Vejer de la Frontera

Vejer is an enchanting hilltop town dripping in Spanish and Moorish culture and architecture. The streets are so windy and narrow, you'll have to hire a small car, and fold in your wing mirrors just to drive to the house!

Unlike so many towns near the Spanish coast that are overtaken by British tourists and ex-pats, Vejer is buzzing with Spanish life. You'll discover an abundance of traditional bars, mouth-watering restaurants and enticing shops. The bustling town square is less than two minutes walk from the house.

When the wind blows

How you fill your day may be influenced by the wind. It's no coincidence that Tarifa (less than an hour's drive) is the wind surfing capital of Europe! If the wind blows from the Mediterranean this is called the Levante and is the stronger of the two winds. The Poinente blows from the Atlantic and is a much warmer lighter breeze.

Beaches

El Palmar: (10km) is THE surfing beach with Spaniards and Europeans travelling miles to ride the waves. The long stretch of beach is serviced with bars, restaurants and chirinquitas mid summer where you can relax in a hammock.

Zahora: (14 km) is a fascinating beach that changes with the tide to reveal a lagoon surrounded by rock pools that make great crabbing expeditions for children. From here you can walk to the light house at Cape Trafalgar, close to where Nelson fought the mother of all sea battles 200 years ago. This beach offers good protection from the Levante.

Canos de Meca: (22km) has a more "hippy" feel to it and is another good windsurfing alternative if you don't want to travel to Tarifa.

Barbate: (22km) is the local fishing port but also has a lovely beach. If you want both the town and sea this is one to visit. Local restaurants have great seafood.

Conil: (22km) is a pretty town on the road towards Cadiz but again has a white sandy beach and many hidden little sheltered coves that are useful to know about when the "Levante" blows.

Places to visit

Africa: The high speed catamaran from Tarifa to Tangiers will have you bartering in the local Moroccan souks within under two hours.

Bolonia: Towards Tarifa but well off the beaten track. Drop over the mountain range to discover a beautiful unspoilt cove. This fishing village has a number of good restaurants and the well preserved Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia provide an alternative attraction. There's a great beach too!

Cadiz: Drive to the port and old town where you will see the beautiful domed buildings that reflect the Moroccan influence that features so strongly in this area. There are the usual modern shops but also street markets and traditional bars and restaurants with gourmet cuisine on offer. A visit to El Faro for Tapas is a must.

Tarifa: The happening windsurfing cult town is 43K from Vejer. On approaching the town itself check out the 5k stretch of golden beach where kite boarders and windsurfers jostle for a place on the ocean.

Tarifa is heralded as one of the best wind and kite venues in the world. On a good "Levante" it is not for the faint hearted. You'll also find at the end of the bay at Valdevaqueros the largest sand dune in Europe.

The town itself is full of surf shops, equipment specialists, bars and restaurants. Tarifa has a party atmosphere all day long.

Things to do:

Montenmedio: A luxury country club down the hill from Vejer. Here you can play golf on a championship course (with unrivalled scenery), use the driving range, hire quad bikes, ride thoroughbred horses, play paddle tennis, or relax by a beautiful salt water pool. Visit www.monteenmedio.com for full details.

Surfing: El Palmar is one of the best surf beaches in Southern Europe and delivers good clean surf much of the time. For more information, please go to www.winterwaves.com.

Mountain Bike hire: "Discover Andalucia" in town. Details available on 0034 956 447575

Go-Karting: Chiclana, 20 minutes drive - www.kart-chiclana.com

Whale watching: Spot pilot whales, various species of dolphin, and if you are really lucky a killer whale. This experience is a must, and children love it!

Riding: Check out the caballeros at the famous Hurricane Hotel where you can book a mountain or beach ride. Stop for lunch at their chirinqita which overlooks the Gibraltar strait and coast of Africa.

Sherry Tasting: A sherry tasting trip to Jerez is a must and will soon have you ordering the golden nectar before during and after any meal during your stay.