Jerez Love Affair | Flamenco & Sherry

Jerez de la Frontera, is the hidden jewel of Andalucia. Most people are very familiar with Malaga, Granada, Cordoba and Seville. However, unknown to most is that Jerez de la Frontera is one of southern Spain's most beautiful destinations. It boasts culture, passion and gastronomy and Its horse tradition, flamenco and breath-taking architecture makes Jerez a destination that will leave its mark in your heart.

In Roman times, the city was known as “Xeres” and then became “Sherrish” under the Moorish rulers. In the 14th century it was renamed as “Jerez de la Frontera”, because it bordered the Muslim and Christian ruled regions. The name 'sherry' in English originated from Jerez as this was the town that first started exporting the delicious wine to England in the 14th century.

Jerez de la Frontera will delight you with surprises, with its over twenty churches and convents, sherry 'bodegas', the spectacular arts of flamenco and majestic dancing horses as well as its annual motorcycle racing Grand Prix event. This small city has indeed, one of the busiest cultural calendars of Spain, so before making your way, check the calendar and take your pick Tourist Office of Jerez de la Frontera - Official Andalusia tourism website (andalucia.org). 

However, if you are not one to plan ahead, you can still visit Jerez and find plenty to do! The Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is a must see, if not only  because of the beautiful architecture.  It showcases the best equestrian ballet in the world  The Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and houses The Museum of Equestrian Art celebrating the art of horsemanship and the one of its kind Carriage Museum which displays old carriages, harnesses, horses and equestrian costumes.

If you visit the Santiago neighbourhood, you can learn about flamenco in a 15th-century mansion and going to Tablao Casa del Arte Flamenco in the evening to be enchanted by the flamenco dancers. Enjoy getting lost in the charming pebbled streets of the city and stop in La Cruz Blanca Restaurante La Cruz Blanca | Referente gastronómico en Jerez to savour some of the regional sherry, 'pescaito frito' and 'salmorejo'. Finally, learn about the rich history of the city by visiting the Alcazar, a 11th-century Islamic fortress and the city's 17th century Cathedral.

If you do decide to visit, let us know how how your trip was! Buen viaje!