Vejer de la Frontera is a classic whitewashed village sitting high on a steep hilltop with a gorge and river below. Due to the tremendous care that the town utilizes to keep their buildings in great condition, the town holds the classification as being a Historical Artistic Monument of National Importance in 1978. Not just any city earns this title from the government. The town is breathtaking and worthy of picture taking sessions.

 

Thanks to the gorge, Vejer de la Frontera is popular with hang gliders. The steep grade plunging to the river and open lands below make this an exceptional spot for engaging in an incredible flight. For tourists looking for lots to do in a quieter area, Vejer de la Frontera is an excellent choice.

Artifacts link the origins of Vejer de la Frontera to the Bronze Age. This walled city has at times been in the control of Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors.

 

In the 13th century, the Christians and the Moors battled for control, with each group gaining and losing control at least once. In 1262, Alfonso X conquered the area putting the lands in Christian hands permanently. It would be 600 years before Alfonso XII deemed the area to be a thriving city and named it Vejer de la Frontera.

Spend some time walking the narrow, cobble streets. The architectural detail found in the city is impressive to everyone - not just builders. Huge stone archways (the original structures, not remodeled versions) lead passers-by through the old stonewalls surrounding the centre of town to neighbouring streets. There are five major arches to explore; each has its own historical significance. Guided tours are often available.

 

Arco de la Villa is the first of the arches. This arch is part of the old Roman road and brings you to Plaza de España. Here you can experience local cuisine, shop in specialty stores, or have a cold drink in the variety of pubs. The centre fountain is very elaborate and utilizes four large frogs that spit water to the centre.   In the summer, a handful of locals will offer walking tours of the remains of the Moorish fortress.

 

Arco Sancho IV leads travellers into the older sections of town. In this area, many historic houses can be viewed from the outside. This is the oldest arch/gate in the town.

 

Puerta de la Segur is the smallest of the arches. It was built lower to the ground than the others to provide secure passage from the city to the church. The Church of El Divino Salvador offers two impressive architectural styles - Visigoth and Mudejar. Be sure to view the carving of the Virgin Mary.

 

Puerta Cerrada (literally door closed) is the back entrance to Vejer de la Frontera. The door was kept closed at all times to prevent attackers from trying to sneak into town from the south.

 

Ten kilometres from the city centre, El Palmar, a pristine, unpopulated beach, is free to the public. El Palmar offers twelve kilometres of clean, white sand and refreshingly cool water. This beach tends only to be crowded on the weekends. Strong breezes make this a popular spot for windsurfers.

Like many towns in southern Spain, Vejer de la Frontera is an area rich in agricultural industries. Honey is a product that is amply produced in the region. Other warm weather crops - tomatoes and grains grow well in the fertile soil.

 

Because the town spent a number of years under Moorish control, many Moorish customs are still in practice. Arab water jugs are still handcrafted by area artisans.

Despite the fact that the surrounding areas offer prime crops, Vejer de la Frontera is known for one spectacular dish - Lomo en Manteca (Loin in Lard.) Lomo en Manteca is a dish in which a large pork loin is fried in its own fat after marinating in garlic, pepper, laurel, and lemon. 

 

El Jardin del Califa is the areas best restaurant. The cuisine is a mix of Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean. Appetizers include wonderful chilled cucumber soup, falafel, and hummus. Entrees can include a wide array of tasty meals from chicken baked in a clay pot with spices and fresh vegetables or a house specialty that includes lamb kababs with three different dipping sauces. Many vegetarian selections are on the menu.

 

For local Andalusian fare, try Restaurante la Posada. Wild game and fresh seafood are always on the menu. Food portions are huge. Service is impeccable. The décor may seem outdated, but the food keeps people coming back!

 

If you want to try on of the best French restaurants in Southern Spain, head to Restaurante Vera Cruz. The chef melds Andalusian and French cuisine creating exciting dishes that are bold and flavourful. The restaurant is housed in a 16th century chapel, so the surroundings will please you as much as the food.

Despite its quieter nature, nightlife still occurs within Vejer de la Frontera. A number of bars and clubs open after 11.00 pm and remain open until 3.00 am on weekdays and 5.00 am at the weekends.

 

Pata Palo is a local pub that boasts one of the area’s better dance floors. Music is lively. Young crowds fit in nicely here. Pata Palo offers a great singles scene.

 

Interesting colour schemes make up the funky décor at Boo Bar. Here funky music is played all night. The staff is friendly and treats patrons well. An outdoor terrace offers impressive views of the area.

 

La Bodeguita is one of the best tapas bars in the area. An outdoor patio sits under huge grape vines. The tapas bar is known for great music, cold drinks, and incredible tapas (made by the owner’s mother).

Vejer de la Frontera offers so much to see and do. There is tremendous benefit to having the area tourist-friendly, but not overridden by tourists. While there are always tourists around, it is not a crowded town. You will never feel claustrophobic or shoved by shoulder-to-shoulder foot traffic.

 

The scenic beauty of the area mixes well with the historic lore. If you are travelling the Route of the Pueblos Blancos, Vejer de la Frontera is an excellent place to stop for an overnight stay.