Perched atop a hill, Vejer de la Frontera is unique among the historic pueblos blancos of Andalucía in its proximity to unspoilt coastline. The Costa de la Luz is a treasure. From the miles of dune-backed sands of local El Palmar, to cliff-top walks through the umbrella pines above Caños de Meca; from the kite-surfing capital of Tarifa, to horse-riding through the surf below the Cape of Trafalgar, the coast's attractions are as diverse as they are compelling.

Vejer was first settled in the pre-Christian era, but the old town took its current form during centuries of Islamic occupation up to 1250 AD and in the period after the Christian reconquest, when the main fortifications were built. More than the well-preserved monuments of that period, it is the fabric of the town itself - a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets between white-washed houses - that is most emblematic of its Moorish past.

Surrounded by natural parks and overlooking the hills of the Alcornocales, Vejer makes an ideal base to explore the beautiful and historic province of Cádiz and its rich culture, with all that Andalucía brings to mind. Nearby are the site of the battle of Trafalgar, the important Roman ruins of Bolonia, and Tarifa, where the Moors first entered Spain. The historic cities of Cádiz, Jerez and Sevilla are all just a day trip away. Or come right up to date with international DJs playing through the summer nights at the beach chiringuitos. To the south, the allure of Morocco awaits across the straits of Gibraltar.