I'm helping a friend out with his trip to Spain next month. He and his family are arriving in Malaga and the next day need to be in Jerez for the horse show.

How long is the drive and what is the best route to take? He had originally planned on staying in Malaga his first night (after the flight from the US) and leaving very early the next morning so he would be in Jerez by noon. However, depending on the length of the drive, now they are considering either driving part of the way or all of the way to Jerez the day they arrive in Spain.

I'm not familiar with this route but told him there were several Fodors experts who could probably help out!

Thank you in advance for your responses.

It's a three hour drive, 232 kms, depending on the traffic. Your friend shouldn't have any problem as long as the traffic cooperates and he has a decent map of Jerez. It may take him at least a half hour to 40 minutes to find his way around once he arrives.

Thanks Robert.

Do you know the route - what towns he would be driving through. He is considering stopping along the way for the evening and contuing on in the morning. However, I didn't know what cities would be along the route that may be a good stop for the evening.

There isn't much in between, but he can stop in Ronda or Arcos. There are several good choices in Ronda. In Arcos there is the Parador de Arcos, Hotel Los Olivos and the Hotel Peña de Arcos, all three-star with A/C.

Have him check the route at Mappy.com.

Thanks again, Robert.

I checked Mappy.com and the route suggested didn't go through the mountains of Ronda/Arcos instead heading south and then over. They are going to visit Ronda and Arcos later in their trip after they visit Jerez and Sevilla.

Since it's an express route I think I'd suggest to them driving the 3 hours once they arrive. At least they can rest up and sleep in without having to worry about driving the next a.m. And Jerez is a great little town!

If they are flying in from the States, I'd suggest the take the route through Ronda and Arcos, it's the road we usually take because of the scenery. There is only about a difference of 30 minutes driving time, besides, jet lag usually catches up with you after about two hours on the road, so have them stop in Arcos and enjoy this little village with such a rich history. They can take a walk through the village after a nap and before dinner.

They can always head back later to see what they missed.

I'm getting a kick out of reading this thread. I lived in Jerez 35 years ago (I was a chica) and I remember the road to Arcos. It was awful. Narrow, full of potholes. Only road I've ever been on that was worse was the one to Sanlucar de Barrameda. That road would take your transmission out! You literally felt like you'd been in a blender by the time you arrived.

I remember coming up over the hill and down into Jerez. On top of the hill was a huge billboard in the shape of a bull with Tio Pepe on the other side (I think, if not that then another sherry) Is it still there?

Sounds like the roads have improved a bit lol.

You'll love the feria de caballos in Jerez. My Mom used to take me every year. Enjoy eating some spiced sugared almonds for me, OK? I hope you like the flamenco, it's so fun to watch.

mowmow,
Yes, a lot has changed in 35 years. The road is in excellent condition, as are most roadways in Spain. The bull you remember seeing is now considered a part of Spanish history. They were almost lost, scheduled to be torn down, but it seems that enough people protested that they are now a permanent fixture along some highways.

It's time you returned to see for yourself. You'll find that some of the changes are good, while others are tolerable.

Thanks, again.
The Arcos idea may actually work well for them. I had suggested they spend a couple of nights in the white villages when they are going from Sevilla to Granada and base themselves in Arcos or Ronda. This is the perfect solution. They could visit Arcos on the way to Jerez and then bast themseleves for 2 nights in Ronda as they return towards Granada the following week.

Yes, I know Richard, I do need to get back to Spain one of these days. Too bad about the bulls, they were so unique. Arcos sounds really different. Was a dinky town and housing area for the base when I was there.

Alas, there are so many other things I'd like to see, and since I lived there for 2 years, I did see most of Spain. My Mom was the school nurse for the base school in Rota, and we traveled every summer, every school holiday, every weekend...I don't remember where everything was, but I do recall most of our travels, and we have pictures that I enjoy reviewing.
We lived off base and I learned to speak Spanish by making friends my age and running around town with them all evening eating pipas out of a grey stiff paper cone. I have wonderful memories of growing up in Spain.

I remember being ALONE in the garden in the Alhambra--the one with the long pool with the fountains on each side in a long line. I walked around pretending I was a princess--well I was 10 and I was a princess for a day just being able to be there! Nerja was one of my favorite places 35 years ago--had a James Bond cool elevator down the cliff to the beach. My favorite dinner was entremeses--all of them just for me!lol

Naah, I'm not too eager to go back. I have such fond memories I'd probably be disappointed with the way some things have changed. I'm off to see new places these days. Turkey this year

I also remI also remember the Alhambra in the early 70's when there was no one around. We even spent the night once when the guard locked us in, although we did manage to go out for dinner and slipped back in to spend the night in the palace. It was a different world then.

But Spain is always worth another look.