El Sur – An Andalusian Getaway in the Heart of Cádiz
- Nico
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 7
In the south of Andalusia, in the province of Cádiz, you can still find the pure, authentic white villages that let you experience the traditional lifestyle of the South. One of these villages is Medina Sidonia - a hilltop town located right in the heart of the province. From its heights, you can enjoy stunning views over rolling farmland and hills, all the way to the Bay of Cádiz. With over 2,000 years of history, Medina Sidonia was once a Roman stronghold and later an important Moorish city. Today, it’s a lively town of around 12,000 residents that has managed to preserve its timeless charm.
In the historic centre of Medina Sidonia, Spanish-German couple Cristina and Philipp began a special project that deepened both their relationship and their connection to the village. The two met in 2019 in Seville during Philipp’s study exchange semester. Afterward, they moved to Germany and lived in Berlin - a city that couldn’t be more different from Medina Sidonia.
“Medina Sidonia holds a special place in our hearts. It remains untouched by mass tourism and has kept its authentic charm.”
Cristina, whose family lives in Medina Sidonia, always maintained a strong bond with the Cádiz region and had long dreamed of buying a home in the village. In 2024, the couple discovered a hidden gem: a 150-year-old house that had once served as a wheat warehouse for a neighbouring bakery. The building was in poor condition, with a broken roof, but it had enormous potential.
They decided to restore the house, bringing out its historic character - thick natural stone walls, traditional wooden beam ceilings, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Bay of Cádiz. They planned and designed every detail themselves, during a challenging year-long renovation. Combining a modern, minimalist design with traditional Andalusian atmosphere, they used natural wood, vintage elements, and the craftsmanship of local artisans.
“It wasn’t always easy, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. The project gave us a way to reconnect with Cristina’s home - not just with the place, but with its way of life.”
In the end, they transformed the house into two warm and welcoming apartments, named Levante and Poniente—after the two dominant winds that shape life in the province of Cádiz. Levante, from the Latin levare (“to lift”), is the energetic eastern wind that brings warmth from the Mediterranean. It’s the name of the east-facing apartment and reflects that brightness and vitality. Poniente, from the verb poner (“to set”), is the gentle western wind that cools the summer heat and nourishes the land. The Romans called it Favonius—“the favorable one.” The west-facing apartment pays tribute to this breeze and the calm it brings, which can be enjoyed on the rooftop terrace.
They decided to call their project El Sur, meaning “The South,” because that’s exactly what it embodies: the original, proud, and beautifully Andalusian soul. It’s a place to slow down, soak up the sun, and enjoy life. El Sur Medina Sidonia became more than just a home for Cristina and Philipp - it’s a place they want to share with guests from all over the world.