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Why go to Jerez

Famous for fino, fillies and flamenco, Jerez de la Frontera is one of the undiscovered treasures of Andalucía. As one of southern Spain's most historic and atmospheric cities, it’s perfect for a romantic getaway, a cheap city break with friends or a cultural escape with the family. Dancing horse shows and old Moorish forts are just the beginning on a Jerez holiday…

Spend time in any of Jerez’s tree-lined squares and the appeal of this sun-kissed Spanish city will become immediately obvious. Order a cafe con leche (a coffee made of espresso and scalded milk) and while away an afternoon people watching. For food, venture over to the leafy Plaza de la Yerba, which is best known for its tapas bars and tabancos (old-school sherry bars).

Speaking of, sherry is a pretty big deal here. In fact, the city is renowned as the home of the beverage, and there are plenty of opportunities for a wee snifter or two. Jerez has around 100 bodegas (wine cellars where sherry is made and stored) in all, and many world-renowned brands such as González Byass open their doors to guided tours and tastings.

Jerez is also known for its purebred Spanish horses, which are specially trained to perform spectacular equestrian shows. To see the stable in action, visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, the esteemed Spanish institution dedicated to the protection of equestrian arts.

After dark, the fun really starts. Andalucía is the home of flamenco and true aficionados say Jerez is the beating heart of the dramatic dance. Hailing from the barrios of Santiago and San Miguel, here you'll find many tabancos and tablaos (flamenco clubs) where you can get involved.

When to go to Jerez

With sun-drenched summers and mild winters, Jerez is a great year-round destination for city breaks and longer holidays. As an inland city, it gets hot during the summer months – July and August often see temperatures sizzling at over 35C.

The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the temperatures hover around the early 20s and rainfall is minimal. Winters are generally mild, rarely falling below 10C, and the days are bright and sunny with only the occasional risk of rain showers. It's also when hotel rates are at their lowest, so if you’re after a cheap holiday to Jerez, a winter escape might be up your street.

Another popular time to visit Jerez is during the Flamenco Festival, which falls around late February to early March and attracts flamenco dancers and musicians from all over the world. Hotels are snapped up quickly, so book early.

What to do in Jerez

Jerez is one of those rare destinations that has managed to stay under the radar despite its fascinating history and culture. By day, see Moorish architecture, dancing horses and century-old bodegas; by night, head to the tabancos for an evening of authentic entertainment.

Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera

Andalucía is scattered with hundreds of grand old palaces, elegant mansions and crumbling fortresses, all remnants of the region’s 700 years under Moorish rule. And you’ll find one example right here in Jerez.

Dating back to the 11th century, the Alcázar of Jerez was once the home of the Almohad ruler of Spain. Today, there's plenty to explore in an afternoon, including the former palace mosque, the octagonal watch tower and the old pharmacy. The beautiful Islamic-style gardens are worth a visit, too.

Jerez Cathedral

A mashup of architectural styles, with Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical features, Jerez Cathedral is a dramatic sight in the old town. It was built on the foundations of the Mosque of Jerez in the 17th century, though the bell tower retains some of its Moorish influence.

Inside, the chapels house a wealth of artwork including The Virgin Mary as a Child Praying by Francisco de Zurbarán, and works by Juan Rodríguez Jiménez, who is affectionately known as El Tahonero (The Baker).

González Byass

Jerez has numerous bodegas but the largest and most famous is González Byass. Visitors can hop on the miniature train for a 90-minute tour, which takes in the pavilion (the dome was designed by Gustav Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame) and special vintage barrels signed by famous fans such as Martin Luther King and Orson Welles. It finishes with a tour of the cellars and a tasting.

Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art

One of the most prestigious riding academies in the world, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is a must-see on any visit to Jerez, whether you're a fan of dancing horses or not.

It's renowned for its mesmerising dancing stallion shows, but it also offers tours of the stables and the Carriage Museum, which displays ornate carriages, decorated harnesses and fancy equestrian costumes.

Jerez Archaeological Museum

Tucked away in the palm-fringed Santiago quarter, the Jerez Archaeological Museum is housed in a grand 18th-century building and is a great place to while away an afternoon.

The displays are spread across nine rooms and include artefacts from Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods right through to the region's Islamic and medieval times. Don't miss the seventh-century Corinthian soldier's helmet, one of Andalucía’s rarest finds in recent years.