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ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA AND THE ANDALUSIAN ROUTE OF THE WHITE TOWNS
It is a 35 minute drive from Jerez to Arcos through undulating hills of corn, cereals and rows of olive trees. Built on the top of a sandstone ridge, from 50m to 195m above the banks of the Guadalete River, this whitewashed town with a population of 28,000 is in an unassailable position and commands spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. This was the first line of defence against the Moors after Alfonso The Wise expelled them from Andalucia in 1264. The imposing gothic basilica of St. Mary situated at the top of the town, to one side Plaza de Cabildo and next to the 15th century castle housed 10 bells which tolled throughout the war with the Moors.
It is the old town, within its 11th century moorish walls, with its narrow, winding and steep cobbled streets lined with Seville orange trees which give Arcos its charm. Magnificent palaces live side by side with humble residences and everywhere that splash of red geraniums hanging from ancient windows.
There is a 3 star Parador, once a historical palace, off the Plaza de Cabildo which has a terrace with the most dramatic views into the valley below and is the place for a drink and an opportunity to savour the spectacular surroundings.
Arcos is the best known of the 19 Pueblos Blancos (White Towns) which are the many whitewashed villages and towns which cling to hillsides or cap mountaintops within the Andalusian hinterland and are a delight to explore. Some are remote and reached down tiny winding roads but all are welcoming and are an unmissable part of any stay in Andalucia.
ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA
Take a guided walk along the narrow, steep streets and under ancient archways to discover the ancient quarter. Monumental treasures in this part of the town include the Los Duques Castle (15th century), the Matrera Gateway (11th-14th centuries) and the remains of the walled town, with its palaces and manor houses, the Santa María Basilica, the San Pedro Church, as well as numerous churches, chapels and convents. All these places of worship house valuable images which are paraded through the streets of the town during Easter Week.
Arcos Lake is only a few kilometres from the town where visitors can try their hand at various water sports. The tail of this reservoir has been declared a Beauty Spot.
GMT + 1 hour
Euro
Spanish
2 hours 20 minutes
Average rainfall
Departing between May 10th 2024 & Nov 7th 2024
2 Adults
Bed & Breakfast
London Gatwick Airport
7 Nights
Departing between May 10th 2024 & Nov 7th 2024
2 Adults
Bed & Breakfast
London Gatwick Airport
7 Nights
After almost four years of negotiating, the European Union and the United Kingdom agreed a post-Brexit agreement on trade and other issues on 24 Decem...
The old town of Arcos is best explored on foot. For a panoramic view head to Plaza del Cabildo, which is bordered by grand buildings such as the town hall, the Church of San Pedro and the Parador. From the square's viewpoint you will be able to see some of the rocky ridge on which Arcos de la Frontera sits, giving you a better perspective of how dramatically positioned the town is.
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