'''Jerez de la Frontera'''[http://www.turismojerez.com] is in Costa de la Luz, in Spain.
Understand
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 crossed international borders many years ago.
But Jerez is not just a city of wines and beautiful buildings, it has much more to offer than that: home of the Carthusin horse, the fighting bull, cradle of flamenco art, capital of motorcycle racing and home to international sporting events, and on top of all that, declared to be of Artistic and Historical interest.
Nowadays 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-center, where shopping and tapas go hand in hand. All of these distinctive features, together with a privileged geographical situation and climate, a unique and distinct tourist attractiveness, and modern infrastructures, all make Jerez the perfect place to live in and to visit.
Get in
By train
Jerez is on the main line between Sevilla and Cadiz.
By bus
[http://www.cmtbc.es/sistema.php?op=2 Consorcio de Transportes Bahia de Cadiz] operate a semi-regular bus service from Jerez Airport to downtown Jerez (one-way ticket ?1.00) and onwards to Cadiz ([http://www.cmtbc.es/08/doc/Horario_de_autobuses_al_aeropuerto.pdf view timetable]). A train service operates from Sevilla San Justa train station direct to Jerez and Cadiz, for those arriving via Seville airport.
Get around
See
Equestrian Events (Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art,Yeguada La Cartuja- Hierro del Bocado)
Bodegas (Tio Pepe, Sandeman, Doemcq, Williams and Humbert, Garvey, Harveys, Lustau...)
Flamenco (Andalusian Flamenco Centre, La Taberna Flamenca, Tablao del Bereber)
Natural (Zoo and Botanical Garden)
Museums (Municipal Archaeological Museum, The Mystery of Jerez- The Wine Museum, Bullfight Museum Restaurant, The Time Palace- Antique Clock and Watch Museum ...)
Architecture Heritage (Alcazar de Jerez, Mosque and Morish Baths, Camara Obscure, Domecq Palace, Duque de Abrantes Palace...)
Religious Buildings (San Salvador Cathedral, San Miguel Church, San Dionisio Church, San Mateo Church, San Juan de los Caballeros Church...)
Parks and Natural Spaces (Laguna de Medina, La Suara, Montes de Propio...)
Do
'''Hammam Andalusi, Arabic Baths''', 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 15 euros 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 2 and a half hours. The accompanying relaxing music and candle-lit atmosphere provide for a truly memorable and relaxing time. Highly recommended. Incidentally, on the 21st October (Year?) they tell me they are going to open a stunning tea-room upstairs on the first floor, for those who might visit after that date.
Buy
Eat
Much of the eating is done in bars:
'''Maypa''', in the center of the San Miguel district. Cold tapas (specially spanish omelette) can be tasted in a typical environment.
'''Bar Juanito''', next to Plaza Arenal. Regional menu.
'''Bar la Moderna''', end of the 'Larga' Street, ''close to Alameda Cristina''. The ancient wall surrounding Jerez is still present at its back. A nice nightly environment.
Further from the centre:
'''Erdavid''', in San Jose district.
'''De paco''', '''El Buen Comer''' in 'Chapin' district;
'''Marruzella''', '''Casa Pepa''', '''El Bar de Manolo''', next to the railway station.
Another eating option is small shops, ventas:
'''Venta Juan Carlos''', '''Venta Las Cuevas''' (you can find an excellent bread in it), '''Venta Antonio''', '''Venta Esteban'''. Typical dishes served: '''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''', '''Atun Encebollado''', '''Menudo'''.
Drink
Tasting the local sherry is mandatory. Many small bars around Plaza Arenal.
Bereber. 0 minutes walking north from the Alcazar. ttp://www.tablaodelbereber.com. ery late a t weekends. ntry 10 euros, one free drink..
Sleep
La Fonda Barranco. /Barranco 12, Jerez de la Frontera. 56 332 141. ww.lafondabarranco.es. La Fonda Barranca [http://www.lafondabarranco.es/] is a delightful new boutique hotel in the historic centre of Jerez. Just eight rooms and a suite arranged around an interior courtyard tucked in behind a discreet street facade. Elegant Andalusian/Moroccan decor, superb showers and toileteries, and breakfast on the roof terrace. Very good value at about ?85 (double) a night. It's comfortable, quiet, and friendly.
'''NH Avenida Jerez''', Avda. Alcalde Alvaro Domecq, 10, +34.95.6347411 [http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/spain/jerez-de-la-frontera/nh-avenida-jerez.html?action=search]. This comfortable hotel is situated in the centre of the city, near the _eReal Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre_f (Andalusian Royal School of Equestrian Art), and 10km from the beach, its modern and functional decoration creates the feel of being in a different hotel.
Hostal Las Palomas. alle Higueras 17. ust off Calle Medina, half way between the train/bus station and the centre. ttp://www.hostal-las-palomas.com. ingle 20, double 35.. Shared bathroom, no breakfast.
Get out