Considered by many historians to be the oldest town in Europe, sits proudly at over 300m above sea level and enjoys panoramic views over rolling hills and the Atlantic Ocean to the Rif Mountains in Morocco. From the castle ruins and the Iglesia Mayor one can enjoy 360 degree vistas taking in La Sierra de Grazalama, Los Alcornocales Natural Park, Cadiz, Jerez, Arcos and Vejer de la Frontera – most of which are an easy half-hour’s drive away as are the stunning beaches of the nearby Costa de la Luz.
Medina Sidonia enjoys a privileged position in the centre of the Cádiz province sitting 300m above sea level with far reaching vistas to Arcos de la Frontera, the Natural Parks of Grazalema and Los Alcornocales and the Bay of Cádiz. Soak up these views from the castle ruins and then revive your energies on the terraces of La Vista de Medina – with undeniably the best panoramas over this charmingly unspoiled Spanish town, past undulating hills fringed by the Atlantic.
A 20 minutes drive from Medina is Vejer de la Frontera a postcard pretty, white-washed, hill-top town, and sub-tropical Santa Lucia, where avocado, banana trees along with a multitude of flora and fauna flourish in an enviable climate - nourished from the fresh spring water cascading through the village. Nibble some tapas on the terraces of Santa Lucía’s local bar El Toro or for those with a bigger appetite devour the succulent grilled meats in La Castilleria and combine with a stroll up to the Roman aqueduct. Or, sample the organic produce and local specialities of Isabel's shop - Santa Lucia weaves a magic spell on visitors and most return again and again.
Less than half an hour on excellent and quiet roads are the golden-sand beaches of El Palmar, Mangueta, Zahora, Caños de Meca and the protected coves of Roche, each has a different attraction and vibe - all are worth visiting. A few minutes further are the endless beaches of Zahara de los Atunes, Cádiz, and the golden sands of the numerous beaches dotted around El Puerto de Santa María.
For a special day out visit the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, followed by a fresh fish lunch in a wooden beach bar with views across the straits to Morocco and then a siesta or swim in the crystal clear waters of Bolonia - arguably the best beach on the Costa de la Luz; possibly one of the best in Spain!
Culture vultures will also enjoy a visit to Cádiz and/or Jerez or even Tangier, adding an exotic taste of Africa to your European holiday!
Golfers will be spoiled for choice as centrally located Medina is just 30mins from the manicured course of Montenmedio along with the courses of Chiclana, Jerez and Arcos de la Frontera - and less than an hour from the world famous courses of Sotogrande.
Dining options include those previously mentioned in Santa Lucia, but also include probably the best restaurant in the area Restaurante Patria in Patria, the Italian Il Forno in La Muela. In Vejer the most famous is the atmospheric El Jardin de Califa or the excellent Restaurante Trafalgar on the pretty Plaza de España. And there are numerous restaurants in Medina itself, for views and location you cannot beat La Vista de Medina, but also worth trying are the excellent La Duquesa and El Duque restaurants; or the numerous tapas bars dotted around the La Alameda and pedestrianised Calle San Juan.
La Vista de Medina, Casa de Medina and Casa del Sol are just 3 of the properties we feature in Medina Sidonia.
