Arcos de la Frontera travel information and video

Arcos de la Frontera

The picturesque town of Arcos de la Frontera is one of the Pueblos Blancos, or White Villages, which are dotted through the province of Cadiz, in Andalusia.

The town boasts an elevated position, perched on top of a rocky limestone ridge, called Peña Vieja, which soars up from the fertile valley and river Guadalete below.

The town was declared a national historic-artistic monument for its outstanding architectural presence and location.

Arcos de la Frontera is a favourite destination for those wanting to seek a peaceful, relaxed environment away from the coast, yet within easy access to the coast’s facilities, towns and beaches. It has also proved popular with European tourists looking for an idyllic and traditional wedding location.

History
Local history records show evidence of stone-age dwellers, and there are also ruins from the Roman
occupation in Arcos de la Frontera.

In the 10th century Arcos de la Frontera became a Moorish town and was retaken around 1250
by the Christians.

About town
The old town centre of Arcos de la Frontera with its narrow, whitewashed streets, sits at the highest point, topped only by the 15th century Castillo de Arcos (castle). The streets tumble down the ridgepoint and the old labyrinth of the old town is
traffic free.

The town has a very peaceful and relaxed ambience, with its small plazas, and ancient buildings. There is a good selection of shops and some charming artisan stores and a crafts gallery, a farmers market, and scattered restaurants and tapas bars.

Places to visit
There are plenty of cultural attractions in Arcos de la Frontera with its 15th century castle, noble
palatial homes, churches and convents. The local ‘ayuntamiento’ council building is a beautiful example of 17th century architecture.

From Arcos de la Frontera you can visit the other Pueblos Blancos in the region, plus the beautiful natural park of Grazalema and the historical town of Ronda is not too far away.

Eating out
Arcos de la Frontera has an excellent selection of restaurants, mesones (rustic restaurants) and tapas bars. Try the cave-like Meson El Patio, the  upmarket El Convento, or the Parador (hotel) where you can enjoy a relaxing drink and magnificent views.

Climate
Arcos de la Fronera enjoys a mild climate; the hottest period of the year is during the summer months of July and August, when the
temperature rises to around 40 degrees, and the winter months drop to around 15 degrees. Arcos de la Frontera enjoys around 300 days and 3200 hours of sunshine per year.