The Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez is a colourful event which draws massive crowds from all over to watch the world’s best riders do battle in the sunshine of Andalusia. The Jerez circuit in southern Spain was built in 1986, hosted its first Grand Prix a year later and has remained on the MotoGP calendar ever since.

As a nation, Spain has produced some great riders over the years such as Angel Nieto, Ricardo Tormo, Sito Pons, Alex Criville and Jorge Martinez “Aspar”. The likes of Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa and Maverick Viñales now continue the Spanish success story in the premier class.

Jerez de la Frontera’s municipal area is the largest in the province and lies on a central strip running from the mountains down through the countryside, practically reaching the coast. Part of the mountains belong to Los Alcornocales Natural Park.

The countryside, across which the River Guadalete flows, is rich in agriculture, from the fertile plains to the dry lands, and also features places of interest such as the Lagunas de las Canteras y el Tejón.

The town, one of Andalusia’s most typical and considered to be the home of flamenco, boasts an endless list of tourist attractions, ranging from monuments such as the Alcázar, Iglesia de Santiago and San Miguel churches, the Catedral and the Cartuja Monastery, to singular institutions like the Real Escuela de Arte Ecuestre, where the marvellous Carthusian horses, a unique Spanish-Arabic breed, can be admired, or the cellars where the famous Jerez wines are produced.

The city of Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain has become synonymous with motor cycle racing since it held the first Jerez Moto GP in 1987. Every year thousands of motor cyclists from all over Europe swarm to Jerez to attend this annual event which can accommodate upto 250,000 fans within the impressive Circuito de Jerez.

Is there more to Jerez to include a cultural visit? Absolutely! A quick nod to the historical past.. Inhabited since Palaeolithic times, the present-day town is located in a part of Andalusia where Tartessian culture reached the peak of its develoment. The Phoenicians called it Xera and the Romans, who also settled in the area, knew it as Ceret, a name modified to Xeritum by the Visigoths. However, real urban development did not begin until Moslem times, particularly during the Almoravide and Almohade periods. Mosques and palaces were built and the town centre was extended. 

While not as in your face as the much bigger Seville and Granada, Jerez de la Frontera is equally famous for its beautiful horses as it is its delicious sherry. Today Jerez de la Frontera has an aristocratic feel, thanks to its wide streets, squares, and colorful jacaranda trees that bloom in spring. Add to this mix stylishly dressed business people, contemporary dining, sherry, flamenco, and incredible weather, and you will soon realize why Jerez de la Frontera is a great place to visit. The five sherry bodegas in Jerez listed below are all outstanding. Bodegas González Byass (Tio Pepe),Bodegas Domecq Alvaro Díez Mérito,Bodegas Tradición, Lustau & Fundador.

As you wander around in the Casco Antiguo (Old Town) you will discover narrow streets that lead to squares with noble buildings that date from the Middle Ages. During Moorish rule, Calle Francos was the main thoroughfare that linked all parts of the city. Explore, indulge and enjoy this historically soaked town. Consume it’s offerings of age old food traditions and wash down with the oak barrelled sherry and variety of locally produced wines. If you did’t make it to the moto GP this year, don’t worry, just enjoy a visit anytime of the year!