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Best known for its sherry- and brandy-making traditions (the English word for sherry is a corruption of the town's name), Jerez de la Frontera is also famed for its horses and as the birthplace of flamenco. It is a pleasantly sedate little town with a compact historic centre full of narrow streets. It was occupied by the Arabs in the 8th century, at which time the town's defensive walls were built. Among the town's most notable sights are a former mosque, an 11th-century Arab fortified palace (the Alcazar), a 17th-century collegiate church and medieval Gothic churches. The flat central area is surrounded by more spacious, modern suburbs with a population of 200,000. There are two gypsy quarters, and the town is also home to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. |
| Suitability |
Mature British couples, groups and those interested in the resort's sherry-making traditions. Suitable for a stay of several days. |
| Accommodation |
The full range, with a significant number of large, upmarket hotels catering for both business people and tourists. |
| Shopping |
A full range of shops, including boutiques and department stores. Local wines, sherry and smoked meats are all good buys. |
| Entertainment |
Daytime: tours of sherry and brandy cellars. Bullfighting museum. Andalusian Flamenco Centre; archaeological museum; clock museum; 12th-century mosque. Exploring historic centre; numerous centuries-old churches. Zoo and botanical gardens. Golf.
Nightlife: flamenco performances; theatre; ballet; opera. Casino 5 miles. |
| Eating |
Plenty of restaurants to choose from. International-style cuisine, especially Italian. Some upmarket restaurants cater to English tastes. Tapas and seafood feature widely on menus. Local dishes include "berza" (cabbage), chorizo sausage, dishes made with chickpeas, pork and vegetables and "ajo caliente", made of bread, tomato and garlic. |
| Public
Transport |
High-speed daily train service to Madrid and other cities. Daily bus service to El Puerto de Santa Maria and Seville. |
| Excursions |
Trekking, mountain-biking and horse riding in nearby countryside (half/full day). Steam boat to historic city of Cadiz (half day). Historic mountain resort of Ronda (half/full day). Gibraltar (full day). Historic and cultural city of Seville (full day). |
| Location |
In SW Spain, in the region of Andalucia. 15½ mls NE of Cadiz. 60 mls S of Seville and its international airport. |
| Position |
Surrounded by green plains; by the bank of the River Guadalete. |
| Serving
Airports |
Airport : La Parra
Airport Code: XRY
Flight time from ther U.K.: 2 hrs. 45 mins
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