Arcos de la Frontera Car Hire

Guide of Arcos de la Frontera

Geography

Arcos de la Frontera is a pueblo blanco in Andalucia, the southernmost region in Spain. The town sits on the top of a 150-metre-high limestone ridge, bounded on three sides by the Guadalete River. It sprawls out from the Castillo de los Arcos, the original 11th-century castle that sits on the highest point of the hill. It is one of the largest pueblo blanco in Spain.

Climate in Arcos de la Frontera

Arcos de la Frontera enjoys a warm and temperate climate. Summers are hot and arid, while winters tend to be mild. The hottest months in Arcos de la Frontera are June, July and August, with maximum temperatures of 31°C. The coldest month in the town is January with an average maximum temperature of 15°C. December is the wettest month. The most pleasant time to visit is from late March to early July, when the weather is warm but not stifling.

Culture

Arcos de la Frontera has a long history of occupation and archaeologists have found a number of significant remnants from the Neolithic, Bonanza Age, Tartessian, Phoenician and Roman periods. For a short time during the 11th century, it became an independent Berber-ruled taifa (a small kingdom). Along with many other hilltop towns, the Christian King Alfonso X El Sabio claimed the town in the mid-13th century and it remained a frontera (frontier) until Granada fell in the late 15th century. This storied history left its stamp on the town’s architecture and culture.

Things To Do in Arcos de la Frontera

Visit the Castillo de los Arcos

The castle is Arcos de la Frontera’s most iconic sight. Originally an 11th-century Moorish alcazar, the castle was extensively rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries. It’s private property, but visitors can explore the grounds.

Stroll around the Plaza del Cabildo

Plaza del Cabildo is the social and spiritual heart of Arcos’ old town. Lined with elegant buildings (including the Castillo), it’s the ideal place to stop for a drink and people-watch. The Basilica Menor de Santa Maria de la Asuncion is located on the northern edge of the square.

Visit the Basilica Menor de Santa Maria de la Asuncion

This Gothic-baroque church was built on top of the remains of a Moorish mosque between the 11th and 18th centuries. Inside, there’s a miniature version of Seville’s ornate gold-leaf altarpiece, an impressive wood-carved 18th-century choir and a painting of San Cristobal. The neoclassical bell tower, which was meant to replace the original that tumbled down during an earthquake, has never been finished.

Take in the view from Mirador Plaza del Cabilado

Given its dramatic hilltop location, Arcos de la Frontera boasts some brilliant views. But, for the best, head to the Mirador Plaza del Cabildo, on the Plaza del Cabildo. It offers sweeping views over the river and surrounding countryside on one side, and the rest of the village on the sloping cliff on the other.

Catch a show at Olivares Veas Theatre

The Olivares Veas Theatre was built in 1910, though it has undergone several renovations since. Queen Sofia inaugurated the theatre in 1994 and since then it has gone from strength to strength. Time your visit with a musical, dance or theatrical performance.

Eating Out in Arcos de la Frontera

Unlike the sunbleached south coast, Arcos de la Frontera showcases the best of Andalusia’s inland cuisine. Think tapas and hearty traditional dishes like chard stews and ajos molineros (a stew made with stale bread, vegetables and lots of garlic) that pair perfectly with local dry white and Crianza red wines.

There are plenty of charming restaurants to discover, but for something extra special try Meson Patio Andaluz. Set in a stately home in the historic centre, the restaurant features an elegant dining room and a sun-filled patio. For a selection of local tapas, try Tabanco Lalola, a cosy tapas bar on Corrdera Street. At Bar Alcaravan, you can tuck into regional sausages and stewed octopus to the sounds of the classical guitar, or a flamenco show at the weekend.

Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Arcos de la Frontera is Jerez Airport (XRY), which is located around 74 miles from the town centre. The airport is served by several European airlines, including Condor, Ryanair, TUI and Eurowings, though flights are seasonal. Flights from several major Spanish cities operate throughout the year. It takes around 30 minutes to drive from the airport to Arcos de la Frontera. If you’re relying on public transport, you will need to take a bus to Jerez, and then another bus to Arcos de la Frontera, which can take between 1.5-2 hours.

Alternatively, if you are travelling to the town out of season, you may find it easier to take a flight to Seville (SVQ), which is larger than Jerez Airport and operates international flights throughout the year. It takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive to Arcos de la Frontera from the airport.

Getting around Arcos de la Frontera

Arcos de la Frontera is a small town that can easily be explored on foot. However, if you’re looking to explore attractions outside of the town centre, we recommend hiring a car. It will give you maximum flexibility and means you won’t need to rely on public transport or expensive transfers.

There are frequent bus services between Arcos de la Frontera to Jerez de la Frontera, as well as the Sierra de Cadiz and Arcos but many rural attractions fall outside of the network. There is no train station in Arcos de la Frontera either and the closest station is in Jerez.