Nearby are the ancient Atlantic port of Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera famous for its sherry, bodegas and equestrian traditions. Visit the old quarters of Cadiz, Europe’s oldest city founded in 1100 BC and the birthplace of Spanish democracy. Where narrow streets shelter crumbling turn of the century mansions and distinctive Moorish-style turrets, formerly old lookouts for ships returning from the Americas. The city sits on a narrow peninsular surrounded by water, with the Bay of Cadiz on one side and the Atlantic on the other. The city is blessed with some of the region's best restaurants.

Jerez is a proud town. On top of producing one of the world’s great fortified wines, it’s also got a rich tradition in agriculture, horsemanship and flamenco. The prettiest route to visit Jerez is through the Los Alcornocales nature reserve. Jerez offers an old town centre full of pretty little streets and plazas lined with ornate sandstone churches, attractive townhouses, lively cafes, stylish shops and restaurants that treat you both to the excellent local country fare and fresh Atlantic catch.

Home to so much that is typically Andalusian, Jerez has become popular with tourists but has resisted the temptation to allow its bodegas, flamenco and equestrian heritage to be turned into theme park attractions. The town vies with Seville as the flamenco capital of the world. It’s not flaunted or commercialised but still very much produced by and for the local people.

The Arab baths are a well kept secret. Hammam Andalusi is located in the cathedral district and is an authentic replica of the baths that could be found throughout the medieval Muslim world. The spa which is beautifully fitted out complete with candle lighting and Arab music, is made up of three baths: hot, temperate and cold. Not only can you while away a lazy afternoon in the water but you can also experience one of the traditional treatments that are on offer including exfoliation, clay and aloe.

The city’s passion for horses reaches its peak at the annual Feria del Caballo. During this week-long festivity in May, thoroughbreds, vintage carriages and beautifully attired horsemen and women come together in what is one of the most impressive equestrian shows in Europe.

Visit the trail of White Villages found in the north of the province of Cadiz. Arcos de la Frontera with its monumental town centre is one of the finest in an area laden with history, and boasts an abundance of palaces, grand houses, convents and churches. Some find it the most beautiful of the White Villages with its castle and the church of Santa Maria set in the highest part of the village.

Follow the sound of the underground river which flows through the tiny village of Vilaluenga del Rosario. The village was once said to have the biggest bullring in the world because spectators used to watch from the adjacent mountainsides.

Crowned by the remains of a Muslim fortress, the whiteness of Zahara de la Sierra is reflected in the reservoir which stretches at its feet.

Setenil has a spectacular layout with houses and even whole streets hidden in enormous caves that were first hollowed out by the river and then dug further by man. Full of history it now abounds with cafes and tapas bars. The village of Grazelma is squeezed between two mountains El Pinar and El Endrinal which are often completely snow covered in the winter. The peaks in other seasons retain the clouds coming in from the Gulf of Cadiz and the Atlantic. Its true beauty lies in its natural surroundings which might have been designed for hill walking as are many parts of this lovely province.

Another walker's favourite is the 6 kilometre path which follows the trout stream from Benamahoma to the village of El Bosque.

The food is invariably good in these mountain villages with sweet, succulent and delicious hams, sausages, asparagus, game and trout.

Lesser known are El Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlucar de Barrameda two small costal towns favoured for their fine seafood. Sanlucar de Barrameda holds a unique event in the summer with horse racing on the beach - a tradition dating back to 1845. Two sessions are held each year in August totalling six days of racing. Here you can enjoy top quality seafood while looking out across the bay to Cadiz thrusting out to sea.