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Latest update: 21 July 2023
Arcos de la Frontera in Andalusia is a town full of narrow alleys, white houses, small monuments, and much history. You are assured of beautiful views thanks to the fantastic location of Arcos de la Frontera on top of a huge rock. It is the favorite white village in this region of many visitors. Find out why.
Arcos de la Frontera: town on the rocks
Arcos de la Frontera is located in Andalusia, in the province of Cádiz. The rivers Guadalete and Majaceite flow through the town. And the hill on which Arcos de la Frontera rests is a massive rock with a deep abyss called La Peña. The highest point is about 185 meters above sea level.
Arcos de la Frontera is one of the white villages in Andalusia and part of the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos. The Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos is a car route along several white villages in Andalusia. Arcos de la Frontera is considered the gateway to the route of the white villages.
![Arcos de la Frontera Andalusia Pueblo Blancos](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Arcos-de-la-Frontera-Andalusie%CC%88-Pueblo-Blancos-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
![Andalusia Arcos de la Frontera](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Andalusie%CC%88-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
![Arcos de la Frontera Andalusia Pueblo Blanco](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Arcos-de-la-Frontera-Andalusie%CC%88-Pueblo-Blanco-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
How much time do you need in Arcos de la Frontera?
In principle, half a day is enough to visit the sights of Arcos de la Frontera. Unless you want to see all viewpoints in and around the village. And they are well worth it! Because from the town, you have terrific views over the river, the countryside, and the white houses. But Arcos de la Frontera is also very impressive from a distance because of its high location. There are several places where you can take a walk, for example:
- Sendero Tajo de Arcos (Google Maps location)
- Hike along the Guadalete river (Google Maps location)
- Presa de Arcos (Google Maps location)
But the real highlight is, of course, the town of Arcos de la Frontera itself. What to do there? What sights to see?
What to do in Arcos de la Frontera
Well, there are quite a few places of interest in Arcos de la Frontera, but they are all quite small and easy to visit. The town itself is the main attraction.
The center of Arcos de la Frontera roughly consists of two parts: the lower part on the slope is the newer part of Arcos. Via the Cuesta Belénin, you slowly move up the hill to the historic part of Arcos de la Frontera.
![Andalusia Arcos de la Frontera dog t](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Andalusie%CC%88-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-hond-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![errace taberna jóvenes flamencos Arcos de la Frontera](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/terras-taberna-jo%CC%81venes-flamencos-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![White village of Arcos de la Frontera](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Wit-dorpje-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
Walk through history in Arcos de la Frontera
Actually, all you have to do is start walking through the village. There are information boards in various places where you can learn more about the rich history of this white town. In the 13th century, Arcos de la Frontera was part of a Muslim taifa (kingdom), it was then called Medina Ar-kosch, and it was the geographical border (frontera) between the Moors and Christians. In 1250 it became part of a predecessor of the Spanish kingdom. The Muslims stayed around for a while but were later expelled from Arcos de la Frontera. Due to its location, Arcos de la Frontera has always had an essential position in various power struggles. Napoleon’s troops also occupied the town once.
Semana Santa monument in Arcos de la Frontera
Just before you enter the old Arcos de la Frontera alleys, you will find the monument to Semana Santa. Semana Santa is the holy week before Easter. This is celebrated extensively in Spain with processions and church masses. The memorial consists of three people who walk in a procession and carry a forged cross.
![Semana Santa monument Arcos de la Frontera: statue of 3 people carrying a cross](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Semana-Santa-monument-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
Mirador Plaza del Cabildo / Balcón de Arcos
At the Plaza del Cabildo, you will find the basilica and the castle of Arcos de la Frontera and a beautiful viewpoint. This viewpoint is also called the Balcón de Arcos. You can see for miles over the countryside around Arcos de la Frontera. Standing on the corner and looking to the left, you will also see the San Pedro church on the cliff. During my visit, there is a man in a corner of the viewpoint with birds of prey that you can put on your arm, for a fee, of course. From this point, you also have a nice view of the basilica, a bit of a shame that there are so many cars on the square, but hey… you can’t have it all, can you?
![Mirador Plaza del Cabildo Arcos de la Frontera](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Mirador-Plaza-del-Cabildo-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
![Arcos de la Frontera Basilica Balcon de Arcos](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Arcos-de-la-Frontera-basiliek-Balcon-de-Arcos-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
The Basilica of Arcos de la Frontera: Santa María
The official name of the Gothic basilica is Basílica Menor of Santa María de la Asunción. There used to be a mosque on this spot; the church was built in the 16th century. You can visit the church and combine that with climbing the tower. That will cost you 4 euros combined.
![Basilica Arcos de la Frontera](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Basiliek-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tower Basilica Arcos de la Frontera](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Toren-Basiliek-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Basilica Menor of Santa María de la Asuncion Arcos de la Frontera](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Basi%CC%81lica-Menor-van-Santa-Mari%CC%81a-de-la-Asuncio%CC%81n-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Church organ Basilica Arcos de la Frontera](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Kerkorgel-basiliek-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
You once again have fantastic views from the bell tower, just like at the Mirador Plaza del Cabildo, but now you can look around 360 degrees, including the castle and the Arcos reservoir.
![bell tower Basilica Arcos de la Frontera](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/klokkentoren-Basiliek-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
![bell tower Basilica Santa Maria Arcos de la Frontera](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/klokkentoren-Basiliek-Santa-Maria-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
![View Arcos reservoir](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/uitzicht-arcos-reservoir-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Arcos de la Frontera Basilica Balcon de Arcos Castle](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Arcos-de-la-Frontera-basiliek-Balcon-de-Arcos-kasteel-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Bell tower Basilica Arcos view](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Klokkentoren-Basiliek-Arcos-uitzicht-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
The castle of Arcos de la Frontera
Unfortunately, the ancient castle of Arcos de la Frontera can only be admired from a distance. It was already built in the 11th century by the Moors. The Castillo Ducal (also known as Castillo de los Duques de Arcos) is located on the Plaza del Colbildo and you can go through the gate, but unfortunately, you can’t get any further. The castle is in private hands and is only occasionally open to the public. You can see it better from the rock’s edge and the basilica church tower.
![Castle view Basilica Arcos de la Frontera](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Kasteel-uitzicht-basiliek-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Castle Arcos de la Frontera](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Kasteel-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Arcos de la Frontera Andalusia castle](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Arcos-de-la-Frontera-Andalusie%CC%88-kasteel-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
Changing open-air exhibition
In Calle Escribanos, you will always find a small open-air exhibition on the walls of the white houses. Sometimes they are photographs, sometimes paintings. When I’m there, it’s Spanish poems. So be sure to drop by to see if something is exhibited that appeals to you.
![Arcos de la Frontera outdoor exhibition](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Arcos-de-la-Frontera-openluchtexpositie-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
Palacio del Mayorazgo in Arcos de la Frontera
Departments of the municipality are now located in the Palacio del Mayorazgo. So there is office space, but walking in and viewing the patio is still worthwhile. The patio is very nice, and sometimes there is a small exposition too. At the back of the building, you can view the Andalusian garden.
![Palacio del Mayorazgo Arcos de la Frontera](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Palacio-del-Mayorazgo-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
![Palacio del Mayorazgo Arcos de la Frontera shield](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Palacio-del-Mayorazgo-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-schild-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
The San Pedro church
Arcos de la Frontera is full of religious buildings; it’s up to you whether you visit them all or just pop into a few. I visit the San Pedro church. This church was also built on the site of a Moorish fort. For two euros you can take a look inside. It’s kind of uh… a lot. Everywhere you look, there are ornaments, statues, paintings, and more, more, more.
![Arcos de la Frontera San Pedro church](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Arcos-de-la-Frontera-San-Pedro-kerk-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![San Pedro church Arcos de la Frontera](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/San-Pedro-kerk-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
The arc where you MUST kiss
At one of the many arcos (arches) in Arcos de la Frontera are the words Bésame and este Arco. Kiss me at this arc. It is, of course, up to you whether you obey. In any case, it is a nice detail on the way to one of the town’s viewpoints (Mirador de Abades). The arch occasionally gets new decorations.
![Bésame en este Arco](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Be%CC%81same-en-este-Arco-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Kiss arc Arcos de la Frontera](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Kusboog-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
An inspiring bench at the Mirador de Abades
In terms of attractiveness, it is not much of a big deal. Un banco que inspira is literally a bench, a cheerfully painted bench, that is. It is around the corner from the ‘kissing arch’, and you automatically end up at the Mirador de Abades viewpoint.
![Un banco que inspira Arcos de la Frontera](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Un-banco-que-inspira-Arcos-de-la-Frontera-768x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
![Arcos de la Frontera Un banco que inspira](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Arcos-de-la-Frontera-Un-banco-que-inspira--1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Mirador de Abades viewpoint](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Mirador-de-Abades-uitkijkpunt-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
Spanish food at Taberna Jóvenes Flamencos
I haven’t really done any research on restaurants in Arcos de la Frontera, but when I walk past Taberna Jóvenes Flamencos, I immediately know I want to eat there. It has a typical Spanish feel to me: flamenco, bullfighting, the color red, and tapas. You will find the ‘standard’ tapas such as croquetas, and a few specialties on the menu. Try the ajo molinero: a local specialty with stale bread, oranges, peppers, and more. The goat cheese pâté with Pedro Ximénez sauce is also delicious – they make sherry from Pedro Ximénez grapes in this region.
![taberna jóvenes flamencos goat cheese pâté](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/taberna-jo%CC%81venes-flamencos-geitenkaaspate%CC%81-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![taberna jóvenes flamencos croquetas](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/taberna-jo%CC%81venes-flamencos-croquetas-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![taberna jóvenes flamencos ajo molinero](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/taberna-jo%CC%81venes-flamencos-ajo-molinero-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![taberna jóvenes flamencos restaurant Arcos](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/taberna-jo%CC%81venes-flamencos-restaurant-Arcos-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
Parking in Arcos de la Frontera
You cannot park in the old center of Arcos de la Frontera. You don’t want that either, because the streets are so narrow! So choose a paid parking garage near the center or a free parking space a short walk away. These are a few parking options in Arcos de la Frontera:
- Parking El Paseo: paid parking. You can walk up the hill from the square to the old center.
- Parking Arcos: free parking in an open area. It is located slightly below the rock, so you must walk further to the center.
- Mirador: at the bottom of the rock, you can walk along the rock from here, and it takes you slightly longer to visit the village.
If you still need to arrange a rental car: EasyTerra and Sunny Cars are my favorite rental companies because you can rent worry free/all-inclusive.
Overnight in Arcos de la Frontera
Are you passing through, and would you like to spend the night in one of the white villages of Andalusia? Arcos de la Frontera is a good choice. Make sure to check out these Arcos de la Frontera hotels and guesthouses:
- Hotel Posada de las Cuevas: small-scale hotel in the center, nice decor and arcos in your room!
- La Casa de Bovedas Charming Inn: warm, homely rooms, a beautiful terrace, and a nice swimming pool.
- Pensíon San Marcos: simple, affordable rooms above a nice restaurant.
- Casa MariSol: nice apartment for you alone. Love the decoration with cool details and cute seats.
More Spain inspiration?
![](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Spanje-blog-overview.jpg?resize=770%2C433&ssl=1)
Helpful links for your Spain trip
- Accommodatie. Favorieten blijven Booking.com en Campspace. Ga je liever voor een hostel? Check HostelWorld.
- Activiteiten. De leukste tours en activiteiten boek je bij GetYourGuide en Viator. Je kunt ook bij WithLocals kijken. Zowel GuruWalk als Freetour.com bieden ‘gratis’ wandeltours aan in Spanje en voor fietstours moet je bij Baja Bikes zijn.
- Attracties en musea. Bij Tiqets krijg je trouwens 5% korting op musea en attracties met de kortingscode: KIMOPREIS22
- Autohuur. Ik huur het liefst bij EasyTerra en Sunny Cars vanwege hun all-inclusive / worry-free aanbod. Als je meer prijzen wilt vergelijken, kun je bij Discover Cars terecht.
- Boot. Je kunt vanaf onder andere Barcelona met de boot naar Mallorca. Boek je ticket bij Balearia. Met Balearia kun je ook bij de andere eilanden komen. Maar check bij Direct Ferries zeker even of er betere opties zijn.
- Bus en trein. Reis met NS International of Flixbus naar Spanje. Je kunt ook terecht bij Busbud, 12go, of Omio, ook voor bussen en treinen in Spanje.
- Geld. Op sommige plekken wordt je Nederlandse bankpas misschien niet geaccepteerd, regel daarom een prepaid creditcard bij Revolut.
- Reisuitrusting. Koop je gear bij Bever of Decathlon, of gewoon bij Bol.com.
- Reisgidsen. Wil je volop voorpret? Bestel dan een reisgids om lekker doorheen te bladeren. Kijk bijvoorbeeld bij Bol.com of Amazon.
- Simkaart. Pas op voor onverwachte hoge bel- en internetkosten. Koop een lokale simkaart ter plekke of regel er eentje online via Airalo.
- Vliegtickets. Kijk sowieso bij Transavia en Vueling, maar vergelijk je opties! Check in ieder geval Momondo, Skyscanner, en Kiwi.
- Verzorgde reizen. Liever compleet verzorgd op vakantie? De keuze is reuze: van ANWB vakanties tot Tui, Shoestring of Sawadee, of ga je liever via Sunweb, D-reizen, Corendon of Vakantie Discounter?
- Yoga retreat. Of, trakteer jezelf op een fijn yoga retreat!
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I might receive a small commission.
First published: February 2023. The article has been updated since.