Vejer de la Frontera: Laid-back, yet cosmopolitan Spanish city

The southern Spanish town of Vejer de la Frontera sits on top of a hill like a white jewel that is brimming with fascination and beauty. As you walk the cobbled narrow streets you pass by restaurants and bars in abundance, each one as enticing as the next. Craft shops display their wares of brightly coloured shawls, leather bags and other deities. Views across the Spanish countryside open up on occasion from the ramparts of this wonderful, white Arabesque town.

The defence walls which surround Vejer were laid down in stone 700 years ago. The church was built onto the old mosque 60 millennia ago but many of the old stones were laid possibly 700 years before the church was added. History engulfs the visitor to Vejer. The food here is equally as impressive, being consistently excellent from restaurant to restaurant.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in this incredible hilltop pueblo we recommend Casa Luz. Positioned right in the heart the town Casa Luz has been magnificently refurbished with Moorish influence. The view from the roof terrace is stunning especially in the evening when paragliders soar the outer ramparts as gentle thermals sweep up the hillside on to which Vejer is built. A plunge pool is another of Casa Luz’s focal attractions. With underwater lights that change through beautiful hues, again, the pool is particularly stunning in the twilight hours. Four comfortable bedrooms, three of which are en-suite, are all that is required for a party of eight.

The beaches are only 15 minutes’ drive from Vejer de la Frontera and are well worth the trip. Contemplating the great sea battle where Napoleon’s navy was defeated by Nelson and the British fleet over 200 years ago at the Trafalgar Cape provides a refreshing alternative to bathing in the translucent Atlantic Ocean.

Cadiz is a 40 minute drive from Vejer and is definitely worthy of a day out. If you are familiar with other Spanish cities you may well wonder how come you never visited this one before. Outside of Greece, Cadiz has been the most continually inhabited city on earth and there is a wealth of ancient sites to visit.

Wherever you roam on your Andalucian holiday you will always be heartened upon your return to the laidback yet cosmopolitan charm of Vejer de la Frontera.