SURROUNDING AREA

SEVILLE

Seville is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalucia region. It is famous for flamenco dancing and amazing Easter processions. Major landmarks include the ornate Alcázar castle complex, built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty, and the 18th-century Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza bullring. The Gothic Seville Cathedral is the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb and a minaret turned bell tower, the Giralda.

CADIZ

Cadiz is an historic walled town about 30 miles north of Conil. Once one of Spain’s largest ports and claims to be Europe’s oldest city. Lots of charm and character- well worth a trip for the atmosphere. If you are here in February make a point of visiting the annual carnival – apparently the biggest and best in Spain!

JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA

Jerez de la Frontera is the home of the finest horses, sherry and flamenco. Jerez is an attractive town with palm lined plazas, decent shopping and an 11th century Moorish fortress (the Alcazaba). There are some wonderful and interesting sherry tours in the bodegas in and around town including Gonzalez Byass and Pedro Domecq. Notable dates are the Flamenco Festival (Feb-March), The Horse Fair (May) and the 3 week fiesta in September celebrating the harvest and naturally involving sherry, horses and flamenco!

GIBRALTAR

Gibraltar is situated at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426m-high Jurassic limestone ridge, some 200 million years old. Gibraltar was first settled by the Moors in the Middle Ages and later ruled by Spain, the outpost was ceded to the British in 1713. Layers of fortifications include the remains of a 14th-century Moorish Castle and the 18th century Great Siege Tunnels, which were expanded in WWII.
A recommendation for a daytrip en route to Gibraltar is Bolonia (45 minutes heading for Tarifa/Gibraltar). Here you can visit the Roman ruins at Baelo Claudia, have lunch at a beachside bar and spend the afternoon on the beautiful beach of Bolonia.