained support from the national government.

In the region, Jerez is sometimes known as "señorita" ("Madam") because of the many families from bourgeois or even aristocratic backgrounds who developed the wine business. However, despite these noble roots, Jerez is more urban and diverse than it may seem at first sight.

If you are short on time, the traditional tourist circuit comprises horses, flamenco and wine. This little trilogy could be called the essence of Andalusia and largely explains the financial stability of Jerez, despite not being the provincial capital. But if you have more time, try to go beyond the surface: Enjoy some coffee or tapas in a traditional cafe or an ultra-cool one, walk around the food market, attend a play in the theatre or a concert, stroll through the old town. Sometimes just one block off the main road will take you off the beaten path.

Jerez is a large city where long-standing traditions coexist in perfect harmony with the modern: large shopping centres and wide avenues converge upon the historic, cheerful and bustling city centre, where shopping and tapas go hand in hand. These distinctive features, together with a privileged geographical situation and climate, distinct tourist sights, and modern infrastructures, all make Jerez the perfect place to live in and to visit.

Location
The city is in the western part of Andalusia, near the Guadalete river. Jerez is 15 minutes from the beach, 35 minutes from the Sierra de Grazalema, and 50 min to 1 hour from the Andalusian capital, Sevilla.



Climate
The weather in Jerez is characterized by enjoying over 3,200 hours of sunshine a year. Temperatures are high in summer and mild in winter. It is advisable to visit the city in spring or autumn.

Get in
There is no left-luggage facility at the airport and bus station.

By train
Jerez is on the main line between Sevilla and Cádiz. RENFE, Spanish National Railway. There are 2-3 trains per day to Madrid, but it is better to change at Sevilla for more frequent service.

By bus
Consorcio de Transportes Bahía de Cádiz operate a semi-regular bus service from Jerez Airport to downtown Jerez ( one way) and onwards to Cádiz (view timetable). A train service operates from Sevilla San Justa train station direct to Jerez and Cádiz, for those arriving via Seville airport.

By plane
Seville Airport, located less than 100km from Jerez, is a rapidly growing regional airport served by Ryanair and several major airlines;

By car

 * Motorway Jerez-Sevilla AP-4 / E-5 from Sevilla.
 * Autovia A4 - IV National
 * Highway Jerez-Los Barrios A-381 - Through Alcornocales Park and joins the Campo de Gibraltar to Jerez. It is a modern highway designed to cause the least environmental damage that crosses Park
 * Highway Jerez-Arcos de la Frontera A-382 - The main means of communication in Jerez and Cádiz province by the Sierra de Grazalema.
 * Highway Chipiona, Jerez A-480 - This highway connects the Jerez area with the Northwest Coast, towns like Chipiona, and Sanlucar.
 * Ring-roads: Jerez has two ring roads, Round East and Round West, to help improve the circulation of the city.

Get around
The best way to visit Jerez de la Frontera is to walk as you can enjoy the beauty of its streets and façades of its many palaces, and squares and malls. Tourist buses are also available on two floors with the convertible top.

By boat
The City is considering creating a boat service between Jerez and El Puerto de Santa Maria Guadalete across the river, as one of several measures to restore the River.

By taxi
Taxi service is pretty good and truthworty. You will find several stops in the city centre. You can contact a taxi service at.

By car
A good idea is park your cark in some parking to avoid traffic jams. The nearest one to city centre are:


 * Alameda Vieja, Calle Manuel María González, junto an Alameda Vieja, tel. 956320287.
 * Arenal, Plaza del Arenal, tel. 956325076.
 * Centro, Calle Larga s/n.
 * Centro Comercial Los Cisnes, Plaza del Progreso. tel, 956168383.
 * Doña Blanca, Plaza Esteve, tel. 956347209.
 * Madre de Dios, Plaza de Madre de Dios, tel. 956337253.
 * Mamelón, Plaza del Mamelón, junto a la Alameda Cristina, tel. 956348654.
 * Plaza del Caballo, Plaza del Caballo s/n, tel. 956313080.

By bicycle
Jerez is the first city in Andalucia has launched a free public transport service bicycles. Free rental bikes will be for a period of two hours and may be left in any of the points that have been in the city are: Alameda Bank Mamelon Square, Bus Station and the Campus University.

See

 * Bodegas:, Romate, , , Domecq, , , Harveys, , etc...
 * Flamenco:, , , etc... In February/March each year the city erupts with music and dance – representing one of the most important celebrations of Flamenco in the world during the annual world famous flamenco festival.

Monuments from the Moorish period

 * Monumental Compound of the Moorish Palace-Fortress and Dark Chamber or . This Moorish fortress/palace was built by the Abbadid rulers in the early 10th century and later converted into a Christian stronghold. This complex covers a mosque (subsequently used as a church), Arab baths, several towers (one of which is octagonal), pretty gardens with a fountain, cloistered patios, the Palacio Villavicencio and a camera obscura. The Hall of Ambassadors bears decoration closest to that of Granada's Alhambra. The Patio de las Muñecas is thought to be the site of the harem, and where King Pedro allegedly murdered an interesting mix of guests and family! The camera obscura is in a tower, and offers a 360-degree view of the city projected through lenses and mirrors:


 * City Walls – Parts of the old walls of the city remains in Calle Ancha, Calle Muro and Calle Porvera. In Calle Ancha, next to the wall, we will see the monument dedicated to Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, a leading Spanish conquistador who discovered Florida born in Jerez.

Churches
Churches are a must during your walking tour around the city. The churches in the old town used to be mosques. They made reference to the Four Evangelists: Saint Luke, Saint John, Saint Matthew and Saint Mark. The others two were meant to the patron, St Denis, and God, the Cathedral.



Do
The best seasons to visit Jerez are spring and autumn. Some festivities that attract many tourists are:


 * Holy Week- Every year varies the celebration of this Christian festival (usually in April but may also be in March). Holy Week in Jerez is one of the largest in Andalucia, comparable to Holy Week in Seville. There are a total of 37 teams. Some flamenco song can often be sang to the images in the streets of the city, especially those with are closer linked with the Flamenco suburbs.
 * Horse Fair - One of the largest and most important fairs of Andalusia because of its beauty and above all to be a public exhibition in which there are no private booths. Always held in May each year but on different dates and duration is 1 week. It could enjoy tapas and wine from Jerez and enjoy dancing. It is advisable to visit at night to enjoy party and beautiful lighting.
 * Christmas — The most typical of Christmas are undoubtedly holding the Zambombas. There, friends, family, neighbors, and fraternity brothers gathered around a campfire or in a salon and go caroling and Christmas songs while serving pestiños and sweets.
 * Grand Prix motorcycle Spain — The largest test of the World Motorcycling Championship. Jerez de la Frontera is considered "Motor Mecca" for its incredible biker atmosphere in those three days. It attracts up to 200,000 people.
 * Christmas — The most typical of Christmas are undoubtedly holding the Zambombas. There, friends, family, neighbors, and fraternity brothers gathered around a campfire or in a salon and go caroling and Christmas songs while serving pestiños and sweets.
 * Grand Prix motorcycle Spain — The largest test of the World Motorcycling Championship. Jerez de la Frontera is considered "Motor Mecca" for its incredible biker atmosphere in those three days. It attracts up to 200,000 people.

Daily activities

 * Casco antiguo. Bring a map and let yourself discover the narrow streets, small squares and noble buildings from Middle Age. Calle Francos is a must, since was the central street during the Arabs dominion, linking the Santiago Gate and the Royal Gate (Plaza del Arenal), and Plaza del Mercado, in which the Andalusi market was established during the Middle Age as well.
 * Terraza Sabores is a nice terrace that you can find in the old city. It's very easy to access, just taking the elevator in the main patio or going upstairs. Surrounded by old church towers, the view and situation are really nice, enjoying a wine, cold drinks or any cocktail, they usually play soft music, bossa nova or jazz.
 * , has become an essential stop for any visitor to Jerez as indeed it is to many locals. It is set in a beautifully restored 18th-century house in the old part of the town and consists in a circuit of 3 pools (warm, hot and cold) with optional relaxing massages of 15 and 30 minutes, starting at for an hour and a half of bath only, 25 and 40 with the respective massages included. They also have special treatments which include scrubs and wraps which are ideal for a couple and last 2½ hours. The accompanying relaxing music and candle-lit atmosphere provide for a truly memorable and relaxing time. Highly recommended.
 * Places and Malls — The beautiful squares and avenues are a must in Jerez:, , , , , , , Alameda Vieja and.
 * Places and Malls — The beautiful squares and avenues are a must in Jerez:, , , , , , , Alameda Vieja and.
 * Places and Malls — The beautiful squares and avenues are a must in Jerez:, , , , , , , Alameda Vieja and.

Buy
There are many shopping centres in Jerez, mainly out of the city centre. Cinemas, department stores, etc. but if you want to enjoy the taste and charm of the city, the city centre is the best place to stay.


 * Calle Larga – The local people, jerezanos, say that no one can talk about having been in Jerez and not having walking around this street. As large as the old wall was, this street is full of bars, shops and anything you may need.
 * Jerez Souvenirs – Calle Lanceria. Souvenirs about horses, flamenco and wine cellars.

Eat
Typical dishes served are:
 * Ajo


 * Sopa de Tomate


 * Tagarninas


 * Carrillada


 * Caracoles (spring only)


 * fish (Pescado frito)


 * Tortilla de Patatas


 * Ensaladillas


 * Patatas Ali-Oli


 * Tortillas de camarones


 * Sangre con Tomate


 * Atún Encebollado


 * Menudo

Much of the eating is done in bars. Another eating option is in small shops, ventas.

Plaza Rafael Rivero is with Plaza de la Asunción, one of the most beautiful square in the old city. Among places and old houses, there are several tapas bars until late.

Drink
Do taste some sherry, after all this is where it comes from!

There are two main areas to go out:

City centre
People usually get some nice tapas around Plaza del Arenal or Plaza Rafael Rivero and then some drinks out.

Avenida Lola Flores
This new district, by the soccer stadium, attract many young people -and not so young-.

Gay and lesbian scene
Jerez is a tolerant and respectful city about LGBT community. Every June 28 the gay flag is hoisted from the City Hall and throughout the years there are numerous activities (film series, lectures, LGBT theatre, etc.)

Stay safe
Due to Jerez not being a particularly wealthy or economically dynamic city (at 27%, the city's unemployment rate is one of the highest in Europe), it often ranks among Spain's most dangerous cities, but the areas visited by tourists are safe, like the city centre that is bustling with life at all times. Broadly speaking, the city's southern neighbourhoods should be avoided.

Go next
From Jerez de la Frontera you can take different routes.


 * Almohad and Almoravids route - You will be able to enjoy and experience the heritage of Islamic culture in Jerez and in other locations on the route.
 * Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Chipiona and Doñana National Park route - Through this route you will reach some of the most interesting part of the province. Sanlucar de Barrameda is on the banks of the Guadalquivir River (at its mouth), compared to Doñana National Park. In Chipiona you can visit the Sanctuary of the Virgen de Regla and its lighthouse. To achieve this route should take road A-480. Jerez, Sanlucar. The ride lasts for 15/20 minutes.
 * El Puerto de Santa Maria and Cádiz Route - From Jerez you can get to El Puerto de Santa Maria in just 10 minutes. In the port we can enjoy the Castillo de San Marcos or its excellent sandy beaches. If you want you can go to Cádiz or the A4 road or catamaran service which costs one way. It is also possible to go to Cádiz, taking the typical Vaporcito.
 * White Villages route - This is one of the most beautiful routes that can be performed. With this route you will discover the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema. The journey Jerez de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera is done in about 25–30 minutes. Arcos is one of the most beautiful villages in Andalusia, Spain, and the first village of the White Villages Route. Arcos balances atop a rocky limestone ridge, its whitewashed houses and stone castle walls stopping abruptly as a sheer cliff face plunges down to the fertile valley of the river Guadalete below. Historic-Artistic Monument offers a typical Andalusian architecture and Arab descent. It is also essential to visit El Bosque and Grazalema Benamahoma.
 * Atlantic Flyway - With it you can enjoy the excellent beaches and beautiful towns of the northwest coast and the bay. This route is a dense semi-wild coast of white sandy beaches dotted with fishing villages that reach Tarifa.
 * Ruta del Toro - including the fields of Jerez, and followed by Medina Sidonia Alcala de los Azules and the Natural Park of Alcornocales abound graze pastures where wild bull are. Beautiful setting and exquisite cuisine.