Western Andalucía has a climate allowing excellent golf play throughout the year. You can find golf courses in different environments. Pine forests, olive-tree areas or even the sea give each golf course a different personality.

You will find a wide range of courses, designed by masters such as Jack Nyklaus, Olazabal or even Severiano Ballesteros.

There are national and international renowned golf courses and facilities such as Valderrama, which held the Ryder Cup; the Real Club Golf de Sevilla, where the World Championship and the Spanish Open were held; or Montecastillo, host of the Volvo Masters.

The increasing popularity of this sport and its magnificent facilities make this area a renowned destination for the golf tourist and will allow you to discover new courses rather than visit other common destinations such as Costa del Sol or Algarve.

Western Andalucía can be considered the birthplace of horse riding in Spain. Cities such as Jerez de la Frontera and Seville are points of reference across the country.

Its setting allows excellent development of equestrian tourism, offering a wide variety of activities such as initiation days, further training or Raids as well as accommodation in houses where you will be surrounded by horses all day long.

All the activities take place in the diverse and immediate surroundings: vineyards, drover´s roads, paths, mountains or beaches where you can enjoy a horse ride while admiring the beautiful nature of the area.

During 2002, the FEI World Equestrian Games were held in Jerez de la Frontera, which highlights the importance of the relationship between the equestrian world and the destination. Every year there are several renowned competitions held here, such as ´Circuito del Sol´, held in the facilities of Montenmedio, or the horse races held in Sanlúcar de Barrameda beaches, considered to be of cultural interest.

Also, Jerez is the host city of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.

Cádiz is well known for being a privileged area for water sports. Its warm climate, geographical environment, local seafaring traditions and, above all, its weather conditions, makes this area suitably appropriate for any water activity, either dinghy sailing or cruiser boats.

Since Cádiz is so close to the Strait of Gibraltar, winds from the East and West are present throughout the whole year, making it possible to practice water sports during any season.

In the Strait of Gibraltar we can find locations such as Tarifa, which is an international referent in both kitesurfing and windsurfing. It is the only place where you can sail between Europe and Africa.

The weather conditions have enabled the opening of a high performance sailing centre in the town of Puerto de Santa María, in the Puerto Sherry facilities, which is the winter base of various dinghy sailing Olympic teams from several Northern European countries.

This area has held several important maritime events such as the Grand Vintage Cruise Regatta in 1992, which will also be held in Cádiz in 2012; or the Dinghy Sailing World Championship in 1996. Apart from these events there are also other renowned cruise regattas such as the Semana Náutica del Puerto de Santa María (Nautical Week of El Puerto de Santa María).

The presence of the Strait of Gibraltar, the union of the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean and the estuaries of several rivers, such as the Guadalquivir make this coast a unique place for fishing.

In this area you can find rock fish and you can also practice different kinds of fishing, such as trolling or bottom fishing, which will allow you to enjoy some of the privileged spots of the coast of Cádiz.

This area is especially known because of its sea basses, snappers and other species, but you can also find rock fish (mojarras, sargos, moray eels, etc) as well as gilt-head breams, European seabass, etc.

Since Cádiz is in between a sea and an ocean, it is also possible to fish bigger species such as tuna or sailfish and even expect some species which are not as common in the area.

Western Andalucía has an internationally well-known ancient cultural heritage which surpasses its monuments.

• - History.
  

  If you decide to take the guided tours you will discover small towns and cities and will have the opportunity to observe how the different periods of the Spanish history have left an imprint in Western Andalucía.

  During your visit you will find remains of Phoenician and Roman cities, such as Gades, Baello Claudia and Italica; you will also be able to discover clear traces of the Arab civilization and of the later Spanish Reconquista; the importance of ancient trade with America, the significance of the Spanish Golden Age and the splendour of the Andalusian Baroque period. During 2012 we highlight the celebration of events commemorating the bicentennial of the Constitution of 1812 signed in the city of Cadiz.

All the different civilizations have left a cultural heritage which goes beyond the architectural and archaeological remains. The region has absorbed the best of each civilization over time and has been showcasing it ever since.

There are several local traditional customs which are very well known nationally and internationally, such as:

• - Flamenco. Western Andalucía is considered the cradle of flamenco in its three forms; music, dancing and singing. It is the birthplace of various artists who have been recognized worldwide, such as famous guitarist Paco de Lucía, flamenco dancer Sara Baras or singer Camarón de la Isla. There is a wide range of places where you can enjoy flamenco.
• - Wine has relevant significance in the region and it is especially recognised during XIX and XX centuries, exporting Sherry wine and Brandy from Jerez worldwide. There is a wide range of wineries which will guide you through wine´s history, production and manufacturing, as well as tasting.
• - Horse riding, a world to which the regional culture has always been linked to. Western Andalucía has the biggest reserve of Spanish Carthusian horses. Since they are treated with care and protected, you will be able to admire both their natural beauty and some of their exhibitions.
• - Wild bulls, a symbol of this country, can be found in Western Andalucía. There is a significant amount of wild bull, and their owners will be more than pleased to open their doors and help you discover this world; how they treat these animals, their values and traditions.
• - Theatres. Most of the cities here have theatres which offer a wide and varied program including plays, dance shows, concerts and operas; all of which take place in a very special atmosphere and offer you a unique experience.

This is a brief description of some of the cultural activities which you can do in Western Andalucía. During your trip we would like you to have the opportunity to get to know us better and to understand the way we see life.