Visit Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera is in the province of Cadiz in the region of Andalucia.
Explore Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez is renowned for its Sherry and there are many wine bodegas you can visit. Visits last about an hour and involve a guided tour where English is often spoken and is followed by a tasting. The main two Sherry houses are 'Gonzalez Byass' and 'Pedro Bomecq'. These two and many others are also producers of Spanish brandy.
For Brandy to be officially classed as Brandy de Jerez it has to meet 3 criteria: it must be produced within the municipal boundaries of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda or El Puerto de Santa Maria; it must have been aged in American oak casks previously used for sherry; and the traditional ageing procedure must have been used.
As well as sherry Jerez de la Frontera is famous for its Royal Analucian School of Equestrian Art and if you arrive in town on a Thursday you can watch one of their dressage displays. Displays take place some other days too - visit the tourist office for an up-to-date timetable. Even if there is not a show you can often visit to watch training sessions.
As well as sherry and dressage Jerez is the city where flamenco singing first started and it has the Andalucian Centre of Flamenco. It is housed in the fine 18th century Palacio de Permatin and you can visit to learn more about Flamenco. For a real treat visit Jerez from 24 Feb to 11 March for the Flamenco Festival of Jerez. World class performers participate in this very colourful spectacle.
Another great time to visit Jerez de la Frontera is during early/mid May when the Horse Fair takes place. During this fair horses are decorated with flowers and horses and carriages take to the streets carrying men dressed in traditional costumes and women in beautiful flamenco dresses. There is another colourful festival at the end of September to celebrate the year's new vintage.
As well as its sherry, flamenco and horses Jerez has much more to offer as it is in itself a very beautiful town.
Town of Jerez
The Cathedral is the one of the finest of the town's buildings. It is in Gothic-Renaissance style and is home to 'The Sleeping Girl' by Zurbaran.
Jerez had a Moorish past which is very visible in its 11th century Alcazar which includes a mosque which has been converted into a church, ancient baths and a couple of attractive towers. The Alcazar also has an attractive attractive gardens.
The wide streets, jacaranda trees and elegant squares planted with palm trees are a pleasure to explore. There are a number of impressive palaces.
Also some of the oldest streets in the Casco antiguo area of town. Calle Francos was the main streets during Moorish occupation and around it are a maze of narrow streets and intimate squares dating back to medieval times.
The Arabic Baths in a restored 18th century building are popular with locals and tourists alike.
Jerez MotoGP and F1
Jerez is also home to the 'Circuito de Jerez' (Jerez Circuit) one of the venues for the annual Motorcycle Grand Prix. It has also been the venue of some F1 Grand Prix fixtures. Enthusiasts can take a guided tour of the circuit.
Pre-season testing often takes place in Jerez for the F1 teams
The track is 10km from Jerez and 35km from Cadiz. There are also regular flights from Madrid to Jerez airport.
Places to Visit Nearby
The trip from Jerez de la Frontera to Arcos de la Frontera takes about half an hour and passes through beautiful Sierra de Grazalema countryside. Arcos is one of Spain's most beautiful villages.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Cadiz guide and the Andalucia guide.
Map of Jerez de la Frontera and places to visit
Jerez de la Frontera places to visit
Cadiz
Cadiz is Europe's oldest city. It has a lovely sea front, old town and gardens and a splendid cathedral.
Cadiz guide
Arcos de la Frontera
Arcos de la Frontera is one of Spain's most beautiful villages. It is one of the famous 'white villages'.
Arcos de la Frontera guide
El Rocio
El Rocio is one of Spain's most beautiful villages and home of the colourful Romeria del Rocio annual pilgrimage.
El Rocio guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Andalucia