Great Things to Do Near Casa de las Higueras
Jerez - city of sherry, flamenco and horses
Visit the beautiful city of Jerez and marvel at its architecture, the Moorish Alcazar and its beautiful gardens, palaces, the cathedral and its ancient monastery. The bull ring and theatre are worth a look too, even if you don't go inside.
Pueblos blancos
Visit one of the picturesque hill-top towns such as Vejer de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera or Medina Sidonia. Enjoy wandering around narrow cobbled streets, geranium filled patios and exploring quirky bars and shops.
Cycling
Ask your local representative for information on bike hire. Bikes, helmets and repair kits can be provided and delivered to the villa. Enjoy cycling to the beach or through the shaded pine forests.
Fish restaurants
There are numerous tapas bars, beach chiringuitos and formal restaurants in Conil. One thing is certain, they all serve locally caught freshly fried fish. Choose from cuttlefish, octopus, squid, dogfish, whitebait, sardines, sole, red snapper and much more.
Whale-watching
Catch a boat from Tarifa port and head out towards the Straits of Gibraltar in search of dolphins, pilot whales and orcas. Trips operate from April until October. An unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Bolonia
Be amazed by the scale of these largely overlooked Roman remains. A whole Roman city at the foot of a huge sand dune. Afterwards enjoy freshly cooked fish and seafood at one of the little beach bars.
Cadiz
The old town is an absolute gem. Visit the Cathedral, climb the Torre Tavira, explore the castle and get a sense of its naval history. Wander round the flower and food markets and the boutique shops this city has on offer.
Churros con chocolate
Head into Conil for churros con chocolate, you will find these fried treats on sale at the stalls and kiosks about town. The Spanish eat them at breakfast time on a weekend or as an afternoon snack. Rico rico delicious!
Fresh food market
Conil has a wonderful and colourful indoor food market selling locally sourced fish, meat, veg, fruit and flowers. Purchase some Almadraba tuna or Retinto beef steaks, perfect on the BBQ along with roasted aubergines and peppers.
Flamenco
During the summer months, there are a couple of weekly shows held at the flamenco bars in Conil. Look out for the posters advertising these shows around town. For the genuine article, head to the Barrio de Santiago in Jerez where impromptu bouts of flamenco singing and guitar playing happen in the gypsy quarter of the city.
Body-boarding
Head to one of the beach mini-markets or bazaars and purchase a cheap and cheerful body-board to ride the waves. Hours of entertainment and cheaper than a day at the water-park!
Anyone for ice cream?
There are a number of delicious ice cream parlours located in the centre of Conil. The ideal place to finish up after an evening stroll along the promenade.
Birdwatching
You will see numerous storks and their nests perched up high in the vicinity of the property. Vultures, eagles, hawks, harriers and a whole host of other wonderful bird life can also be spotted. Organised tours with a guide are available around Tarifa.
Day out at the waterpark
Treat the children to a fun day out at Aqualand near El Puerto de Santa Maria, open mid June - early September only. This large waterpark features wave pools and slides, including a separate area for little ones. Parking, cafeteria, sunbed hire etc available.
Enjoy one of the Spring ferias
Organise your trip to coincide with one the Andalucia Spring fairs. The Feria de Abril in Vejer takes place 10 days after Easter Sunday, the famous Feria de Caballo (horse fair) in Jerez the first week in May and El Colorado near Conil at the end of May/beginning of June. This is a great way to experience the Andalucian culture, see the locals dress up in all their flamenco finery, horse parades, as well as plenty of eating, drinking, dancing and fairground rides for children.
Sail on a catamaran
Visit two very different places on the Costa de la Luz in one day, by taking a catamaran trip between the lovely city of Cádiz and the interesting sherry town of El Puerto de Santa María. The trip only takes about half an hour and is cheap. Don't forget your camera - the view of the golden-domed cathedral as you leave or enter Cádiz port is unforgettable.
Horse riding along the beach
There are various stables in Conil and Roche who can organise treks through the local pine forests and along the beach. There are also stables located down the road near Zahora who offer sunset treks along the coast close to Cape Trafalgar.
Local cookery school
Try your hand at baking fish in salt or preparing freshly made gazpacho at a local cookery school in Vejer de la Frontera. Day classes and tapas/market tours available.
Friday market
Every Friday morning, throughout the year, the Conilenses flock to their mercadillo. Here you can purchase clothes, beachwear, footwear, jewelry, leather goods, herbs, spices, sweets and much more. An atmospheric market which every visitor to Conil should experience.
Cala de Aceite
This sandy sheltered bay is just a short walk from the villa. In peak season you will find a lively and family friendly beach bar serving paella and other local delights, as well as a local company offering watersports such as kayaking. The crystal clear waters also make this a popular spot to snorkel.
