Jerez de la Frontera is a city located in the South West of Spain; this is city famous for both its tourism, agriculture, wine and breeding programs in horses and cattle. This city is situated between beaches and mountains. This means if you had a car as well as the city you could enjoy both of these things for the adventurers out there. As you would expect with commerce on agriculture wine and horses, these are the things the local culture is based around and very proud of. Horse festivals, museums, wine and sherry vineyard tours, MOTO GP race circuit, local zoos and activities such as paint balling for the tourist industry. Jerez tourist industry also caters for group activities and entertainment. If you want to plan your own holiday then there is also the option of simply purchasing tickets for individual activities and car hire. This available as you would expect directly from the local airport, Jerez airport also known as La Parra airport. For those wanting to hire a car these are available from a number of companies including: Car Rentals UK and Jerez Car Hire.
Jerez Airport information
Jerez Airport (XRY) is located 8km northeast of the city center. The airport serves around 1 million passengers ever year for both international and domestic flights. It is composed of one terminal building spread out over two floors. There are two shops inside the airport which includes duty free. There’s also a café and restaurant on the ground floor as well as an ATM.
There are three information desks, and cheap car in Jerez can be organized at the airport. Rental car agencies can be found on the ground level. For lost property there’s an office located on the first floor. Disabled facilities include parking spaces, adapted toilets, elevators and wheelchairs on request.
Places to visit around Jerez
A prime place to start is in the main square of the city: the Alameda Fortún de Torres. Within this beautiful square can be found the Alcázar, which is a huge 11th century Almohad stronghold. Here tourists can visit the Palacio de Villavicencio, built in the 18th century, as well as a Gothic Chapel and Arab baths. If you make the effort to climb up to the keep, you’ll be awarded with fantastic panoramas of the city. La Colegiate, also known as the Cathedral of San Salvador, is another good viewing point and home to Zurbarán's The Sleeping Girl. Cartuja was built in the 15th century as a monastery, but in the 1500s it was the breeding ground for Carthusian horses. Today, you can still marvel at the stunning Renaissance style gateway and visit the beautifully decorated Gothic church.
Jerez is home to a number of interesting museums which provide a closer insight into the history of the city. Museo Arqueológico contains a fine selection of artifacts dating back as far as the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. If you’ve got the time, the Museo de Relojes La Atalaya, housed in what was once a bodega, is home to over 300 antique clocks from throughout Europe.
For those who want to truly experience the passion of the country, the Fundación Andaluza de Flamenco, located in the Plaza San Juan of Jerez, teaches visitors about the art of flamenco dancing. This is a fantastic way to witness and learn about one of the most renowned Spanish customs. Jerez also has a Flamenco Museum for those eager to learn more. Alternatively, there are the dancing horses. Annually the city holds the Fería del Caballo at the beginning of May, an event which attracts thousands of horse lovers. At other times of the year, however, you can visit the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, the city’s horseriding school. Here, visitors can witness training sessions and marvel at The Dancing Horses of Jerez.
Visitors have a choice of over 100 bodegas both in and around the city. car hire in Jerez is worth it in order to explore the beautiful surrounding area and discover these for you. Visitors can sample the likes of Pedro Domecq and Sandeman, and watch demonstrations on the process of producing the alcohol. Tours are provided but early September is a prime time to visit; this is when the wine festival begins.
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