Jerez de la Frontera

Jerez is famous worldwide for the drink produced in the region and to which it has given its name: sherry. But this city of Western Andalusia, which is within such easy travelling distance of so many of the region’s other attractions, is equally as famous for its fine horses as well as Flamenco music and dance.

Jerez, which dates back to the Moorish époque (711-1492), has a charming old quarter, casco antiguo, with beautiful palm-lined squares. The C11th Moorish fortress, Alcazaba, has been partially restored. Also of interest is its church which was originally built by the Arabs as a mosque.

It’s off the wide streets and charming squares of Jerez that you find the many sherry houses, bodegas, such as Gonzalez Byass, Pedro Domecq and Sandeman, where visitors can take guided tours before tasting.