Arcos de la Frontera is a town in the province of Cadiz that belongs to the well-known route of the white villages. It is par excellence one of the most beautiful of Andalusia and Spain and is located near a privileged enclave such as the Sierra de Grazalema.
This city is one of the most visited of the Spanish territory since it has a cultural, monumental, and gastronomic wealth that makes the list of things to do and see in Arcos de la Frontera infinite and that place it, therefore, within the most popular cities for national tourism.
The old town of Arcos, located in the upper part of the city, is a real jewel and the epicenter of the wealth of this city. To reach it, you start with a walk where you can discover the history of this city, in addition to knowing the gastronomy of the area, since most of the restaurants are located in this part of the city and it is a privilege to know the most traditional and characteristic flavors of this white village.
HOW TO GET TO ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA
The location of Arcos de la Frontera places it between the Serranía de Cádiz and the countryside of Jerez. It is also located 67 km from Cadiz Capital and 116 km from Seville and one hour from the airport. Jerez de la Frontera is 30 kilometers away and from all of them, the road communications are good, and easy to go by car or bus.
In addition, being within the route of the white villages, the villages of this route are connected by roads in the region, further facilitating access to Arcos.
A LITTLE OF THE HISTORY OF ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA
The most significant of Arcos de la Frontera is undoubtedly the cultural and historical heritage of the city.
The history of Arcos de la Frontera dates back to Muslim and Berber times and the Taifa kingdom, as well as the layout of its narrow streets that remain today, are identifying elements of a town that was a fortification and whose construction on a hill of the Guadalete River placed it in a privileged place that was walled and that today retains the architecture that makes its rich heritage attracts thousands of visitors.
The old town is located in the upper part of the city and this environment is undoubtedly the route of tourists who stroll through its cobbled streets and are surrounded by churches, convents, whitewashed facades, a Mudejar castle, local stores, and a restoration that make us relive the history of Arcos de la Frontera that is still present in the city and that is an attraction for tourism.
The highest part of the city is the one that encompasses the most important monuments of the history of Arcos de la Frontera.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA
Arcos concentrates a wealth of monuments and history that begins in the old town, in a walking tour through a narrow street, calle Corredera on which to walk and which we will begin to observe among others, the Plaza del Cabildo which one of the best known par excellence of this city and which houses more monumental wealth, such as a cloistered convent, the Mercedarias Descalzas, the Castle of Arcos, whose current architecture is of the reforms of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and the Town Hall itself.
This square is a starting point of the heritage of Arcos and on which there is also a viewpoint, the Parador de Arcos,, from which you can see an incredible panoramic view.
However, this square hosts only a part of the monuments that we will find in the historic center, such as the Church of San Juan de Dios, the Hospital, the Tower of the Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion, the Convent of San Agustin, the Palace of the Count of Aguila, the Church of San Pedro are other protagonists of the richness of this city.
Throughout the tour, we will walk through different alleys that are part of the charm of Arcos, such as the Callejón de las Monjas and the Cuesta de Belén.
Other things to see in this city are the Mayorazgo Palace and the Puerta Matrera, which is the only preserved Almohad walled enclosure and are a must-see.
In addition, this city, being located on a rock, many viewpoints can be found scattered throughout Arcos, and that gives us a more spectacular view of the enclave in which this white village is located and that would be on the list of things to see in Arcos de la Frontera.
More things to do in the historic center of this town is to visit the stores. A tour of local stores where ceramics and crafts are present in the life of Arcos. A multitude of stores bet on art and preserve the history of this city which is reflected in the local products they offer and that are an attraction for tourism.
WHERE TO EAT IN ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA
The gastronomy of Arcos de la Frontera is also part of the experience of this city of the route of the white villages and it preserves traditional dishes that take the visitor to know the typical flavors of the Serranía de Cádiz.
The most typical dish of Arcos and that we savor in any of its restaurants is the “abajao”. It is the dish par excellence, and it is a dish made with bread and wild asparagus that you can try for example in the Mesón Patio Andaluz, an idyllic setting, typical of the Andalusian land and where the atmosphere will envelop you as well as their dishes
Taberna Jóvenes Flamenca is one of the most requested options where the decoration of red and white pots and the flamenco atmosphere as well as its different options of food and tapas will make you have a good time in one of the busiest areas.
If tasting typical things, but also flavors that date back to the Muslim era of the city is one of the plans that you most want, Aljibe Restaurant is one of the most legendary in the city. Moroccan and Mediterranean food merge in this place and the dining experience is exquisite, It is also located in the middle of the Cuesta de Belen.
Gastrobar el Retablo is another of the most recommended options in Arcos since the presentation and flavors of the dishes are a luxury of Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine with a more special and elaborate touch for lovers of gastronomy where you can taste for example an impressive cheek and tuna prepared with quality products and at an incredible price.
Bar la Cárcel is one of the best-known in downtown and where to enjoy the traditional flavors of this city with a more avant-garde twist and enjoy a variety of quality products such as meat, the best fish, and seafood, and from the vegetable garden.
THE BEACH OF ARCOS
It is curious that a town like Arcos, located on a rock and near the Sierra, has a beach to visit. However, although it is not the main reason of affluence for tourism, its beach is artificial, concretely of fluvial type that comes from the reservoir of the Guadalete River and that receives the name of Playa de Santiscal.
This beach has become an attraction, especially in summer, for visitors and neighbors of Arcos who come down to disconnect and take a dip to alleviate the high temperatures, as well as adventure sports such as canoeing.
The offer of restaurants that have been created in the surroundings also turns the Playa de Santiscal into a place of interest in Arcos de la Frontera.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA
The Parque de los Alcornocales is one of the natural enclaves that extends through several municipalities, including Arcos de la Frontera. It is a protected natural park occupied by large masses of forest, among which species such as the cork oak stand out, hence its name, whose main product is cork.
It also houses a diversity of fauna and flora of Mediterranean type.
The Guadalcacín Reservoir is surrounded by a privileged natural environment, as is the ebb of Arcos Reservoir, a protected natural area and has been a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) since 2002.
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WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Fuerte Grazalema
Fuerte Hoteles is always the best option to stay in Andalusia, visit its cities and rest. The chain has hotels where you can enjoy the best of each area of the region, Fuerte Grazalema being a good example, nestled in the mountains and featuring a spectacular pool that makes you forget everything and enjoy your holidays in the most natural way. On the other hand, if you prefer relaxing on the beach, Fuerte Conil Resort is located opposite one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, La Fontanilla beach.