Jimena de la Frontera is a historic village located about 35 kilometers inland from San Roque on the road and railway to Ronda. Surrounded by the Los Alcornocales Natural Park and at around 200 meters above sea level, Jimena is a surprising contrast to the coastal affluence of the nearby golf and polo belt in the exclusive area of Sotogrande below. The entrance to the town is an impressive three-arched gateway and having been officially declared of Historical and Artistic Importance in 1983, the typical Andalucian architecture is now being carefully preserved. Many British people have chosen to settle there.

This gem of a village, has a fairly checkered historical past, having been inhabited at various times by the Iberians, Phoenicians and Carthaginians as well as by the Romans, who made good use of the rich metal deposits found there. Around the year 750, it was of great commercial importance to the Moors, who also used it as a strategic military point. Over the centuries Jimena was conquered and re-conquered on many occasions and twice fell into the hands of the Christians, but by in 1879, during the reign of Alfonso XII, Jimena was so highly considered that it was given the title of Cuidad (Town). With a present population of just over 4,000 inhabitants (some 1,000 of whom are foreign residents - many British), its narrow cobbled streets and white washed Andalusian houses, it certainly retains its village ambience and is a delight to visit.
The countryside around Jimena is as beautiful as it is varied. There are several 'cotos de caza' (game preserves) as well as rich forestland and mountains all around. Then there are the fertile valleys of the villages of San Pablo de Buceite and San Martín del Tesorillo, where orange groves and other agricultural activities, irrigated by the River Guadiaro, are important local industries in the area. From this description, you can begin to imagine how different it is from the manicured golf courses and grand villa gardens, less than 40 kilometers south on the coast. This village and its surrounding countryside is a joy for nature lovers and those looking for calm and relaxation.