Traveling in the province of Cadiz in Andalusia and looking for recommendations? Then you can’t miss visiting Vejer de la Frontera, one of the finest examples of a pueblo blanco that you can find in Spain. Let’s go, we’ll show you the best things to do in Vejer De La Frontera.
Vejer de la Frontera, Vejer in short, is located on Costa de la Luz, just a few kilometers away from the coast. The town sits on a small hill, at an altitude of 200m, thanks to which it offers incredible panoramic views over the surroundings. Like any typical Andalusian pueblo blanco, Vejer de la Frontera is full of narrow cobbled streets with whitewashed houses decorated with colorful flowers. The town itself consists of two parts: the old quarter and the new part designed in the style of the pueblos blancos.
Vejer de la Frontera is one of the most charming and well-preserved towns in the province of Cadiz. It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Spain according to the association of Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España. Also, it is a Historic-Artistic Site since 1976 and was awarded the I National Prize for Town Embellishment and Improvement in 1978.
This website uses affiliate links thanks to which we may earn a commission for purchases you made at no additional cost to you. If you like the content, consider using those links to support us. Thank you!
15 Best Things To Do In Vejer De La Frontera, Spain
Vejer is a great place for a one-day trip from places like Cadiz, Tarifa, or Gibraltar. But it also would be a good place for a “home base” to explore the rest of the region.
While writing this post we’ve come across several written versions like “bejer de la frontera” or “veja de la frontera”. If you want to know how to correctly pronounce it check out this website. There you can listen to native speakers pronounce “Vejer de la Frontera” correctly.
Short history of Vejer de la Frontera, Spain
Human presence in Vejer dates back to the Paleolithic age. There are signs of the Romans’ presence in the area. However, the Arabs left the most significant mark on the present character of the village. They conquered it in 711 and stayed for over five centuries. The Christian conquest came at the end of the 13th century. Due to its constant exposure to military confrontation, Vejer was protected by an enclosure with an irregular layout with walls up to two meters thick. The defensive structures are from the Middle Ages, and survived until the present.
Vejer de la Frontera Old Town Streets
One of the best things to do in Vejer de la Frontera is to take some time to explore its charming streets. Just enjoy the mesmerizing labyrinth of streets, old buildings, hidden patios full of flowers, passageways, and incredible views over the surrounding from many viewpoints.
Ok, now it’s time to discover in detail what these streets are hiding… Come! 🙂
Plaza de España
Plaza de Espana, also known as the Plaza de los Pescaitos (Plaza of the Little Fish), is one of the main attractions in Vejer de la Frontera. Many consider it to be one of the most beautiful plazas in all of Spain. The most iconic part of the square is a fountain, decorated with tiles from Seville and four water-spouting frogs. Interesting facts are that the fountain dates back to the 1940s, and is almost identical to the fountain on the main plaza of Algeciras.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Plaza de España held bullfighting celebrations. Currently, it’s a bustling place full of cafes, restaurants and shops, where still many local events happen.
Plaza de España is also home to noteworthy buildings like Town Hall, Hotel La Casa del Califa (once known as Casa del Juzgado, dates back to the 10th century), and Puerta de la Villa (one of the entrances to the walled town, which dates back to the 16th century).
Iglesia del Divino Salvador
Iglesia del Divino Salvador (eng. Divino Salvador Church) is Vejer de la Frontera main church, built on the site of a former mosque. The church is located in the highest part of this town, within the town walls. One half of Iglesia del Divino Salvador dates back to the middle of the 16th century (late-Gothic), while the other half dates to the earlier period, probably Gothic-Mudejar. The most striking feature of the church is the altarpiece, carved out by Francisco de Villegas in the 17th century. Entrance is free.
Puerta de la Segur
Puerta de la Segur is located right next to the Divino Salvador Church. It’s one of the gates to the walled town, built in the 15th century. It was the most accessible entrance, so it was fortified the most and heavily defended.
Mirador de la Cobijada
Mirador de la Cobijada is one of the most visited places in town, so obviously it cannot be missing from your list of places to see in Vejer de la Frontera. Firstly, it’s a great viewpoint from which you can enjoy a nice view over the newest part of the city.
But the real reason why it’s so popular it’s because of the statue of La Cobijada. It presents a woman in a traditional all-black Castilian outfit worn by women in the 17th and 18th centuries, which is a symbol of Vejer de la Frontera. La Cobijada leaves only one eye uncovered, and because of that many confuse it with a burqa. La Cobijada got banned after the civil war in the 1930s and you can spot it only during festivals and ceremonies.
Arco de la Puerta Cerrada
Arco de la Puerta Cerrada, also known as Southern Gate or Berber Gate, is located in Vejer Old town, in very close proximity to Mirador de la Cobijada. Arch dates back to the 11th century, and its name derives from a time when it was closed (from the Middle Ages until the 17th century) to push back the attacks.
Mirador de la Corredera
Mirador de la Corredera is a viewpoint along one of the main streets in Vejer de la Frontera, Calle de la Corredera. It offers great views over the surrounding areas. You can visit one of many restaurants along this street. Just pick a place to sit outside and enjoy those great views.
Arco de las Monjas
Another unique place to see in Vejer de la Frontera is Arco de las Monjas (eng. Arch of the Nuns), also known as Arcos de la Juderia, is located in the old quarter of the town. It was built after the earthquake in 1773 to support the wall and the vault of the main chapel of Antiguo Iglesia. Currently, it’s one of the most photographed spots in Vejer.
Antiguo Iglesia
Antiguo Iglesia, also known as the Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Concepcion (eng. Convent of the Conceptionists), connects directly to the Arco de las Monjas. The building dates back to the 16th century and is a nice example of the Renaissance style from this period. The earthquake damaged the church in 1773. However the restoration took place in the 1990s. Currently, the Convent of the Conceptionists houses the Municipal Museum of Customs and Traditions of Vejer de la Frontera.
Castillo de Vejer
Castillo de Vejer (eng. Castle of Vejer de la Frontera) occupies the highest point of the town. It was built in the 10th and 11h centuries, on the site of another Moorish construction and was declared a National Monument in 1931. Currently (June 2022), the castle is still closed and not available to visit due to ongoing renovations.
Casa del Mayorazgo
Casa del Mayorazgo (House of the Entailed estate) is a Baroque-style house from the 18th century. Although it’s privately owned, it is open to the public. Due to that fact, visitors can admire its two courtyards full of potted plants, part of the old town walls, and a tower from which you can look down at Plaza de España. There’s no entry charge but it would be great to leave a tip in the money box to help the owners maintain the hundreds of flowerpots they have.
Puerta de Sancho IV
Puerta de Sancho is the oldest and best-preserved gate to the old town dating back to the 13th century.
Ruta Molinos de Viento
After ticking off all places in Vejer Old Town, it’s time to see the famous Vejer de la Frontera windmills. In the past, they were grinding the wheat, but today they are part of the landscape and play an important role in preserving the town’s historical legacy. Windmills were built according to the Carthaginian design. Lower tower and thicker walls made them better adjusted to the strong winds that are common in the area.
You can admire two of the windmills in Parque Los Molinos – they both are in very good condition and sometimes one of them is even open for the visitors to see from the inside.
Your other option is to walk Ruta Molinos de Viento (eng. Windmills Route of Vejer de la Frontera). The route is 9.65km long, and it takes about 2 hours to walk it but you’ll have a chance to see Vejer’s seven flour windmills.
Vejer de la Frontera Beaches
Only a few kilometers from the Vejer de la Frontera historic quarter, some great beaches are located, and among them are Playa del Palmar, Playa de los Caños de Meca or Playa el Pirata. Playa del Palmar, the main beach of Vejer with golden sand and crystal blue waters, is one of the most unspoiled areas in the province of Cadiz and one of the best beaches in Andalusia.
Other things to do in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain
Santuario Virgen de la Oliva
If you are into visiting churches Santuario Virgen de la Oliva (eng. Sanctuary of Virgen de Oliva) may interest you. Sanctuary is located on the Vejer-Barbate road, only 5km from the Vejer old town. It was built in the 14th century after the reconquest of this region from the Moors by Christians. Currently, every year on May 7th, some people go on a pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Oliva to this sanctuary.
Santa Lucia Roman Aqueduct
Santa Lucia Roman Aqueduct is located in the rural area of Santa Lucia. It was declared a Natural Monument for its landscape richness. Next to it, there are seven water mills from the 15th century, which you can admire while walking Ruta de los Molinos de Agua Vejer (eng. Route of the Vejer Water Mills).
📢 Calling all Travelers 🌍
Your Costa Blanca adventure starts here. Save time, money, and nerves and plan your dream trip with our e-guide.
How to get to Vejer De La Frontera, Spain?
Vejer de la Frontera is located 55km from Cadiz, 60km from Tarifa and 90km from Gibraltar. The closest airport is located in Jerez de la Frontera (70km away), and the next one is located in Seville, 160km away. The most convenient way to get to Vejer de la Frontera is by car.
Where to park in Vejer De La Frontera?
We recommend leaving a car in this large, free parking lot right next to the Tourist Office. From it, you can walk right to Vejer de la Frontera Old Town in less than 10min. There are also some paid parking lots to choose from.
To Vejer de la Frontera by bus
You can also get to Vejer de la Frontera by bus. For example, the journey from Cadiz will take about 1h and will cost €5-10. From Tarifa the journey takes about 45min and will cost about €5.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Vejer de la Frontera?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Vejer de la Frontera:
Where to sleep in Vejer de la Frontera?
Hotel La Casa del Califa
Hotel La Casa del Califa is a charming boutique hotel located in the beautiful hilltop town of Vejer de la Frontera. It features unique and stylish rooms with traditional Andalusian design elements, a beautiful rooftop terrace, and an excellent on-site restaurant serving delicious Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Bekkeh Posada Boutique
Bekkeh Posada Boutique is a charming hotel in the heart of the historic town of Vejer de la Frontera. The hotel is beautifully decorated with a traditional Andalusian style, and features a lovely rooftop terrace with stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning, and the hotel is ideally situated for exploring the many attractions of Vejer.
Apartamentos y Estudios Casa de la Hoya
Apartamentos y Estudios Casa de la Hoya is a charming property situated in the historic center of Vejer de la Frontera. The apartments and studios feature traditional Andalusian decor, and some of them have a private terrace with stunning views of the town and the countryside. The property is within walking distance to many restaurants, bars, and shops.
V… Boutique Hotel
V... Boutique Hotel is a charming and elegant property located in the heart of Vejer de la Frontera. The hotel features stylishly decorated rooms, a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the town, and a lovely outdoor pool perfect for relaxing in the sun. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning and explore the beautiful historic town.
Casa Ganesh
Casa Ganesh is a charming guesthouse located in the heart of Vejer de la Frontera. It features comfortable rooms with a rustic and bohemian style, a beautiful rooftop terrace with stunning views of the town and a peaceful garden where guests can relax and unwind.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
