Jet2 has confirmed it’s expanding its services to a lesser-known Spanish city for summer 2026, and this hidden Andalusian gem is well worth a visit.
A twice-weekly service will run from London Stansted to Jerez from May 1 to October 30, giving holidaymakers the chance to soak up some Spanish sunshine. The route joins other Jet2 seasonal flights to Jerez from Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds Bradford, with most flights from regional airports taking under three hours. Flights start at just £76 one way, which includes 10kg of hand luggage and a small under-seat bag, and you can pay extra if you want to take checked baggage.
Jerez is in the Costa de la Luz region, an area of Andalusia known for its stunning golden beaches set along the Atlantic Ocean. Its position on the south-western coast means it gets nearly year-round sunshine, with hot dry summers and long days. As you come into land, you’ll notice the lush green countryside and hills that add to the Mediterranean vibes.
The city itself has a classic Moorish style, and is full of historic sites such as Alcázar de Jerez de la Frontera, a fortress with Arab baths and a tower that overlooks the city. One of the most imposing buildings is the ornate Catedral de Jerez de la Frontera, which dates back to the 17th century and has a huge domed ceiling and elaborate stone carvings.
If you enjoy a glass of sherry at Christmas, then you’re likely to have tasted one from Jerez. It’s a major sherry producer, and outside the city you’ll see acres of vineyards where the grapes ripen in the Spanish sunshine. Visit a winery such as Bodega Tio Pepe where you can learn about the process of creating this fortified wine and see the huge wooden barrels where it’s fermented. Your tour ends with a sherry tasting as well as the chance to pick up some bottles to take home.
Close to Jerez is the port city of Cadiz, set on a narrow peninsula with long sandy beaches and a lively promenade area full of restaurants and bars. Cadiz is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, as it was founded in 1100 BC by the Phoenicians, and its streets are full of history. One of the best ways to see the old town is by climbing the Tavira Tower which has a camera obscura, so you can enjoy 360 degree views.
Visit Teatro Romano de Cádiz, an old Roman theatre that once held 20,000 spectators. Under the stone steps are secret tunnels, which throughout the centuries have been used for purposes from smuggling to political activities, and were only rediscovered in the past couple of decades.
The old town is also full of restaurants, and a popular area to visit at night is Barrio de La Viña. Set around a historic square, this area is packed with bars and authentic tapas restaurants serving Andalusian specialities such as pescaíto frito – fried fish, and tortillitas de camarones – shrimp fritters.The bars open until late, especially during the annual carnival in February which brings 11 days of street celebrations, with singing and dancing in the square until the small hours.
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