Desciption
This route, which is specially recommended for the fans of Andalusian horses and Sherry, starts in Jerez. The itinerary follows the coastline from Sanlúcar de Barrameda up to Vejer de la Frontera and finishes, after having crossed part of the provinces interior in Arcos de la Frontera. The route can be combined with excursions to the National Park Doñana or to the Natural Park Los Alcornocales.

Itinerary
From Jerez to Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cadiz and along the coast up to Vejer de la Frontera; the route continues then to the interior towards Arcos de la Frontera.

Time needed
At least 2 or 3 days.

DistanceLänge
approx. 225 kilometers/ 140 miles,
Possible excursion to Gibraltar.

Best travel season
From February to November. The coast has an agreeable climate in July and in August.

Landscape and protected areas
A great part of the route runs along the Cadiz coastline and the Bay of Cadiz. In the back country of Sanlúcar de Barrameda there are many agricultural activities. In the area between Jerez, Arcos and the coast there are soft pasture hills.

Parque Nacional Doñana (National Park)
Most of the 56,544 hectares of Doñana's National Park spreads over the province of Huelva; a smaller part belongs to Seville and to Cádiz. Its ecosystem is composed of three basic types of landscape:
the sandig dry heath country with fixed dunes ("coto"), the moving dunes in the coastal strip ("dunas móviles"), moving annually around about five meters, and the damp marsh country ("marisma"). Particularly for migratory birds the humid area is an important resting and nesting place.

Nature reserve Bay of Cadiz
This park of approximately 10.000 hectares is humid and salty, and in it prevail mixed dunes, marshes, salt mines, reed and beaches. Among the vegatación dominate the shrubs and several types of pines. It is a favourite refuge for birds.

Parque Natural La Breña y Marismas de Barbate
The charm of this small natural enclaave (3,130 hectares) between Barbate and Caños de Meca, begins in the combination of cliffs, rocks, beaches and pine trees. It serves as a refuge for many types of birds. Among the vegetation predominate shrubs and different types of pines.

Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
Fifteen villages lie in the Natural Park of 170,025 hectares, divided between the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. As its name says, the world's largest forests of cork trees can be found there.

Tourist information

Accommodation

There are many hotels and hostels along the route, especially in Cádiz, Jerez and Arcos. The number of apartments and campsites is very high along the coast.

Activities

Feasts/Festivals

Patron Saint Feasts / Ferias

almost each town celebrates its own patron saint, a procession and/or its "feria" (fair).

Pilgrimages - "Romerías"

Others

Jerez de la Frontera (Miles 0;
207,530 Inhabitants)
The biggest city of the province and center of numerous economic activities. Famous for his sherry wine cellars (bodegas) and for Andalusian horse-breeding. Has a nice historical center.

Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Miles 14;
65,800 Inhabitants)
Charming town, located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir river. From here come the white "manzanilla" wine and delicious prawns. Castle Santiago; churches de la Trinidad and Nuestra Señora de la O. Boat excursions to the Doñana National Park.

Chipiona (Miles 20; 18,580 Inhabitants)
Coast village with marina and an impressive lighthouse. Worth visiting is the sanctuary Nuestra Señora de la Regla.

Rota (Miles 31; 28,520 Inhabitants)
Formerly a fishing village, today a place of summer holidays for families. Well preserved old town and nice beaches. Church Nuestra Señora de la O.

El Puerto de Santa María (Miles 40;
87,700 Inhabitants)
Ancient fishing town. Christopher Columbus departed twice from its port towards America. Birth place of the Andalusian poet Rafael Alberti. Many monuments, churches and the monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Victoria.

Cádiz (Miles 56; 126,770 Inhabitants)
The most ancient city of Europe, located in the bay of the same name, was - according to the legend - founded by Hercules ("Melkart"). The Romans called it Gades.

San Fernando (Miles 65;
96,370 Inhabitants)
Located on the other side of the bay, it is the "twin" city of Cadiz. As Cadiz it bloomed in the 18th century. Many Baroque and Neoclassic style.

Chiclana de la Frontera (Miles 71;
77,290 Inhabitants)
Placed between salt mines and pine groves, this village possesses a beautiful beach called la Barrosa (6 Miles long). Churches San Juan Bautista, Santa Ana and Jesus Nazareno.

Conil de la Frontera (Miles 86;
20,980 Inhabitants)
Historical maritime village, nowadays in full tourist raise. Tower of Guzmán el Bueno, church Santa Catalina; convents de la Victoria and San Francisco de Paula. 14 km of fine beaches.

Vejer de la Frontera (Miles 97;
12,970 Inhabitants)
Village of medieval character, its historic center is protected. Arabic castle, many churches and a convent de las Monjas Recepcionistas.
Excursions: 
- Cape Trafalgar (9 miles), near the site of Admiral Nelson's victory against the French and Spanish fleets in 1805; 
- village of Barbate with the Natural Park La Breña y Marismas de Barbate (6 miles); 
- Tarifa, a surfer’s paradise (31 miles southeast).

Medina Sidonia (Miles 116;
11,680 Inhabitants)
Phoenician foundation with Arabic style and archaeological remains of the Roman period. Ancient city gates. Churches Santa Maria la Mayor, Santiago and San Juan de Dios.
Excursions:
- to Alcala de los Gazules (19 miles) 
- to the Natural Park los Alcornocales.

Arcos de la Frontera (Miles 139;
31,210 Inhabitants)
Situated on a mountain range 160 meters high above the Guadalete river. One of the most beautiful villages of Andalusia.

What may be visited after or before these plans: