Vejer de la Frontera, UFOs and a lot more

A historical journey along the walls and its surroundings.

Located near the banks of the Barbate River, Vejer de la Frontera is a small town with a lot of history. It was inhabited by Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. Later the Visigoths lost it to the Moors and it was finally conquered by the Catholic Monarchs.

Walk through the beautiful whitewashed streets and along its walls, which are still in good condition. It is easy to imagine how its people lived long ago. There are four entrances to the old walled area: the Arco de la Segur, the Arco de Sancho IV, the Arco de la Villa and the Arco de Puerta Cerrada.

Then visit the Arco de las Monjas, in the Convent of Las Concepcionistas. The building dates back to 1522 and shows a beautiful picture of the white houses through the arches.

Fact: In the 21st century, there is an ancestral unique law in Spain: Las Hazas de la Suerte. Since the 13th century, and every leap year, land is raffled amongst the people of Veja. In ancient times, this was done to stimulate the repopulation of the land, and the tradition remains today, which has also been declared as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Have you discovered the emblem of Vejer de la Frontera? The statue of La Cobijada commemorates ancient Muslim female clothing. It was a black cloth that covered the whole body except for one eye. It is so popular that you can find the symbol hidden in the courtyards, streets and shops in the town. Take your camera out again: This is a perfect viewpoint take a spectacular panoramic photo of Vejer.

Admire the local art. Discover its crafts and patios.

Vejer has a very unique artisanal tradition. We're not talking about typical tourist souvenirs. Vejer crafts create all types of decorative objects: Wood carvings, ceramics, wicker basketwork, jewellery and reproductions of La Cobijada. Visit La Isla or La Soleá, for example, to buy something to take home with you.

The local residents are also gardening artists. Every year, the Courtyard Week is held, including a competition where villagers compete to have the most colourful courtyard in the village. Take a stroll through the streets and find these magical spots.

The beauty of Vejer de la Frontera. Viewpoints and courtyards that will leave you breathless.

Being high above sea-level, Vejer has stunning views of the area. There are several viewpoints that are worth seeing. One of them is in calle Don Quijote. It gives an inverse view to the viewpoint of La Cobijada and is an ideal place to take pictures of the sunset, with the bell tower of the Divino Salvador standing out. Keep an eye out once night arrives, as Vejer has had many UFO sightings. Another place to enjoy taking photos offers views of the marshes of the Barbate River and Zahara de los Atunes. When the weather permits, the African coast can be seen in the distance.

Savour its past in the Plaza España de Vejer de la Frontera. 

The Plaza España de Vejer was built in the 16th century, when the walls became too small for the village. The plaza is an emblem due to its location, in the centre, as because it is one of the most frequented by tourists. It is a gastronomic must. Here, amongst others, is Jardín del Califa, an excellent restaurant specialising in Moroccan food. It has a large courtyard, full of vegetation that will transport you to the Muslim roots of the village.