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Vejer and its area
The historical town of Vejer de la Frontera is a beautiful example of the long and rich Andalusian past and an excellent centre for shopping and dining. The word 'La Frontera' indicates that the village has been for a long time on the border of Muslim and Catholic Spain. The hilltop white town or 'pueblo blanco' has a magnificent church and castle and many narrow winding streets full of local craft shops, reflecting the Moorish past and customs. It is an enchanting experience to discover this past while shopping or dining or visiting events like Semana Santa at Easter with religious processions; flamenco evenings and the spring or summer fairs, where traditional dress is worn. The local 'fiestas' and equestrian events in the area are worth a visit. Nearby archaeological sites and museums reveal more than 3000 years of history.

Nature
The area is a nature lovers dream, offering the visitor to discover a corner of Spain that still conserves all of its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Tourists are welcome but not yet predominant. The pace is relaxing; products are fresh, prices fair and gastronomy fine. Surrounded by natural parks and rural activities, located near the beaches of the Atlantic coast, this area provides a wide range of opportunities for walking and cycling tours, horse riding, paragliding, wind- or kite surfing, bird watching, or golf.

On clear days the coastline of Morocco with its mountain ranges is visible. Almost side by side with the traditional windmills of Vejer, is the modern windmill park of Buena Vista, erected on the high hills between Vejer and Barbate.

Beaches
The beaches are of fine yellow/white sand. They are long and wide, mostly quiet, unspoilt and rich in wildlife. Surfing and windsurfing are popular sports in Caños de Meca, El Palmar and Tarifa. On clear days the beach of Zahora offers spectacular views overlooking the Cape of (Nelsons) Cape of Trafalgar and the North African coastline.

Towns and villages
Between Vejer and Barbate lies the small village of San Ambrosio at the border of the Natural Park 'La Breña y Marismas de Barbate'. The village has two small restaurants. Nearby you will find the 'Ermita', a sixth century, recently restored hermitage. La Porquera Due to the rural situation, the sand roads are not tarmac and can be bumpy. Barbate is a small fishing port, famous for its traditional tuna fishing. Visit the daily market in the morning and you will find fresh tuna fish (and many more) in the market shops. The finest 'Bonito' is tuna locally caught in the same old continued fashion with nets. The port organises local fishing trips and sightseeing.

A drive from Barbate to Caños de Meca through the pine forests of the Natural Park of Barbate offers stunning views. Los Caños de Meca, El Palmar, Zahora and Conil are all positioned along the unspoilt white sand beaches of the Atlantic.All have restaurants, tapa bars and beach bars.

In the height of the summer they are vibrant with night life until the early hours of the morning. Some beaches offer volleyball. El Palmar is known for its surfing and bogey boarding, there are hire shops. Los Caños have windsurfing. Conil has horse riding excursions, as have Los Caños and Vejer. Conil is a busy tourist town with wide sandy beaches and a market on Friday morning. The nearby Medina Sidonia, more inland, is another interesting white hilltop village.

Further a field you will find Tarifa, famous for its windsurfing. There is also Bolonia, a wild and untamed beach with the well preserved ruins of the roman village Baelo nearby and Punta de Paloma, a tranquil spot. The famous cities of Sevilla, Jerez and Cádiz are all within an easy drive and are not too far away for day trips. Vejer is a good starting point for day trips to Gibraltar, Tarifa, whale- and dolphin watching excursions or excursions to Morocco In and around Vejer you are spoilt for choice to discover this corner of Spain that still conserves all of its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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