South of Spain: Jerez de la Frontera

Visit the landmarks

Jerez is the home to the famous Alcazar, which has stood since the time of Moors in Spain has a tower for city views and an Arab bath house.

If you aren’t interested in a castle, you could visit the Cathedral of Jerez. This cathedral sits high in the city and has beautiful views inside and out! Around Christmas time, you will find Zambomba groups singing carols here. In the summer, you can enjoy its 17th century architecture and elaborate decorations.

There are several famous plazas lined with tapas restaurants offering local wine and shine from the fields surrounding the city. Taste the local cuisine and enjoy the culture of this city that isn’t quite like Sevilla but is still very distinct from Cádiz to the south.

Go to a wine tasting

The word ‘Jerez’ means sherry in Spanish, thus the name of this city is quite literally, Sherry from the Frontier! You would be remiss to not taste a little bit or at least learn about the long history of Sherry distilling in this region. There are different varieties of Sherry produced in and around Jerez. There is the sweet cream sherry wine, the dark oloroso sherry and the unique manzanilla from the Sanlucar region nearby. Whether you like Sherry wine or not, it is fascinating to learn about the process and history of wine in this region.

Watch the Andalucian horses

Andalucía is famous for its horses, and Jerez is the center of this beauty. These horses are light on their feet and extremely athletic, making them a top choice for riders. At the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, you can visit the museum to learn more about these beautiful animals and also attend a show to watch them in action.

Fería de Caballo

If you are fortunate enough to come to Jerez during the Spring, you may arrive during the Fería de Caballo. This usually takes place after the Feria in Sevilla in early or late May. On the outside of the Feria park area, you will find very typical fair games and food that are fun for younger children and families to enjoy. Inside the park, you will see the more traditional Andalucian Fería tents. They have restaurants and bars set up for people to come eat, drink and enjoy the shows during the day put on by riders and their horses. Many women will be dressed in the traditional flamenco dress and shawl with a flower adorning their hair. The men will clean up as well-dressed in suits or traditional Andalucian dress themselves. It is fun to walk around the park and see the different tents. Hint! Some tents are private, but others are open to the public.

If you stay until after sunset, you may enjoy a little more of a party than the traditional experience, but this can be a lot of fun! Just be prepared, some Spanish people can party all night — until 6 in the morning!

Shopping in Luz Shopping Jerez

If you want to treat yourself while on vacation, as we all should, on the outskirts of the city is the incredible Luz shopping center. Here you have access to several clothes, shoes and other shops to find something you can take home with you and tell all your friends, “Thanks, I got it in Spain.”

Day trip to the coast

For all the great qualities Jerez has, it is hot in Spring and summer. If you need a break from the heat, a trip to the beach couldn’t be easier. Several trains connect Jerez to Puerto de Santa Maria and Valdelagrana, both of which have a beach with a nice ocean breeze. Enjoy the coast during the day and return to Jerez around sunset when it is cooler in the city.

Krombol: Some of the best coffee in the area, but also incredible cakes and treats to accompany your dessert.

Aguacate Coffee & Brunch: Another brunch location with a wide variety of options to choose from in the morning or the afternoon.

Bar Cafetería Levante: For a taste of more typical tapas and Spanish cuisine, stop at the restaurant in the center of the old town

ATUVERA: My personal favorite that has an Andalucian feel to the space, and provides the best tapas you can find. Best enjoyed with a cervecita!

CHICUELO: A higher-end restaurant to enjoy a nice late Spanish dinner around 9 or 10 or 11 o'clock in the evening!

Bar & Restaurante Hondureño "Un Toque Hondureño: For a taste of something different, this Honduran bar has the best of Central American (Honduran) food!