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LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Information on a range of local activities and suggestions for days out. These include lists of local Museums, Nature Reserves & National Parks of the region. Please always visit the local Tourist Offices during your holiday, as they are a valuable resource of the latest information, as well as current discounts & offers.

These are suggestions rather than recommendations, so if you have any questions please ask the provider directly and check online reviews. If there is something you wish to do but it does not appear on the list (yet), please just ask us or check the local Tourist Offices & internet. Please note that some of these activities and day trips are seasonal and also may require advance booking so in busier school holiday or Summer times we suggest you organise these as soon as possible.

Tourist Offices – many have English-speaking staff and are an excellent source of local and regional information, leaflets, special offers and current events!

www.turismovejer.es/en/

SPRING & SUMMER FAIRS – please visit Tourist Offices for seasonal & current information

https://www.andalucia.com/festival/monthlyguide-aug.htm

All towns and villages organise their own ferias to welcome new season(s), particularly Easter and Spring - traditionally these also acted as a marketplace for local products, which is why livestock or horseshows still play a big part in many places in this part of Andalucia. The celebrations include the enthusiastic consumption of food and drink at street stalls in the centre and at night they are characterised by a fun fair and music and dancing in pavilions or tents in a special ferial area – usually on the outskirts of town, where people of all ages join in the all-night fun!

Feria de Sevilla

The biggest and most famous of these ferias is held in Seville at the end of April, just outside our region of Cadiz (and so not listed which is why it is mentioned here) but still easily accessible in a day-trip. It is considered a real spectacle, some say the best in the whole of Andalucia, although many tents are invitation-only. However, there are always some open to the public and visitors are very welcome.

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CLIMBING

Active Tourism, Aos Tarifa

Courses of 3-4 hours, either in groups from €35 or privately from €60. Two day initiation courses also available, with a rock wall for experts. Minimum age: 8 years. Location: San Bartolo Mountain, Tarifa. www.aostarifa.com info@aostarifa.com Tel: +34 956 627 646 Mob: +34 600 821 276

GOLF

There are a number of excellent golf courses all within an easy driving (or walking) distance from El Sueno. Please ring for seasonal prices, tee-off times etc

Benalup Hotel Golf & Country Club

www.benalupgolf.com

Club de Golf Campano, Chiclana

Novo Sancti Petri Golf

Vista Hermosa Golf, El Puerto de Santa Maria

Montecastillo Golf Resort, www.montecastillo.com

Costa Ballena Club de Golf, El Puerto de Santa Maria

www.ballenagolf.com

Dehesa Montenmedio Golf & Country Club

www.monteenmedio.com

TENNIS

Vejer Indoor Sports Centre. Facilities here include; paddle tennis, tennis, athletics and football (on artificial grass). Call in at the Polideportivo in S. Miguel (new town) to book a court.

Barbate Outdoor tennis courts: please check as were closed due to sale. (Most Golf Courses also have tennis courts, although Montenmedio currently only offers paddle tennis.)

WATERSPORTS

SURFING

El Palmar beach is considered to be the best in the area, with stronger surf in Winter and ideal for beginners in the warmer months – there are plenty of different instructors & hire shops to choose from, so we suggest you also visit the beach and walk along to see what is a good fit for you!

WINDSURFING

Spin Out – Playa Valdevaqueros (9km north of Tarifa)

Range of courses catering for beginner to advanced level, with a maximum of four beginners per instructor with a two-hour lesson & equipment. A three day beginner course (3 x 2 hours), six-hour course (4 x 90 mins) for children over nine, two-hour advanced course for two people and one-to-ones are available. Tel: +34 956 236 352 or + 34 639 139 060 www.tarifaspinout.com

Club Mistral, Playa Valdevaqueros - Tarifa

Offering windsurfing & kitesurfing courses from basic to advanced levels. Tel: +34 619 340 913

http://www.club-mistral.com/en/tarifa-kite-school/windsurfing-rental

There are a wealth of kitesurfing schools in and around Tarifa, which is considered the wind capital of Europe due to its unique position on the Straits of Gibraltar. Here are just a small selection but feel free to ´surf´ the internet or visit Tarifa yourselves for a great deal more:

KITESURFING

Dragon Kite School

This kitesurfing, surfing & windsurfing school for all levels of experience based in Tarifa, is a licenced, registered (Turismo Activo) and insured Kite & Windsurf centre. Instructors speak fluent English, are high qualified by IKO and all kite equipment as kite material, harness, wetsuit, swim vest and helmet is provided by the kiteschool. The school is situated in Tarifa, Poligono La Vega, Kite Shop 203 and at the kitesurf spot Los Lances, by beach bar Waves (km 80). Tel: +34 660 882 710 www.dragonkiteschool.com

Kite Obsession

Established for 10 years and offering beginners & private courses as well as equipment hire. All their instructors hold an official Instructor License from either IKO or the Spanish Royal Sailing Assoc and also work full time all year around in the Kite School business. Basic Beginners Course from €150, Board & Kite Hire from €60. Tel: +34 956 680 940 Mob: + 34 656 678 815 www.kiteobsession.com

DIVING

Diving Yellow Sub Tarifa - Located in the main harbour of Tarifa, offering a wide range of PADI, Sidemount & TecRec courses with two boats and a number of dive sites. Tel: +34 956 680 680 www.divingtarifa.com/

STAND UP PADDLE

Active Tourism, Aos Tarifa

Stand Up Paddle Surf is an ancient art where the surfer uses a large paddle to steer and move the board through the water while he stands upon it. It originated in the ancient Polynesian villages with the Hawaiian name 'Ku Hoe He's NALU' which literally means 'stand, paddle, surf the wave'. Min age:10 years, with swimming ability. Group courses for 2- 4 people, lasting 1-3 hours from €40 www.aostarifa.com info@aostarifa.com Tel: +34 956 627 646 Mob: +34 600 821 276

AQUATIC MULTI ADVENTURE PROGRAM

Active Tourism, Aos Tarifa

Half day introductory taster of three activities: kitesurfing, surfing y paddle surf (1 hour each), for beginners. Min age 8 years, swiming skills required. www.aostarifa.com info@aostarifa.com Tel: +34 956 627 646 Mob: +34 600 821 276

KAYAKING

Active Tourism, Aos Tarifa

Kayak routes by Jara river and exploring the coast. Prices from €25 to include equipment, guide and insurance - approx 2 hours in length. www.aostarifa.com info@aostarifa.com Tel: +34 956 627 646 Mob: +34 600 821 276

Naturalsur – Barbate River reservoir (Alcornocales Nature Reserve)

NaturalSur runs different one-day excursions on the same days every week between April to October, including trilingual guide, equipment, insurance & picnic. Booking required but can be taken until 2pm day before, subject to availability. Tel: 956 451419, www.naturalsur.com

Sancti Petri Sport - Chiclana de la Frontera

Kayaking and windsurfing - courses, equipment hire and tours. Tel: 956 494 218

SAILING

Club Nautico Barbate

Situated in the heart of Barbate, offers courses and membership of club. School participates in sailing regattas along the coast and adults and children over eight welcome. 15 hour courses (5x3 hours by arrangement) E70 plus E10 monthly membership and annual insurance of E10. Tel: 956 433 905 nauticobarbate@retemail.es

Centro de Actividades Nauticas Salmedina SL - El Puerto de Santa Maria

Sailing courses, charted yachts (with or without a skipper), sailing trips, snorkelling trips and fishing trips. Tel: 956 871 881

NATURE & ENVIRONMENT

Islantur, San Fernando - Bay of Cadiz Natural Park

Orienteering and bird watching and visits to the salt marshes. Tel: +34 956 897 846

BIRDWATCHING Los Barrios to Facinas birdwatching route

If you're into birdwatching there are various bird observatories along the N340 coast road between Los Barrios and Facinas that skirts the edges of the park.

These are prime positions for watching migration; choose observatories west of Tarifa when winds are westerly and those east of Tarifa when there are easterly winds. This route also has stunning views across the Strait of Gibraltar to the African coastline.

* From Los Barrios, the first one is El Algarrobo, at Km 99.1, just north of the N340. A few kilometres later in El Pelayo, at Km 96, is a visitors' centre, the Centro de Visitantes Huerta Grande. It has information on bird migration in the Strait of Gibraltar.

* The second is El Cabrito, reached by taking the track at Km 91 leading off the N340. Further west along the coast is the Observatorio Valle del Santuario. Just outside Facinas is the Puerto de Facinas observatory.

Birdingthestrait.com - birding and photography guided experiences in Tarifa, the Strait of Gibraltar, Andalusia and Morocco.

Strategies & Plans

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Award Winning

DAYS OUT

As well as the historical and cultural towns of Seville, Jerez, Ronda and Cadiz, the famous ‘pueblo blancos’ (white villages) of the area and a number of National Parks all within a day-trip, here are some suggestions of alternative days out:

Baelo Claudia Roman ruins & Bolonia Beach - Bolonia

The most perfectly preserved example of Roman town from the second century BC, set against a stunning background of rugged National Parkland, the archaeological site itself spills down to meet one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa de la Luz.

The marked out site covers some 13 hectares and easy to walk around, with a stunning new small museum. Free with EU passport, Tel: +34 956 688560. Open: Tues-Sat, 10am-7pm March to May & Oct; 10am-8pm June to Sept; 10am-6pm Nov to Feb; 10am-2pm Sundays & Public Holidays.

Zoo & Botanical Garden – Jerez

Small zoo set in botanical gardens (undergoing current refurbishment programme to meet new EU standards), with a role as a rehabilitation centre for endangered or injured species particular to the peninsula (as well as a few exotic examples). Some of the most impressive local wildlife include the huge birds of prey, such as the eagles and vultures which can often be seen circling the countryside around El Sueño. There is also a play area and mini-train for children, shaded areas for picnics as well as a snack kiosk and cafeteria. €4/ €2.50, Tel: +34 956 182397. Open Tues-Sun; 10am-6pm October to May; 10am-8pm June & September; 10am-8pm July & August

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Vineyard & Artisan wines

The Ute Winery offers artisan wines (red, white and rose) made from 100% ecological grapes by Ute Mergner in Patria, just a few minutes away from the finca. Private tastings with a step-by-step experience of the wine production can be organised from just 8 per head, but if you buy three bottles per person this is then discounted. etu-vino.com

Bodegas

Bodegas Gallardos - this local bodega is just below Vejer, with a larger establishment now in Barbate, and was established over 100 years ago. bodegasgallardosl.com

Bodegas Sancha Pérez is a family finca that combines olives and the vine - visitors can learn the 'secrets of their artisan production of wine and oil. Usually open between 10:30-14:30 - it is recommended you allow for at least an hour or two. http://sanchaperez.com/

Sherry House Tour - Jerez

Bodegas Tradicion - there are a number of sherry house tours on offer with a number of the larger more recognisabel household names which you can easily find online and in leaflets, but this is considered to be the most authentic, although it does cost a little more. Experienced guides & good tastings too: bodegastradicion.es

Expert Team

Donana National Park

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/donananationalpark.html

Doñana National Park is a wetland / coastal reserve at the delta of the Guadalquivir River and a major site for migrating birds. The park holds 360 species of birds, in transfer from or to Africa (on the same flyway as Djoudj and Banc d’Arguin). Especially noted are its wintering waterfowl, which number over 500.000. The park also is the habitat of the endangered Spanish lynx, Adalbert’s eagle, marbled teal and white-headed duck.

Limited access with guides & four-wheel drive or boat trips. (80km away, North East of Jerez).

Suggested websites (also in English):

http://www.discoveringdonana.com

Rates include a professional English speaking local guide fully equipped (binoculars and telescope) plus transport on a four wheel drive or an appropriate vehicle for the activity of the day. No other fees required.

Advanced Tour - enjoy nature in a more relaxing way.

Group size: Normally from 4 to 12 people.

Duration of the tour: 5 hours approximately.

Type of vehicle: A 15 seated vehicle or smaller.

Rate: 35€ per person. Unless you are willing to go in a group smaller than 4, in which case the total price of the tour would be of 140€. Children under 7 pay only 20€

Private Tour - open itinerary, for small groups & those interested in birdwatching/photography

Group size: Normally from 3 to 6 people. Type of vehicle: A 8 seated vehicle or smaller.

Duration of the tour: Variable. Half day of around 5 hours and full day of around 10 hours.

Type of vehicle: A 8 seated vehicle or smaller.

Rate: Half day 50€ per person, full day 85€ per person. For groups smaller than 3 there is a minimum cost of 150€ for half day and 255€ for full day tours. If you are a couple, in our high season in Spring, we will offer you the option o share the tour with 2 more people in order to reduce the cost. We will not be able to guarantee that we will find them but we will do our best.

Included: It is included in the price per person a morning / afternoon coffer or drink in our half day tours and also lunch in our full day tours. Lunch will consist normally on a selection of traditional dishes in a small local restaurant.

http://www.donanavisitas.es

Visits to the interior of the Doñana National Park carried in special vehicles off-road (21 seats each), accompanied by a guía-conductor.

The duration is approximately 4 hours and will run through each and every one of the Doñana ecosystems in a same itinerary.

The price: 27 € per person for all ages.

The timetable of departures:

WINTER: from 15/09 to 30/04: 08.30 in the morning and afternoon 15.00

SUMMER: from 01/05 to 14/09: 08.30 in the morning and afternoon 17.00

Quality Guaranteed

Alcornocales Natural Park

This vast park covers 167,767ha from Tarifa in the south to the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in the north. It is named after its handsome and beautifully kept cork tree grove, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important ones in the world. It is the best example of what the densely wooded, primeval Iberian forests may have been like.

The far south of the region is crossed by humid, deep, narrow V-shaped valleys, called canutos, which have been eroded by rivers and provide the ideal habitat for subtropical forests of great ecological value. Today, these forests only exist in Spain and Turkey but they used to grow in many other parts of Europe. There are over 40 species of fern in the area; one botanical jewel here is the rare fern psilotum nudum, the only other examples of which occur in the southern hemisphere. Typical canutos are those of the Gallina, Hortela and Jautor.

Information - There are two visitors' centres; for both centres, call + 34 956 679 161.

* Huerta Grande is south of Algeciras at Km 96 on the N340 coast road.

* El Aljibe is in Alcalá de los Gazules, on the road to Benalup at Km 1.

Access

The area is easily accessible via road, the main road crossing the northern section being the A375 between Ubrique in the northeast and Alcalá de los Gazules in the west. Between Algar in the north and Jimena de la Frontera in the east is the C3331, whilst the A381 crosses the southern section from Alcalá de los Gazules to Algeciras. There are also many minor roads and forest tracks crisscrossing the park.

Walks - This is excellent walking country, with woodland, river and mountain areas to choose from and 20 signposted walks.

Sendero Subida al Picacho is a 2.3km walk of around three hours that begins in El Picacho picnic area, at Km 30 of the A375 road that links Ubrique with Alcalá de los Gazules. It leads up to the peak of Picacho, at 882m, with magnificent views over the park. El Picacho is also the starting point of the short 1.2km Sendero Garganta de Puerto Oscuro, which passes by the Laguna de El Picacho, and the challenging Sendero Subida al Aljibe, which ends at La Sauceda picnic area.

Sendero Laguna del Moral is an easy walk of 2km, which takes around 1½ hours. It goes through densely wooded cork groves and ends at Laguna del Moral. The starting point is La Sauceda picnic area, off the CA3331.

Suggested routes

From Alcalá de los Gazules

The A375 crosses the northern part of the park, through magnificent cork forests and past rugged mountains. Several minor roads, sometimes tortuously winding in places, lead off the A375, if you want to explore the park further. The A375 climbs out of Alcalá de los Gazules and at Km 30 is El Picacho picnic area, the starting point of three walks. It's worth stopping to appreciate the views; just off the A375 on the CA0567 road is the viewpoint Mirador Puerto de las Palomas and where the A375 joins the A373 before Ubrique is the Mirador Mojón de la Víbora.

Ojén valley

The CA221 road between Facinas in the west and Los Barrios in the east is an attractive route, passing through the Ojén valley. Halfway along is the Mirador Puerto de Ojén, with superb views across the park. The road winds through cork forests and past verdant river woodland in the bottom of the valley itself. See GR7 walk for a description of this route.