Benalup

The name of the town comes from a castle built in the times of the Muslim occupation. One of the main historic attractions to Benalup are the primitive cave drawings in the natural caves and grottos in the area, especially the caves of Tajo de las Figueras, del Arco and Cimera, which were all declared as Artistic Architectural Monuments in 1924. Especially beautiful is the Cueva del Tajo and the remains of dolmens in the same area.(Which is unfortunately no longer open to the public). The rich historic wealth of the cave drawings contrast with the lack of signs of life after that time and up to the present day; although there are signs of a roman road nearby, which stretches from Medina Sidonia right up to.
Arcos de la Frontera - 40 miles

Jimena de la Frontera

Jimena de la Frontera is a historic village, surrounded by the Los Alcornocales Natural Park and at around 650 feet above sea level. The entrance to the town is an impressive three-arched gateway; and having been officially declared of Historical and Artistic Importance in 1983, the typical Andalucian architecture is now being carefully preserved. This gem of a village has a fairly checkered historical past, having been inhabited at various times by the Iberians, Phoenicians and Carthaginians as well as by the Romans and later the Moors. With a present population of just over 9,000 inhabitants (some 1,000 of whom are foreign residents - many British), its narrow cobbled streets and white washed Andalucian houses, it certainly retains its village ambience and is a delight to visit.

The cobbled streets of the village are steep and narrow. While it is possible to drive up to the highest point and visit the castle, once the Moors vantage point (built on Roman ruins), better still is an unhurried 15-minute walk up through the little streets, taking in the village atmosphere. Then the view is even more worthwhile! Once in the castle enclosure, you have clear views down the valley and over the bay to Gibraltar and Algeciras.
As well as a visit to the castle, you can't leave Jimena without trying some of the local gastronomic delights. Try local restaurants for 'Revuelto de esparragos,' asparagus in scrambled egg, and 'Chantarella,' a type of wild mushroom.
Arcos de la Frontera - 42 miles

Castellar de la Frontera

The old village of Castellar de la Frontera is perched high on a hilltop in the province of Cadiz, with commanding views over the Guadarranque reservoir. This historic fortress village is famous for its castle. The history of the village goes back to prehistoric times and the Bronze Age, after which the place became a medieval fortress. The prehistoric presence is still evident in the many caves around the area, where enthusiasts can see the wonderful cave drawings as proof of its heritage.
Arcos de la Frontera - 75 miles

Los Barrios

South of Castellar de la Frontera and just outside the park is the village of Los Barrios, with a pretty, flower-filled main street and the starting point of the Ruta de los Toros (Route of the Bulls). The A381 leads from Los Barrios, which is now served by a new by-pass across the top to Jerez de la Frontera. Along this road there are many bull farms. The main street, now relieved of traffic by the by-pass, has been decorated with numerous flowerbeds. Each crossroads has been turned into a small roundabout with a different sculpture decorating it. The old part of the town is on the hill just to the east, centered round the Plaza de la Iglesia. This is a typical shady square with cast iron benches where townsfolk congregate in the afternoon. Surrounding the square can be found the old church (Iglesia San Isidro Labrador) and tower, the town hall with its interesting facade and the Casino. (Not the modern gambling type but more like a club, the hub of the town's social activity.)
Arcos de la Frontera - 62 miles

Vejer de la Frontera

This dazzling white town sits on a rocky peak and is imbued with a strong Moorish feel about its winding streets, radiating from a beautifully tiled main square at its center. Within the town, the narrow, sharply angled, steeply inclined streets run through banks of white-walled houses whose Arabic origins are evident everywhere. Today it is one of the most charming pueblos blancos on the Cadiz coast, known for its meandering cobbled lanes, narrow arches and large number of atmospheric bars and restaurants. More recently, Vejer has been popular with an artsy crowd that has brought contemporary art galleries, crafts shops and low-key music venues. At the center of the town, a walled enclosure with four Arabic horseshoe gates contains the 16th-century Mudejar and Gothic parish church of San Salvador (built over a mosque). Nearby is a Moorish castle as well as the Reconquest palace of the Marques de Tamaron that reminds one of the same family's castle in Arcos. Close to the ramparts, near the Paseo de las Corbijadas, is the well-conserved Jewish Quarter. The area within the ramparts includes many small shops and is best seen on foot. And indeed the town has magnificent vistas in all directions from its walls.

Vejer is also surrounded by some great beaches. The nearest is the broad, white sanded Palmar (at around 7 miles away), swiftly followed by Trafalgar, Canos de Meca and Zahora, but all the way along the Costa de la Luz there are some gorgeous strips of sand to stretch out on.
Arcos de la Frontera - 44 miles; Jerez de la Frontera - 45 miles

Medina Sidonia

North of Vejer is the hilltop town of Medina Sidonia. Medina Sidonia is an unspoiled, little known ancient hill-top town despite its important history. The town was one of Spain's most important ducal seats in the 15th century; producing an admiral who led the Armada against England. The village has a fascinating multifaceted character, and is considered by some to be the oldest city in Europe, used as a military defense location due to its elevated location. This city was most likely ancient Asido, an Iberian settlement which may have been founded by the Phoenicians; hence the later name Sidonia reflecting its foundation by Sidon.
The town is characterized by medieval walls and tidy, narrow cobbled streets flanked by rows of reja-fronted houses. Sights include The Castle (13th-15th centuries); Roman archaeological complex (1st century AD); Town Hall (16th century); La Alameda (16th century); Ducal Stables (16th century) and Castle of Torrestrella (13th century).
Arcos de la Frontera - 25 miles; Jerez de la Frontera - 23 miles