The white-washed villages of Cadiz are taking on a new glow this Christmas season.
Festive lighting is draping their streets, squares and neighbourhoods to give a multi-colour show come nightfall.
Nowhere is this better seen this year than in Vejer de la Frontera, a popular town among British expats and tourists.
Perched on a hilltop and crowned with centuries of history, Vejer was the first town in Cadiz province to join the Association of Spain’s Most Beautiful Villages and remains one of the most visited.
While its popular Belen Viviente (living nativity) has already taken place, the Christmas programme is far from over.
Throughout the festive period, Vejer will host concerts, Christmas markets, themed events and a visit from Father Christmas, with celebrations running through to January 5, when the town marks the occasion with its traditional Three Kings parade.
Walking through Vejer feels like stepping back in time. Its Arab heritage is etched into the town’s architecture and layout, particularly in the old Jewish quarter, with narrow, winding streets and intimate courtyards.
The town has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site and has received Spain’s National Award for Beautification.
At Christmas, the experience is especially striking. A stroll through the walled old town, past the four medieval gates – Arco de la Segur, Puerta de la Villa, Sancho IV and Puerta Cerrada – and on to the castle, Plaza de España and candlelit alleyways is made even more atmospheric by the soft glow of festive lights against white façades.
For visitors looking to combine Christmas spirit with history, architecture and a slower pace of life, Vejer de la Frontera offers one of the most atmospheric winter escapes in southern Spain.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
