Jimena de la Frontera & beyond

view of Jimena de la Frontera

Jimena de la Frontera

Relax, eat, drink and enjoy

Jimena de la Frontera is a village in the province of Cádiz (Andalusia) in the south of Spain (approx. population 4,500). It was built around an 8th Century Castle and it borders the natural park of the Alcornocales (a cork oak forest).  

The village's narrow cobbled streets, it's typical white Andalusian houses and it's unspoilt landscapes make it a very picturesque place to visit. You will soon notice the legacy of Romans and Arabs in emblematic buildings like the Castle and throughout the older village houses. It was officially declared a place of Historical and Artistic Importance in 1983.

Locals in the village are very friendly and enjoy interacting with passing visitors.
There are plenty of inexpensive, charming and authentic tapas bars throughout, and all walking distance from Casa Henrietta.

Without doubt, this inland mountain village has become a peace haven for those who wish to escape the mass tourism of the coast and enjoy a more traditional experience. Definitely an ideal place to breathe fresh air and enjoy one of the most charming areas of Andalusia.

Jimena de la Frontera castle

Roman-Arab Castle

Built in the 8th Century by Grenadian Moors over the ruins of the ancient city of Oba, this fortress was declared a national monument in 1931.

Undergoing continuous work by archeologists, we keep on getting surprised by what they dig up.

Overlooking Jimena and with views over to Africa, our Castle is a matter of pride and well worth a hike up to the top of the hill to see it up close.

 

The area

Asomadillas Alconorcales Natural Park

Alcornocales Natural Park

The Natural Park is a protected area comprising the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz, and is famous for it's native mediterranean forest, wildlife and prehistoric cave paintings.

It is also renown for its wild mushrooms, and Jimena hosts a yearly event around this 'harvest' in the Autumn, comprising events, workshops and cooking demonstrations.

We organize walking tours with local guides that include different types of walks and durations. We also have information about different walks around this area at your disposal.

Hozgarganta river Jimena de la Frontera

Hozgarganta River

This river borders the village of Jimena on its west side and is a short and beautiful walk away from Casa Henrietta.

Both locals and tourists will head to its beaches and swim throughout the year (although it does tend to dry up in the summer!).

There are plenty of lovely spots to sit and read, sunbathe or to have a picnic. Or just head down for a quiet walk along it and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Culture

Jimena de la Frontera has a surprising amount of cultural events of all kinds throughout the year. From classical music concerts by renown musicians, to jazz, flamenco , blues... there is a great selection of music to enjoy in different venues across the village.

A short walk from Casa Henrietta, El Corral de la Paca hosts theatre, circus events, workshops, art exhibitions and more.

The best way to keep up to date and find out what is happening is to visit our Facebook page.

horse riding at Casa Henrietta

Horse-riding

We organise horse-riding trips (day or overnight) around the Alcornocales park or further afield into the Serranía of Ronda.

Contact us to find out more or book ahead for your trip.

The coast

For a day of sunbathing by the sea, the mediterranean sea is a 30 minute drive from Jimena de la Frontera. Sotogrande coast, Torreguadiaro and further into Malaga province, you have a wide range of beaches with lovely beach bars to choose from.

Or alternatively, you can head to the Atlantic Ocean. With white sand beaches that stretch for kilometres, the coastal white-washed town of Tarifa is a 50min drive from Jimena.
Famous for kite-surfing, you can spend the day battling the wind, sunbathing, visiting its Castle, walking about soaking in the atmosphere, or stopping at its many restaurants, shops and bars.

From here, the fast ferries leave daily to Morocco which also makes a great day trip.