Jerez de la Frontera Vacation Rentals

Situated in the south- west of Spain , between Seville and Cadiz , Jerez is the place for you if you want to experience the real Spain without sacrificing the convenience of modern life. If you are tired of the English pubs of the Costa del Sol but don’t fancy languishing in a draughty farmhouse on a mountain- top, try Jerez. Jerez is a medium – sized city, full of attractions for the visitor but which retains its essentially Spanish character. First of all, of course, it’s the home of sherry, and a visit to at least one of the local bodegas (wineries) is a must. Visits always end in a tasting session, possibly accompanied by a tapa. Jerez is also famous for its horses, so equestrian enthusiasts can visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art to see the famous dancing horses, or the prestigious stud, Hierro del Bocado, to see a very different, much more spontaneous show with mares and their foals running free, The city’s third claim to fame is flamenco: Jerez is reputed to be the birthplace of flamenco and many of Spain’s top singers and dancers are Jerezanos. In Spring there is an internationally famous flamenco festival which attracts followers from all over the world. There are also restaurants where you can dine and watch flamenco shows, and “peñas flamencas” – private flamenco clubs where admission is free and you can have a drink and, if you’re lucky, see local gypsies singing and dancing just for their own pleasure.
But apart from all these obvious tourist attractions, the most attractive aspect of Jerez is simply its daily life – the endless tapas bars which offer all kinds of fare from basic home–cooking to nouvelle cuisine, the squares with palm trees and fountains, the narrow streets and surprising hidden gardens of the old town, the hospitality of the people … the fact that you don’t really have to do anything to enjoy life here.
VISITS
As well as the equestrian centres and the wineries mentioned above, you can visit the Cathedral and the many beautiful churches in the town centre, the Alcazar (Moorish castle) with its gardens and the Camara Obscura, various museums, a very prestigious zoo- and, of course, the shops!
OUTSIDE JEREZ
Jerez has excellent communications by road, train and bus . El Puerto de Santa María, 15 minutes away, has long golden beaches; Cádiz(20mins) is the oldest city in the Western world, and Seville, famous for its beauty, is only an hour away. It is also easy to drive into the mountains to yisit the white towns such as Arcos de la Frontera or Grazalema. Finally, there are several weekly low-cost flights from Stansted
FESTIVALS
FLAMENCO FESTIVAL (in spring) Consisting of a series of concerts and dance shows in the splendid Villamarta Theatre and other smaller venues, as well as dancing classes imparted by recognised flamenco artists.
SEMANA SANTA (Holy Week)
A week of spectacular religious processions when images of the Virgin and Christ are carried round the city for hours, accompanied by marching bands or in sepulchral silence. Also plenty of eating and drinking. Comfortable shoes are a must. Spanish families wear their best clothes on the Thursday and Friday and many women wear mantillas.
MOTORCYCLING G.P.
This takes place in spring and Jerez is invaded by bikers for three days. For bike-lovers only!
FERIA DEL CABALLO (Horse Fair)
An orgy of eating, drinking, singing, and dancing which takes place in May. Go during the day to see the horses and carriages and the women in their beautiful flamenco dresses or feast your eyes on the millions (yes, really) of coloured lights which illuminate the fair all night. But pace yourself – it’s easy to go into the fair but very difficult to leave!
AUTUMN FESTIVAL
This is an agglomeration of different events – exhibitions, a mediaeval market, flamenco in the squares, sherry tasting, a tapas competition… - a little of everything – Takes place in September.