Cádiz might be the city after which the province is named, but the eponymous city bows down to Jerez de la Frontera when it comes to population size. Jerez is found just 30 minutes north of Cádiz and is a fantastic city to visit in its own right, let alone as a day trip from its coastal contemporary. Why visit Jerez de la Frontera? There are plenty of reasons, and by ‘plenty’ we mean ‘loads’.

It is preposterously easy to get to Jerez from Cádiz, no matter your method of transport. The two are separated by just 35km, a journey that takes half an hour by car or 33 minutes by train, with options for the latter all through the day. Jerez is actually home to the airport closest to Cádiz, a little aerodrome with seasonal connections to London, Brussels, Manchester, Berlin and more, along with plenty of flights within Spain itself. There are also bus connections, but why take the bus when you can take the train?

Jerez might just take the cake as the best-kept secret in Andalusia, although that secret is clearly out now. The city has plenty to offer the enthusiastic sightseer, starting with its quirky cathedral that spans Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles with ease. There are a plethora of stunning churches in Jerez, the Church of Santiago and Church of Saint Michael to name just two, while the city’s Charterhouse is one of Andalusia’s most beautiful buildings. It isn’t all God God God though — the Old City Hall is an architectural triumph, and the 11th century Alcázar certainly does not let the Andalusian Alcázar side down. Jerez is also an important stop on the Sherry Triangle, and a tour of the Gonzàlez Byass is an absolute must.

Jerez has a reputation for being one of the great party cities of Andalusia, although we must stress that this is in relation to its festivals and celebrations as opposed to its pubs and clubs. The city is home to the Carthusian horse and the steeds are beloved in these parts, with the annual Horse Fair a mandatory spot on the Andalusian festival calendar. The Jerez Flamenco Festival is typically vibrant, while the city’s official festival is an explosion of colour and energy unlike any other.

Cádiz might be the focus of our attention for the time being, but it can’t be long before Jerez de la Frontera gets the full In Your Pocket treatment. This is a city of history, energy, excitement and elegance, from its churches to its palaces via its festivals and the rest. Ryanair flies here, so you really have no choice.Maybe 24 hoursOr themed 24 hours as each city has its own