Jerez de la Frontera

Spanish culture shines bright in the southern city of Jerez de la Frontera. Once inhabited by Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and ultimately Christians, it’s a city now especially famous for three things: flamenco, horsemanship, and Sherry, the internationally known unfortified wine.
Indeed, the city, and region around it -- which is delineated by Jerez as well as two other cities, Sanlucar de Barrameda and Puerto de Santa Maria – make up the Sherry Triangle. This is where Sherry has its roots, and where you’ll want to sample the local libation, which can be found throughout the region, and even at bodegas in the center of Jerez de la Frontera itself.
The other local delights – flamenco and horses – can both be experienced during the town’s beloved spring festival, the Feria de Jerez. Other opportunities abound too, including the internationally acclaimed Flamenco Festival, taking place during the end of February and beginning of March. Meanwhile horse breeding gets a special spotlight at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, which is open to the public for visits.
There’s still more to see in this sweet southern city, though. Jerez’s old town is packed with tree-lined squares and avenues, an 11th-century Moorish fortress, and even a cathedral built on the ruins of a previous mosque. Indeed, it’s a city to get lost in, whether you wish to simply appreciate its beauty, or to become better acquainted with its rich culture and traditions.