Cádiz Province

The province of Cádiz lies on the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula and, from the southern coast, the Atlas mountains and the Rif mountain chain appear larger than life, a wish that has led many of the early settlers of Spain to embark on voyages of conquest and exploration.

To the north of the capital city of Cádiz are the white washed villages of the Sierra of Aljibe and Grazalema. Villages such as Alcala de los Gazules, Grazalema, Medina Sidonia.

Arcos de la Frontera and El Bosque are evidence not only of the resilience of the local settlers but of centuries of war and conquest between two immiscible ways of looking at the world.

Islam ruled here for over seven hundred years from the eighth century A.D. until the combined forces of Spain under the Catholic Kings displaced them in the late fifteenth century.

Much evidence remains of the days of Arabic rule. White washed villages with narrow streets; both to protect from the sun and to optimise distribution of water are features that are common to villages on both sides of the straights of Gibraltar.

Get the facts: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cádiz

Routes and Places worth a Visit

The Natural Park de los Alconocales is magnificent. Mountains mantled with Spanish oak and cork oak trees make way for white washed villages that have been constructed in perfect harmony with their surroundings. This is a great place to take time out and to relax amongst some of the most satisfying scenery in Andalusia, and stay at rural hotels of the highest quality.

The Coast of Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Doñana is where the river Gualdalquivir meets the sea. It was here that the treasure ships from the new world touched land before sailing onto Seville up river. Today this area is a spectacular place in which to live or simply pass a few relaxing days. There are organised excursions on the river and visits to the Park of Doñana.

Important Fiestas

January in Cádiz capital city is carnival time. One of the most colourful and ingenious in Spain, this carnival is of growing importance as a tourist attraction.

Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Feria de Manzanilla in the Paseo de la Calzada, opposite the shores of Doñana in May.

Jerez de la Frontera, May, the Feria del Caballo. The world famous riding school and Jerez’s long association with the horse is presented in a fiesta of colour and everything to do with horses.