Jerez de la Frontera was stop six of our Andalusian adventure. Check out the trips reports of our previous stops of Malaga, Granada, Ubeda, Seville, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda elsewhere on this forum by clicking on my profile name.
We arrived in Jerez via taxi from Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The ride took 35 minutes and we paid €50.
The phrase "de la Frontera" in Jerez de la Frontera's name harkens back to its past as a frontier town. During the Reconquista, when Christian forces were steadily reclaiming land from the Moors, Jerez stood on the dividing line between Christian and Muslim territories. This historical significance is captured in its name, with "de la Frontera" translating to "of the frontier" in Spanish.
Today, the city of Jerez de la Frontera is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its historic center, sherry production, and flamenco music. We found the city to be charming, welcoming, and fascinating.
We spent three days in Jerez, which felt just about right to get a good feel for the city and see the main sites. We met several people who have come back time and time again to enjoy its many charms. I’m sure we will also visit again.
In the sections below, I have only listed places personally visited.
STAYING (PRICES ARE FROM FEBRUARY 2024)
Hotel Bodega Tio Pepe ( Pl. Encarnación)
Bodega Tio Pepe is a lovely hotel in the historic center of Jerez de Fronterra.
The hotel is perfectly located next to Jerez Cathedral and the Alcazar; is just a short walk to the many bars and restaurants of the old town; and is connected to the historic Bodega González Byass.
Our room (23) was extremely comfortable (the bed, in particular, was wonderful). The bathroom was large, luxurious, and well equipped with amenities.
The hotel has a large rooftop terrace with the most amazing views over the Catedral, Alcazar, and Bodega. The terrace has bar service in the late afternoon / early evening and a nice pool for the warmer months.
Breakfast (which was included in our stay) was served in the breakfast room and consisted of both hot and cold choices. It was perfectly decent.
The best thing about Bodega Tio Pepe was the welcoming, relaxed, and calming vibe which was entirely due to the truly excellent team of staff.
We paid €160 per night including taxes.
When we come back to Jerez, we'll choose this hotel again.
Highly recommended.
EATING (PRICES ARE FROM FEBRUARY 2024)
Pedro Nolasco Restaurant (Pl. Encarnación)
Our first evening in Jerez was that of the dreaded Valentine’s Day. We went for the easy option and made a reservation at Pedro Nolasco, conveniently attached to the Hotel Tio Pepe.
This is a lovely space focused on traditional Jerez cuisine. Predictably, they were pushing a tasting menu with a wine pairing that evening. We chose one fish forward menu and one meat based. I must say that they had some of the best gluten free bread I have tasted.
Overall, the food was lovely, but we regretted not choosing to go with the flexibility of a la carte dining. The service was a tad slow, but the restaurant was busy with every seat taken.
Paid €90.
Recommended
Chicuelo (C. San Pablo, 20)
A rambling walk fortuitously landed us in front of Chicuelo at lunch time.
The dining room has an open, courtyard like feel, with lots of light and greenery. It was quite full giving the place a welcoming and upbeat vibe.
We shared a wonderfully fresh tomato and tuna salad to start and then shared some half portions of grilled artichokes, tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters), and some crispy cheese and shrimp pastries. Friendly and attentive service.
Paid €45 (including 4 glasses of wine).
Highly recommended.