Best Things to Do in Vejer de la Frontera

Over the years I’ve whiled away many hours in Vejer eating at local tapas bars, exploring the fabulous nearby beaches, and venturing to another continent – Africa. Our beautiful little hilltop town, with its narrow winding streets, whitewashed walls dotted with flowerpots, and medieval castle, is a fabulous place to stay for one of my cooking courses – so here are a few tips for things to do in Vejer de la Frontera and nearby…

Wander the streets of Vejer (stopping off at bars for Fino and tapas)

Vejer is now of the most exciting foodie destinations in Andalucia. The town is packed with fabulous restaurants and tapas bars, as well as the new gourmet market, where you can try deliciously tasty, gastronomically inventive small dishes, matched with a glass of Sherry.

Take a day-trip to Morocco from Tarifa

The ferry to Tangier leaves from nearby Tarifa – it’s just one hour to Morocco. My recommendations: amalou (a delectable blend of argan oil, almonds and honey) on Moroccan bread for breakfast at Cape Spartel, date pastries, and the fabric market. Great buys include spices, teapots and tea glasses. Always pre-book a guide – contact me for details of a really good one. And if you want to see Tangier’s tasty side, you can find out all about my bespoke food tours by dropping me a line.

See a horse show at Yeguada de Cartuja

Less than an hour’s drive away from Vejer is this Jerez horse stud, home to pure-bred Carthusian horses since the 15th century (yegua means mare). On Saturday you can tour the historic farm, and watch a spectacular display. (Yeguadacartuja.com)

Chill out at the beach

We have some superb beaches along the Costa de la Luz – El Palmar is my favourite. Take a rug, and a picnic with tortilla, tuna salad, and a bottle of Fino Sherry.

Walk up to Trafalgar Lighthouse to see the sun set and dream about Nelson sailing past

As well as gorgeous beaches and amazing food, we also have historic locations. The Battle of Trafalgar, where Admiral Lord Nelson defeated the combined Spanish and French navies in 1805, changing the course of the Napoleonic Wars, took place just up the road from Vejer near Caños de Meca beach.

Go fish shopping in Barbate

This unglamorous fishing town has one of the best fish markets on the coast. Before you’re wowed by the stalls of bream, sardines and squid at the Mercado de Abastos, stop at Venta Pinto for breakfast. Visit the Herpac shop to buy mojama (dried tuna, “jamon of the sea”), and atun en manteca iberica (tuna in Iberian pork fat) and then head to El Campero tapas bar for lunch – look out for atun de almadraba (bluefin tuna).

Learn about Spanish food at Annie B’s

Cooking should be fun, and in my classes you can learn how to make simple but delicious Spanish and Moroccan dishes using wonderful local ingredients from the area, especially fish. Helped along, of course, by more than just a glass or two of Sherry.

Like the sound of my favourite things to do in Vejer? Come along on one of my cooking courses – and you can do them all!