"perhaps the most spectacular of all Andalucia's white villages" - Jan Morris
Vejer House
Some come to learn Spanish at the La Janda language school, or about Andalucian food at the local cooking school. Others simply want to unwind by windsurfing, hiking, taking beach horse rides or golfing at the nearby Montenmedio country club. Montenmedio is also home to a contemporary art space featuring the works of American artist James Turrell, who describes himself as a sculptor in light.
Vejer de la Frontera itself is of great cultural interest. Nominated as a Spanish national monument in 1978, its historic roots are evident everywhere, from the ancient walls surrounding its spectacular Moorish castle to the Gothic church that looks out over the hills that run down to the sea.
The town has for years welcomed artists, writers and craft workers from around the world, many of whom have made it their home.
In summer, the fine white sands of the beach at El Palmar are just 15 minutes drive away. Further down the coast, there is Los Canos de Meca, a curious mix of architect-designed clifftop villas, hippies and nudist beaches. Close by is the lighthouse at the tip of Cape Trafalgar, the last one Admiral Nelson saw before he died in the battle of Trafalgar. A little further on, through pretty pine forests filled with hiking trails, is the tuna fishing town of Barbate, where local fishermen have for centuries used the elaborate Almadraba nets.
