Arcos de la Frontera, the gateway to the White Villages of Cadiz
Just over an hour's drive from Gravina 51, Arcos de la Frontera is the ideal starting point for a tour through the The White Villages of Cádiz Route. Its historic centre, perched on an impressive promontory, offers panoramic views stretching all the way to the Sierra de GrazalemaIt also offers an architecture that fuses the Andalusian legacy with the charm of the traditional Andalusian villages. Its narrow cobbled streets, flanked by whitewashed houses with wrought iron balconies and colourful flowerpots, invite you to lose yourself in its history and beauty. In every corner of this village, you can find details that reflect its rich cultural heritage, from ancient noble coats of arms to flowery courtyards that evoke the essence of Andalusia.
The Plaza del Cabildo and its lookout point
The heart of Arcos de la Frontera is its Cabildo SquareThe esplanade, an esplanade that concentrates some of the most emblematic monuments of the town. Here you will find the Church of Our Lady of the Assumptiona temple of Mudejar origin with an imposing Baroque tower, and the Balcony of the Peña Nuevapopularly known as the "Balcón del Coño" (Pussy Balcony) because of the exclamation caused by its impressive height over the valley of the Guadalete river. From this viewpoint, the view is lost between fields and mountains, offering one of the most photogenic views of the area.
The Castle of Arcos and the Matrera Gate
Presiding over the Cabildo Square the Castle of Arcos de la FronteraThe fortress, a fortress of Muslim origin which, over time, became the residence of the Ponce de León family. Although it is not open to the public, its silhouette still dominates the town's skyline. Nearby is the Matrera GateThe church, one of the historic entrances to the town, is crowned by an image of the Virgin Mary and bears witness to Arcos' medieval past.
Churches, palaces and traditions
Arcos' heritage does not stop at its main square. The St. Peter's Churchwith its impressive baroque tower, and the Palace of the Count of ÁguilaThe Plaza del Cabildo, a beautiful Mudejar building from the 14th-15th centuries, is an obligatory stop on the route. In addition, in one of the houses next to the Plaza del Cabildo you can find a Permanent birtha handmade nativity scene of great size that surprises for its detail and realism.
Gastronomy in Arcos de la Frontera
It is impossible to talk about Arcos without mentioning its culinary tradition. Its convents have given rise to exquisite confectionery, with sweets made by the Mercedarian nuns. For a complete gastronomic experience, restaurants such as Mesón Patio Andaluzwith typical dishes from the region, or Aljibe Andalusí Restaurantwith influences from Arabic cuisine, are recommended options. If you prefer a more informal tapas, the Young Flamencos Tavern is an excellent choice in the historic centre.
The river beach of Santiscal
Although it may seem incredible, it is possible to enjoy a beach in Arcos. Situated on the banks of the Lake Arcos de la Fronterathe Santiscal beach is a haven of tranquillity where it is possible to practice water sports or simply relax by the water. In addition, the area is a key spot for bird watching, as it is part of a Special Protection Area for Birds.
Discover Seville from the Hotel Gravina 51
After a day of exploring Arcos de la Frontera and the The White Villages RouteSeville is the perfect place to continue discovering the essence of Andalusia. In the heart of the city centre, our 4 star boutique hotel, Gravina 51offers a unique stay in a charming restored stately building. If you are looking for a hotel with terrace in the centre of SevilleThis is the ideal place to relax after a day's excursion. You can also take advantage of its special offersThe hotel is perfect for those who want an exclusive experience with all the comforts of the Andalusian capital.
