Experience Jerez in all its glory at the Feria del Caballo. Photo courtesy of Dominic Alves via Flickr.
In many ways, Jerez is all things especially Spanish wrapped into one – from flamenco-style costumes, to bulls and fancy horses, and of course wine, oh the wine. So if you plan to go on a day trip to this part of southern Spain, here are three ways you can get to know the region and its capital city, Jerez de la Frontera.
Sherry
It’s indeed that wine for which the Jerez region is no doubt most internationally known. You’ve probably heard of it: Sherry (likely an Anglicization of the word Jerez), the fortified white wine that can come in dry or sweet versions, using grapes such as Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel. While visiting the region of Jerez and its capital city Jerez de la Frontera, you’ll definitely want to acquaint your taste buds with the local libation, sipping on it at bars and restaurants, or even during a proper visit to a bodega, where you can partake in a tour and tasting.
Horses and Bulls
This part of the world is also famed for its horsemanship, and is home to one of the most prestigious equestrian schools in the world. With that in mind, a visit to Jerez should no doubt include a trip to a horse show, where you can see traditional dressage. The region is known for another animal-related reason too: the Ruta del Toro, a route along which some of the country’s most prestigious bulls are bred.
Fairs
Within Spain, Jerez de la Frontera is also particularly loved for its fairs. First there’s its Holy Week, during which the southern city is crisscrossed by religious processions (a common practice during Semana Santa in Spain). And then there’s the flashy Feria del Caballo (also called the Feria de Jerez). Similar to its neighbor Seville, Jerez de la Frontera has a week filled with celebrations that include locals getting garbed out in traditional gear — women in polka-dotted Flamenco dresses, men in their suit complete with wide-brimmed sombrero cordobés. Meanwhile, the horses are often the ones that really steal the show with their decorative pompom-covered headdresses. Taking place a week after the Seville Fair, the Jerez Fair differs in that the famous casetas – essentially party tents – are open to the public.
Located in the southwestern part of Spain, Jerez is reachable from other Andalucian cities, including Cádiz, Seville and Málaga. In fact, you can get there easily and get to know it better on a Jerez and Cádiz day trip from Costa del Sol or on a Jerez and Cádiz day trip from Seville, during which you’ll have the opportunity to taste the aforementioned Sherry wine, and check out a horse show.
-Contributed by Erin Ridley
Jerez Day Trip from Costa del Sol from Andalucia & Costa del Sol Things to Do