Vejer and surrounding areas
Vejer de la Frontera is conveniently located just 10km from the spectacular Costa de la Luz with its virgin beaches, laidback lifestyle and surfing paradise. It is also surrounded by the Nature Reserves of La Breña and Las Marismas de Barbate, both perfect for exploring on foot, bike or horseback.
Surf El Palmar (10km.) is a Mecca for dedicated surfers, especially from October to April when the waves are at their peak. Lessons for all ages and levels are available throughout the year with numerous surf schools dotted along the beach offering classes and equipment hire. In summer there are dedicated areas for bathers and surfers.
Standup paddle boarding From the coves of Los Caños (12km.) to the waves of El Palmar, SUP boarding is a very popular sport all along the coast.
Wing Foil the latest board craze to hit the Costa de la Luz. This area is at the forefront of developing this fast and exciting hydrofoil sport.
Kayaking Kayak hire is available all along the coast but the cliffs and coves of Los Caños (12km.) are by far the most picturesque for this water sport.
Kitesurfing Cape Trafalgar and Conil often have excellent conditions for varying wind directions. For equipment hire or lessons Tarifa (30km.) is Europe’s wind & wave capital for this sport.
Swimming Outdoor swimmers in the summer months will enjoy the calm waters off the Playa del Carmen (10km.) or along the coves of Los Caños.
Surf El Palmar (10km.) is a Mecca for dedicated surfers, especially from October to April when the waves are at their peak. Lessons for all ages and levels are available throughout the year with numerous surf schools dotted along the beach offering classes and equipment hire. In summer there are dedicated areas for bathers and surfers.
Standup paddle boarding From the coves of Los Caños (12km.) to the waves of El Palmar, SUP boarding is a very popular sport all along the coast.
Wing Foil the latest board craze to hit the Costa de la Luz. This area is at the forefront of developing this fast and exciting hydrofoil sport.
Kayaking Kayak hire is available all along the coast but the cliffs and coves of Los Caños (12km.) are by far the most picturesque for this water sport.
Kitesurfing Cape Trafalgar and Conil often have excellent conditions for varying wind directions. For equipment hire or lessons Tarifa (30km.) is Europe’s wind & wave capital for this sport.
Swimming Outdoor swimmers in the summer months will enjoy the calm waters off the Playa del Carmen (10km.) or along the coves of Los Caños.
Golf. Vejer’s course is Montenmedio just 5km south of town. Play in a completely natural setting amongst cork oaks, centenary olives and pine trees whilst enjoying outstanding views towards Vejer and the Atlantic Ocean.
Horse riding A sunset ride along the beaches around Zahora (11km.) or Cape Trafalgar (12km.) is one of the great pleasures of summer here. Many riding schools organise a gentle hack through the pine forest of La Breña Nature Reserve (12km.) all year round.
Montenmedio (7km.) offers horse and carriage rides around their wonderful estate with its abundance of flora and fauna and views of Vejer. In the winter months enjoy some of the world’s best showjumping with the Sunshine Tour also at Montenmedio.
Burros de Juanino Juanino and his donkeys have become local celebrities. Enjoy all year donkey rides for all ages and sizes, with routes beginning at the windmills in San Miguel and continuing through the Nature Reserve with views of the coastline and Morocco.
Trafalgar Polo, on the shore of Mangueta beach (11km.). Watch a tournament, take a lesson or simply enjoy a hack on the beach or through the forest.
Cycling & Mountain biking Rent a mountain, road, fat bike or an electric bike in Vejer. This area is so popular with cyclists due to the wide variety of terrain, magnificent views and generally quiet roads.
Paragliding Paragliding Courses & tandem flights are available depending on wind conditions. Take off from Vejer itself with flights over the Nature Reserves and towards the Atlantic. Sensational at sunset!
Birdwatching Vejer is on one of Europe’s busiest migration routes. Vejer is home to the extremely rare bald Ibis while storks, flamingos, kites, vultures and bee eaters are regular sights. Guided tours available.
Ganaderías The Domecq estate (15km.) is a prime ‘ganaderia’ that raises fighting bulls and offers shows and exhibitions of how Spanish horses herd bulls and cattle. Learn how cowboy dressage is used in daily life with a visit to the stables and museum too.
walking La Breña and Marismas Nature Reserves there are a mass of walks in and around Vejer including the countryside, pine forests, from Vejer to the beach or to the mediaeval aqueduct in Santa Lucia. Desde bordear el Parque Natural de la Breña y las Marismas de Barbate, hasta los numerosos senderos que hay en Vejer y sus alrededores por el campo, los pinares, el camino de Vejer a la playa o hacia el acueducto medieval de Santa Lucía. From October to June is the best time, many walks are signposted but most are best navigated with a map or an app.
Vejer guided tours For those wanting a private guided tour around Vejer there are many options available all year. Particularly enjoyable are the night time singing and history tours with ‘Marimantas’.
Whale and dolphin watching Sperm whales, pilot whales, orcas (July/August) and of course a variety of dolphins are all common in the Straits of Gibraltar. Take a boat trip from Tarifa at any time of the year.
Yoga Vejer and the surrounding area has a special energy which has attracted numerous yogis to set up retreats and offer classes in town and along the coast. The offer is huge with seemingly all disciplines available.
Golf. Vejer’s course is Montenmedio just 5km south of town. Play in a completely natural setting amongst cork oaks, centenary olives and pine trees whilst enjoying outstanding views towards Vejer and the Atlantic Ocean.
Horse riding A sunset ride along the beaches around Zahora (11km.) or Cape Trafalgar (12km.) is one of the great pleasures of summer here. Many riding schools organise a gentle hack through the pine forest of La Breña Nature Reserve (12km.) all year round.
Montenmedio (7km.) offers horse and carriage rides around their wonderful estate with its abundance of flora and fauna and views of Vejer. In the winter months enjoy some of the world’s best showjumping with the Sunshine Tour also at Montenmedio.
Burros de Juanino Juanino and his donkeys have become local celebrities. Enjoy all year donkey rides for all ages and sizes, with routes beginning at the windmills in San Miguel and continuing through the Nature Reserve with views of the coastline and Morocco.
Trafalgar Polo, on the shore of Mangueta beach (11km.). Watch a tournament, take a lesson or simply enjoy a hack on the beach or through the forest.
Cycling & Mountain biking Rent a mountain, road, fat bike or an electric bike in Vejer. This area is so popular with cyclists due to the wide variety of terrain, magnificent views and generally quiet roads.
Paragliding Paragliding Courses & tandem flights are available depending on wind conditions. Take off from Vejer itself with flights over the Nature Reserves and towards the Atlantic. Sensational at sunset!
Birdwatching Vejer is on one of Europe’s busiest migration routes. Vejer is home to the extremely rare bald Ibis while storks, flamingos, kites, vultures and bee eaters are regular sights. Guided tours available.
Ganaderías The Domecq estate (15km.) is a prime ‘ganaderia’ that raises fighting bulls and offers shows and exhibitions of how Spanish horses herd bulls and cattle. Learn how cowboy dressage is used in daily life with a visit to the stables and museum too.
Walking Bordering La Breña and Marismas Nature Reserves there are a mass of walks in and around Vejer including the countryside, pine forests, from Vejer to the beach or to the mediaeval aqueduct in Santa Lucia. From October to June is the best time, many walks are signposted but most are best navigated with a map or an app.
Vejer guided tours For those wanting a private guided tour around Vejer there are many options available all year. Particularly enjoyable are the night time singing and history tours with ‘Marimantas’.
Whale and dolphin watching Sperm whales, pilot whales, orcas (July/August) and of course a variety of dolphins are all common in the Straits of Gibraltar. Take a boat trip from Tarifa at any time of the year.
Yoga Vejer and the surrounding area has a special energy which has attracted numerous yogis to set up retreats and offer classes in town and along the coast. The offer is huge with seemingly all disciplines available.
Cádiz Atlántica The Almadraba is a unique fishing method which remains unchanged since Roman times. Book in advance to see the tuna catch up close, followed by a tour of the private Almadraba museum and lunch. A top quality experience.
Bodegas Gallardo Vejer’s own bodega produces fortified wines including the lauded ‘Orange wine’ much in demand by connoisseurs and used in dessert cooking in and around Vejer. A sólo 1 km de Vejer.
Bodega Almazara Sancha Pérez Close to the beach of El Palmar, this bodega specialises in local wines and olive oil pressing. Visits can be organised on request with tastings of their wines and wonderful olive oil.
Vinos ETU With an ideal climate combining Andalucian heat and the fresh Atlantic breeze, this bodega claims to be the smallest in Andalucía. Help out with the harvest and try out their selection of wines.
Cádiz Atlántica The Almadraba is a unique fishing method which remains unchanged since Roman times. Book in advance to see the tuna catch up close, followed by a tour of the private Almadraba museum and lunch. A top quality experience.
Bodegas Gallardo Vejer’s own bodega produces fortified wines including the lauded ‘Orange wine’ much in demand by connoisseurs and used in dessert cooking in and around Vejer. A sólo 1 km de Vejer.
Bodega Almazara Sancha Pérez Close to the beach of El Palmar, this bodega specialises in local wines and olive oil pressing. Visits can be organised on request with tastings of their wines and wonderful olive oil.
Vinos ETU With an ideal climate combining Andalucian heat and the fresh Atlantic breeze, this bodega claims to be the smallest in Andalucía. Help out with the harvest and try out their selection of wines.
NMAC Contemporary Art James Turrell, Susana Solano, MP & MP Rosado and Michael Lin all contribute to make this one of Spain’s finest contemporary art spaces, set in a delightful pine forest just 5km. from Vejer. Open all year.
The Museum of Traditions and Customs Located in a 16th century chapel the space is filled with artefacts and agricultural implements used for farming, cooking and making clothes through the ages. Open all year.
The Museum of History and Archaeology Multiple rooms of this 18th century grand manor house contains art exhibitions and the museum with exhibits from the palaeolithic era to the present day. Admire its impressive courtyard and century old palm tree.
Flamenco Every year Vejer pays homage to this art form by hosting a flamenco festival and inviting well-known artists as well as new talent to perform at various venues in town. Throughout the year, but particularly in summer and at Christmas, there are live concerts involving singing, dancing and guitar playing in numerous bars in Vejer.
The Castle Declared a National Monument in 1931 the castle dates to the Islamic era. Enjoy the view across Vejer from the battlements or wander around the various rooms filled with history.
Windmills the ‘molinos de viento’ date back to the 1800’s, partially restored, they serve as a testament to when Vejer lived off the rich land surrounding the town.
Baelo Claudia A must-do day trip for anyone visiting Vejer. A must-do day trip for anyone visiting Vejer. Visit the well-preserved Roman ruins and its museum on the shore of this white sandy beach, followed by a relaxing lunch at one of the beach bars and a swim in the crystal clear waters.
Cádiz Sample freshly fried fish in or around the food market, stroll through the botanical gardens of the Parque Genovés, enjoy tasty tapas in Barrio La Viña. Friendly ‘gaditanos’ will welcome you to their interesting and surprisingly non touristy seafaring city.
Jerez The home of sherry, Spanish horses, flamenco and motorbikes (GP Circuit). Wander down the Calle Larga, sip on a sherry straight from the barrel at one of the traditional tabancos, explore the delights of the daily fresh food market or visit the Alcazar. Jerez is always a charming visit.
Tánger Just an hour on the ferry from Tarifa this is an easy day trip. Once there, walk to the Medina and the Kasbah fortress with its galleries and exotic shops. Explore the old world souqs, enjoy a traditional tagine or just relax in its hedonistic café lifestyle.
NMAC Contemporary Art James Turrell, Susana Solano, MP & MP Rosado and Michael Lin all contribute to make this one of Spain’s finest contemporary art spaces, set in a delightful pine forest just 5km. from Vejer. Open all year.
The Museum of Traditions and Customs Located in a 16th century chapel the space is filled with artefacts and agricultural implements used for farming, cooking and making clothes through the ages. Open all year.
The Museum of History and Archaeology Multiple rooms of this 18th century grand manor house contains art exhibitions and the museum with exhibits from the palaeolithic era to the present day. Admire its impressive courtyard and century old palm tree.
Flamenco Every year Vejer pays homage to this art form by hosting a flamenco festival and inviting well-known artists as well as new talent to perform at various venues in town. Throughout the year, but particularly in summer and at Christmas, there are live concerts involving singing, dancing and guitar playing in numerous bars in Vejer.
The Castle Declared a National Monument in 1931 the castle dates to the Islamic era. Enjoy the view across Vejer from the battlements or wander around the various rooms filled with history.
Windmills the ‘molinos de viento’ date back to the 1800’s, partially restored, they serve as a testament to when Vejer lived off the rich land surrounding the town.
Baelo Claudia A must-do day trip for anyone visiting Vejer. A must-do day trip for anyone visiting Vejer. Visit the well-preserved Roman ruins and its museum on the shore of this white sandy beach, followed by a relaxing lunch at one of the beach bars and a swim in the crystal clear waters.
Cádiz Sample freshly fried fish in or around the food market, stroll through the botanical gardens of the Parque Genovés, enjoy tasty tapas in Barrio La Viña. Friendly ‘gaditanos’ will welcome you to their interesting and surprisingly non touristy seafaring city.
Jerez The home of sherry, Spanish horses, flamenco and motorbikes (GP Circuit). Wander down the Calle Larga, sip on a sherry straight from the barrel at one of the traditional tabancos, explore the delights of the daily fresh food market or visit the Alcazar. Jerez is always a charming visit.
Tánger Just an hour on the ferry from Tarifa this is an easy day trip. Once there, walk to the Medina and the Kasbah fortress with its galleries and exotic shops. Explore the old world souqs, enjoy a traditional tagine or just relax in its hedonistic café lifestyle.
