Jerez Horse Fair
The famous sherry producing town of Jerez de la Frontera hosts the fabulous Feria del Caballo every May, and thousands of visitors flock here to witness this stunning equine event. Situated just 110km from Marbella and Puerto Banus, Jerez is within easy driving distance of the coastal resorts on the Costa del Sol.

Amazing displays of horsemanship and the beauty and elegance of the Spanish purebreds and Andalusian thoroughbreds is a sight to behold, and the quality of the displays is breathtaking.

Cowboy and classical dressage shows take place throughout the day plus show-jumping and vaulting.  The highlight of the fair has to be the Como Bailan Los Caballos Andaluces Show, performed by the Royal School of Equestrian Art, and incorporates some incredible dances and moves by the horses and a dazzling display of colourful, traditional dress by their riders.

Sideshows and agricultural exhibitions also take place close to the centre of town, and the Livestock and Agricultural Machinery Exhibition, bullfighting and flamenco displays take place in Hontoria Park.

Contact details: Jerez Tourist Office. Phone: 95 632 4747. E-mail: turismoinfo.@aytojerez.es
When: May 10th – May 17th, 2009.
Entrance:.Various prices.
Opening hours: Various hours.
Getting there:  Fights direct to Jerez or Cadiz

Autumn Festival, Jerez
In a city known for its fine wines and sherry, Jerez´s Autumn Festival is one of the city´s most popular events of the year. Hosted to celebrate the annual grape harvest, the famous Andalucian horses and the tradition of the flamenco dance, this celebration fills the town with music, dancing and street entertainment.

Boasting the best chalky soil for grape growing, Jerez is at the centre of the ´sherry triangle´ and produces some of the world´s best fortified wines.  The Royal School of Equestrian Art is also based here, and the city is renowned for the quality and training of its horses.

Street entertainment including puppet shows, singers, dancers, theatre and a grand procession in honour of the Virgin de la Merced and the blessing of the grapes also takes place.

Contact details: Jerez de la Frontera Tourist Office, Alameda Cristina, Edif. Los Claustros, 11403, Jerez. Tel: 0034 956324747. E-mail: turismoinfo@aytojerez.es
When: September, 2009.
Entrance:. Various.
Opening hours: Various but mostly evenings.
Getting there:  Flights direct to Jerez or Cadiz
International Flamenco Festival, Jerez

Widely acclaimed as being one of Andalucia´s capitals of culture and heritage, the fabulous city of Jerez hosts the International Flamenco Festival from 22nd February to 8th March, 2008.

Ablaze with colour, music and dance, Jerez plays host to some of the best flamenco dancers in the world, and the event centres around the magnificent Villamarta Theatre.  Impromptu performances also take place in the many late night bars and restaurants around the city, and parties continue into the early hours.

In addition to the concerts, flamenco classes and workshops for beginners, improvers and professional dancers are also held where choreography and styles of expression are taught. Art exhibitions and a host of cultural events also run alongside the main festival.
Contact details: Jerez Oficina de Turismo, Alameda Cristina s/n, Jerez de la Frontera, 11405, Cadiz. Tel: 0034 956 324747. E-mail: turismo2@aytojerez.es
When: Feb/March annually.
Entrance:.Various.
Opening hours: Various.
Getting there: Flights direct to Jerez from most main UK airports.

Moto Grand Prix, Jerez
There is much more to Jerez than horses and sherry.  The city also hosts the fabulous Moto Grand Prix every year, which attracts race enthusiasts from all over Europe.

Held in February or March, this stunning event draws crowds of up to 250,000 over the course of three days, and has become a highlight of Spain´s sporting calendar.  The streets of this beautiful city are filled with the noise of powerful sports bikes heading for the Circuito de Jerez.

Built in 1986, the track boasts many grandstands and excellent viewing points , which ensure spectators enjoy a weekend of action packed racing at its best.

For visitors wanting to stay the whole weekend, there are several local campsites and hostals to accommodate them.
Contact details: Circuito de Jerez, Carretera Arcos, km 10, 1709, Jerez de la Frontera. E-mail: taquilla@circuitodejerez.com Website: www.motogp.com
When: 1st-3rd May, 2009..
Entrance:.From €79 adult and €31 children under 14.
Opening hours: From 9am -4pm.
Getting there:  From Jerez, head east out of the city.  The Circuito de Jerez is located at km10, off the main A382 road to Arcos de la Frontera.  10 km east of Jerez.
In addition to the annual ferias and festivals, Jerez boasts a wealth of impressive architecture and monuments which attract visitors from all over Europe.

Jerez Cathedral
Jerez Cathedral was once the church of Iglesia Mayor de San Salvador, and only became a cathedral in 1980. Built above a Moorish mosque in 1695, the cathedral took 83 years to complete and seven architects were involved in the planning and construction.  Reconstructed in the 18th Century, the cathedral takes the form of a Latin cross and has five naves and a Baroque altar.  Said to be the last gothic church built in Spain, the bell tower is situated in a separate building. The façade of the cathedral is impressive, but the interior is now in need of some restoration.  Jerez cathedral is well worth a visit.
Jerez Cathedral Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 11:30-13:00 and 18:30-20:00H.
Sunday: 11:30, 13:30, 19:30 and 21:00H.
If you are looking for accommodation in Jerez you will be spoilt for choice.  Offering a wide range of hotels, hostals and self-catering apartments, Jerez has it all. You will also find some of the best tapas bars, restaurants serving delicious typical Andalucian dishes and a wide selection of street cafés and coffee shops in and around the city centre.  The superb choice of tapas is probably on a par with those in Seville, and the prices are a lot cheaper than in the coastal resorts of the Costa del Sol.