Jerez de la Frontera
A hidden gem in Spain’s sherry triangle.
I remember getting assigned the school I was going to work in and thinking, “Jerez de la what? It’s in Cadiz? I think I’ve heard of Cadiz.” I then searched for Cadiz and, upon seeing that ancient city jutting out on its thin, beautiful peninsula, hoped I could live there instead of Jerez de la whatever.
Spoiler alert: I didn’t.
Ask a Spaniard about Jerez and they’ll smile pleasantly, mention something about the wine, horses, or Moto GP event that is held in the city every year. They know that it is a quaint, small city but even the Spanish themselves usually aren’t fully aware of the charm this gem in the sherry triangle possesses.
I lived in Jerez de la Frontera for a year, fell in love with the city, and am eternally grateful for the experience. My initial reaction was the same as most who aren’t familiar with southern Spain. Jerez, as it is colloquially known — or JERE’ with the deep Andalusian accent they have — flies way under the radar, but with its quality wine, small bars, off-the-tourist-trail authenticity, affordability, and flamenco culture, I believe it should be a stop for all who want an authentic Andalusian experience.
Jerez is the Spanish word for sherry and the second part of the name ‘de la frontera,’ means ‘from the…
