Today is our ‘big drive’ day. Nothing too strenuous compared to our regular drives to/from London or the ‘rents on the South Coast, around 330km. We’re finding it hard to escape Ronda though, multiple roadworks have us meandering up and down many of the tiny streets we’ve already conquered on our walking tour, so at least it’s familiar and easy navigation, finally we’re out of town heading West.
Our first port of call, if you’ll excuse the pun, is Jerez, famously the town where sherry, brandy and port are lovingly created. We drive past the Gonzlez Byass winery, and park nearby resisting the temptation to do a tour. Have done so many estates in France, South Africa and other places (and it’s early) we decide to swerve the idea. Instead we’re in the former fortress of Alkazar first, which has more very well preserved Arabic baths, an excellent mosque, gardens and artefacts from C12, plus a newer part equally interesting.
Next is the cathedral, but we’re a bit disenfranchised by the church - either they are closed or charging entry, and given we’ll happily do several each day, we could easily rack up £50 in fees, so for different reasons a swerve is called for. Later on we relent (or should that be repent?) and visit Santiago’s church on our circuit. We pass by several imposing buildings housing museums and more wineries. The Sandeman estate looks tempting but we resist despite the heady smell of port in the air, and continue our walking tour. The whole town looks a little bit rundown and we’re not really excited other than the wonderful Alkazar.
We head on to Cadiz, the ancient port town which is one of the oldest towns in Europe dating back over 3000 years to its Phoenician beginnings. There are beautiful gardens, fortresses, beaches and numerous churches on our tour. We find the remains of a Roman theatre but it’s only one wall left standing. The experience is more about the wonderful narrow streets, the ramparts, the old buildings. Again we decline to visit the cathedral!
Although slightly cooled by the sea breaze it’s still late 30’s but as we head back we clock the highest temperature of the day, at 41.5 degrees - it’s a scorcher - thank goodness for natural air conditioning! It’s a lovely drive back to Ronda the mountains are looking incredible in the evening sunshine. The roads are virtually deserted, imagine driving in Britain fifty years ago perhaps?
On our return home a crips Chardonnay is called for so we sit on our balcony for a while before showering and changing for dinner, then walk into town to find an Italian. Blog and photos will be delayed!
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