Car hire Jerez de la Frontera

Introduction

Jerez de la Frontera (which also used to be called Xerez) is world famous as the birthplace of sherry. It is the only region where this drink is allowed to be made. Frontera means 'border', a name that dates back to the time when the city bordered on the Moorish (Arabic) part of Spain. In addition to being the birthplace of sherry, Jerez is also a centre of the traditional flamenco.

Population

The city has almost 200,000 inhabitants. Many people have left their mark on the local culture: the Romans, the Moors, the Jews and the Christians.

Location

The city is located in the south of Spain, in the western part of the autonomous region of Andalusia. The surrounding area is a plain: the delta of the Guadalquivir river that flows into the Atlantic Ocean to the north-west of the city. The important port of Cádiz is located to the south-west of Jerez.

Economy

The city's economy is based on the region's viniculture and of course especially the grapes from which sherry and brandy are made. In addition, trade and tourism play an important role. The city of Jerez is keen to attract more 'clean industry', to which end it has developed a Business & Research Park. The city council hopes to attract companies involved in high-tech research and development.

Airports

The international airport Aeropuerto de Jerez is located 10 kilometres to the north of the city. Since budget airlines started using this airport, the number of passengers has risen to above a million. This airport is also located favorable for cities like Cádiz and Seville, and even for the Costa del Sol (which can be reached by rental car in about 90 minutes). There are also some domestic flights from and to Jerez Airport, for instance to Madrid, the Canary Islands and Mallorca.
The airport is easy to reach from the A4 motorway (exit Jerez Nord). There are buses from the airport to Jerez, Cádiz and the seaside resort of El Puerto de Santa Maria.

Public Transport

Near the city centre there is a combined train and bus station on the Plaza de la Estacion (Station Square). From here, there are no only city buses, but also trains and buses to the beaches along the Bay of Cádiz. Popular beaches are El Puerto de Santa Maria and Chipiona. During the summer, the beach of La Puntilla is frequented above all by the people of Jerez.

There are trains to, among other places, Seville and Granada and to and from all other destinations in Spain.

Traffic and Parking

The centre of Jerez is easier to explore on foot than by car. Around the centre there are many car parks, most of the below ground. Outside the centre, driving a car is not difficult, although you need to keep a few things in mind. For one thing, the road signs are not always up to date. When a new road is built, the old signs are not always removed. In addition, Spanish car drivers are not known for their patience. Also, when a person flashes his or her headlights, that does not mean 'after you', but 'ready or not, here I come'.

The main cities in Andalusia are connected by good motorways. They are toll roads, for instance the road from Jerez to Seville, which will cost you € 4.

Fines for traffic and parking violations are high in Spain. In addition, being a foreigner means you have to pay on the spot.

Hotels

Jerez is a popular tourist destination, both for Spaniards and for foreigners. This means that there is a wide range of hotels available (in all over 4,000 beds) in every price range, including a few 5 star hotels. As usual, the most beautiful and cosy hotels are located in the old city centre, where you will also find most of the cheap accommodations.

External Sources

For more information about Jerez de la Frontera, we recommend Google, and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Jerez de la Frontera
• Jerez Tourism information (Spanish, English, German, French and Italian)