Visit Arcos de la Frontera
Arcos de la Frontera is in the province of Cadiz in the Andalucia region of Spain. Arcos de la Frontera is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. It is just 29 km from Jerez de la Frontera.
Explore Arcos de la Frontera
Arcos de la Frontera is one of Spain's famous white villages (pueblos blancos). It sits dramatically on top of a cliff above the river Guadalete. According to legend Arcos was founded by Noah. It became a Moorish stronghold until 1264. Today it is a beautiful village full of whitewashed houses, sandstone churches a ruined castle and a parador. Plus, all around are fabulous views of the valley below.
At the heart of the old town is the cobbled Plaza del Cabildo at the top of the village. On one side of the square is the Parador de Arcos de la Frontera which sits on the edge of the cliff. Its terrace is one of the best places in Arcos to sit and have a drink and enjoy the view. On the other sides are the walls of Arcos' castle and the Gothic Mudejar church - the Santa Maria de la Asuncion, and an open side looking over the views. The tourist office is also on the Plaza del Cabildo.
The Castillo de los Arcos, Arcos' castle, started life as a Moorish castle in the 11th century and was then captured by the Christians in the 13th century when much of the castle was rebuilt. It became an important stronghold on the border between the Muslim and Christian territories. The castle is now privately owned by the Duke of Arcos and cannot be visited.
The Santa Maria church has an impressive 18th century belfry and an ornate Plateresque doorway. Nearby, overlooking the steep drop, is the 16th century church of San Pedro with a fine, gilded altarpiece.
Wander along the Calle Cuna and the Calle Maldonaldo both of which have a number of 18th century palaces.The Palacio del Mayorazgo on Calle Maldonaldo has a lovely ornate Renaissance facade and can be visited on week days.
Another fine palace is the Palacio del Conde de Aguila which has a mixed mudejar/gothic style of architecture.
Arcos has two convents. One is the 16th century Convento de la Encarnación with a fine Plateresque doorway and the Convento de la Caridad dates back to the 18th century and boasts a rich interior.
Also take a look at the Mudejar ceiling in the town hall on the Plaza del Cabildo.
Where to visit nearby?
Be sure to visit the sherry town of Jerez de la Frontera as well as some of the other charming white villages such as Algodonales and Algar.
Nearby Seville is one of our favourite cities in Spain and we visit as often as we can. It is particularly great as a winter citybreak as the weather is often sunny and warm even in winter. Ronda is another of the lovely 'white villages'. If you can stay in the lovely parador which is located right on the edge of the deep gorge that divides the village.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Cadiz guide and the Andalucia guide.
Map of Arcos de la Frontera and places to visit
Arcos de la Frontera places to visit
Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez is the capital of sherry production and home to the Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre or the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art.
Jerez de la Frontera guide
Cadiz
Cadiz is Europe's oldest city. It has a lovely sea front, old town and gardens and a splendid cathedral.
Cadiz guide
Ronda
Ronda and the "White Towns". Ronda is a spectacular town which sits on top of a rocky outcrop and straddles a huge gorge.
Ronda guide
Casares
Casares, in the Malaga province, is one of the most beautiful villages of Spain.
Casares guide
Seville - Plaza de Espana
Built for the 1928 World Fair this fabulous building is a favourite with locals and tourists alike.
Seville - Plaza de Espana guide
Seville
Seville is one of Spain's most beautiful and vibrant cities and birthplace of the Flamenco.
Seville guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Andalucia