Vejer is one of the most attractive “pueblo blancos” (white villages) on the Costa de la Luz. It’s a picturesque town set 200m above the surrounding countryside, with stunning views out over the landscape below, all the way down to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s located ten kms inland from El Palmar beach. The closest towns are Barbate and Conil de la Frontera.

Like many frontier towns in this area Vejer is a perfect example of what many Andalucian towns were like during the five centuries of Islamic occupation.

Vejer’s architecture is a mixture of Moorish, Visigoth and Mudejar, which can be seen in the spectacular Moorish castle and the gothic church that completely dominates this small village. Everywhere you look in Vejer you’ll see traces of it’s Moorish past..

The town is a network of winding, narrow streets, some of which are incredibly steep. Although it was captured from the Moors by Fernando III el Santo, 700 years ago, it hasn’t lost any of its Arab features. Its streets, white washed Moorish houses and historical monuments remain completely unspoilt. It was declared a national monument in 1978.

The Plaza de Espana is Vejer’s main focal point. It’s a pretty square (surrounded by bars and restaurants) located in the lower part of town. During the summer months it becomes a sun trap - one of the best places in town to sit out and enjoy a cool cervesa.

In the centre of the square there’s a small fountain covered in brightly coloured glazed tiles. One of Vejer’s best hotels is located here - Casa de la Califa; it’s built within several Moorish buildings.

Vejer has numerous monuments that are well worth visiting. Just take a stroll around the town and you’ll see a wealth of Arabian influence, including several remains of the castle, the old wall and several gates. From the top of the castle walls the panoramic views over the open countryside are amazing. Just make sure you have a head for heights before you look out!

There are a number of artisan shops in the old town where you can pick up a wide range of hand-made goods, and at pretty reasonable prices too.

The tourist office is located just off Los Remedios. Here you can obtain a map of the town and other useful local information.

Once you’ve seen the town you can either head inland and visit the idyllic town of Medina Sidonia or the spectacular Arcos de la Frontera perched precariously on a massive cliff edge.

Beaches
Heading towards the coast you’ll come to El Palmar and Los Canos de Mecca - the best surf spots in Andalucia; two long stretches of sandy beach with crystal clear, clean turquoise waters, surrounded by a picturesque natural green landscape.

El Palmar
El Palmar (Vejer’s closest beach) is just nine kms away. It’s a 12km stretch of sandy beach located between the capes of Trafalgar and Roche. Most of the year the beach is empty (apart from surfers). It’s perfect for walking, sunbathing or just chilling out. Good surf conditions are guaranteed almost all year round. During the summer it can get very packed.

El Palmar is quite exposed and can often be affected by strong winds. Health care services include; registered nurses, assistant nurses and lifeguards. Along the coastal strip there’s a number of surf shops and schools, as well as many bars and restaurants.

Los Canos de Mecca
Los Canos de Mecca (famous hippie hang-out) is located just a few kms down the road from El Palmar, between the Cape Trafalgar lighthouse and a massive natural cliff. This is another fine sandy beach and top class wind and kite surfing location.

At the far end under the cliff there’s a nudist section. On the right hand side of the lighthouse tides and currents can be incredibly strong and unpredictable. Swimming is not allowed here.

Close by is the Brenas Nature Park - a green pine forest you’ll pass through on the way to Barbate.

Vejer is an open and friendly village with a lively atmosphere and many things to do and see in the town and surrounding areas.

Its most stunning features are the Arab-Andalusian architecture and fantastic views. Dramatic, unspoilt and steeped in history and culture, Vejer is fascinating.