Guide to Visiting Arcos de la Frontera, the Gorgeous White Town
A few years ago, we decided to spend a month in Cádiz, working online and enjoying the sunny weather. The city was beautiful, uncrowded, and the weather was fantastic.
We were looking for a nice place for a day trip, and Arcos de la Frontera immediately popped up. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful towns in all of Spain.
We spent a full day there with carefully tailored activities and had the chance to enjoy its impressive sites and exceptional views. The only thing we regretted was not spending the night. Don’t make the same mistake!
How to Get to Arcos de la Frontera
Buses from Cadiz and Jerez
If you want to visit Arcos via public transport, your best option is a bus from Jerez de la Frontera. Buses operate every day, and the journey takes around 45 minutes. See the schedule here.
Buses leave from Jerez’s Train Station and make several stops before reaching Arcos’ Bus Station. You can buy your ticket from the driver. To get to Jerez, you can take one of the numerous daily trains from Seville or Cádiz.
There are also several direct buses from Cádiz to Arcos. Buses leave from Plaza de Sevilla, in front of Cádiz’s Train Station, and arrive at Arcos Bus Station in approximately 1 hour.
Driving
If you prefer driving, you need to get on the A4 Autopista connecting Seville and Cádiz. Drive until you reach the A382 road, also known as AutovÃa de Jerez a Arcos.
From there, it’s a 15-minute drive along the fields of Andalusia. You need to take exit 24, and in 5 minutes you will reach Arcos de la Frontera.
The best option to park your car is the underground garage El Paseo, just off Plaza España. It’s open 24 hours a day and only a step away from the Old Town. If you’re looking for free parking, there’s a large lot in front of the Municipality of Arcos de la Frontera.
You can also visit Arcos via an organized tour from Cadiz, Jerez or El Puerto.
What to Do in Arcos de la Frontera
Stroll through the Streets of Arcos
The Old Town of Arcos de la Frontera is a maze of narrow streets and hidden alleys. Due to its whitewashed houses, Arcos is known as one of the White Towns of Andalusia.
The Old Town starts at the Arco de la Cuesta de Belén at the end of Corredera Street. No matter which street you take, you’ll encounter beautiful historic sites on all sides.
Just like in most of Andalusia, it can get extremely hot for several months of the year, so take your time, drink plenty of water, and enjoy the scenery.
Visit the BasÃlica de Santa MarÃa de la Asunción
Walk up the hill from Arco de la Cuesta de Belén, and the first important building you’ll see is the BasÃlica de Santa MarÃa de la Asunción.
Originally built as a Mudéjar mosque, it was converted into a church in the middle of the 16th century. It is a Renaissance and Baroque church with a large neoclassical belltower facing the town’s main square.
Its most distinguished part is the main portal on the west, with intricate late Gothic details. If you have time, pay a visit to the next-door Convento de la Encarnación.
Explore the Castillo Ducal
Castillo Ducal is another extraordinary building standing on Arcos’ main square, Plaza de Cabildo. It is a former Alcázar (fortified royal castle) from the 11th century.
The current building mostly dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. What remains of the original structure is a large arch on the western entrance and a small section of the southwestern wall.
The castle has a square floor plan with four battlemented towers at its corners. Don’t miss the Tower of Secreto, the eastern wall, the southern towers, and the large cistern in the arms square.
Buy Sweets at the Comunidad de Mercedarias Descalzas
Once done with the castle, cross the square until you reach the narrow Escribanos Street. After a few steps, you’ll spot another beautiful church on your right.
The building belongs to the Comunidad de Mercedarias Descalzas (Community of Discalced Mercedarian Nuns) and is the last remaining cloistered convent in Arcos.
Spend a moment admiring its charming interior before you get to a covered window where they sell snacks. You can buy anything from muffins and almond paste to walnut pastry, and they are all delicious.
Visit the Mayorazgo Palace
Continue your walk along Boticas Street until you see an arch above you. On your right, you’ll find the pretty Mayorazgo Palace, the best example of 17th-century noble architecture in town.
The richly decorated façade contains Tuscan columns on both sides of the doorway, a triangular pediment, and semicircular arches on a balcony.
Inside the palace, you can visit several patios and salons with wooden ceilings. It currently hosts the Municipal Art Gallery, organizing temporary and permanent exhibitions.
Visit the San Pedro Church
If you are still not tired of visiting churches, we recommend another one. The San Pedro Church is on a small square right across from the Mayorazgo Palace.
Built atop an Almohad fortress in the 16th century, it contains one of the original towers. Again, it’s a Renaissance and Baroque church with a lavish exterior and interior.
The highlight of the building is its original altarpiece, the oldest in the province. It’s a superb example of Spanish art with Flemish influences from the first half of the 16th century.
Enjoy the Views
The first thing you’ll notice upon arriving at Arcos de la Frontera is its exquisite location atop a hill. As you can imagine, there are wonderful views everywhere.
The must-visit place for any walk around the city is the abovementioned Plaza de Cabildo. Its southern side overlooks the surrounding hills. It is the famous Mirador Plaza del Cabildo, also known as the Balcony of Arcos.
Other viewpoints worth checking out are the Mirador de Abades, behind the San Pedro Church, and Mirador de San AgustÃn and Mirador Peña Vieja a bit further away.
Hike around the City
If you are short on time, you can just wander about the cobbled streets and explore its main sights. However, if you can, get out of town for an even more immersive experience.
The shortest and probably the most scenic route is called Ruta Fluvial (River Route). You need to exit the Old Town at Puerta de Matrera, and turn right at the nearest roundabout. When you reach another roundabout, turn right again.
After a few minutes, you’ll see a bridge. Don’t cross it, but take the small road on your right towards the fields. You’ll walk under the Old Town, and gorgeous views will follow you around. Other two routes worth exploring are Sendero Las Huertas de Arcos and Sendero Tajo de Arcos.
Have Tapas in a Traditional Tavern
Everyone loves tapas. The famous Spanish appetizers have conquered the world decades ago. And they are nowhere more abundant and delicious than in Andalusia.
There are plenty of nice restaurants and taverns in town, but none of them is as special as Taberna Jóvenes Flamencos. Located right on the main access to the Old Town, this is a place to see and be seen.
Their menu features an extensive list of tapas including vegetarian and vegan options, and a great selection of wines. If you’re lucky, there will be live flamenco music. Take note that the tavern closes on Wednesdays.
Spend a Night in a Historic Building
You have to spend a night or two in Arcos de la Frontera to truly enjoy this magical town. Most tourists leave in the afternoon, and the town becomes predominantly local.
Our favorite hotel in Arcos is the iconic Parador de Arcos de la Frontera. This luxury hotel is housed inside the former Casa del Corregidor (magistrate’s residence) right on the main square. It has 18 beautifully appointed rooms, some of them with balconies offering panoramic views.
Another hotel we love is the Hotel El Convento. Formerly part of the Convento de las Monjas Mercedarias, it has been fully refurbished and now offers 13 rooms with stunning views. They all come with a balcony or a terrace. Make sure to ask for the one with the best views.
