When I wrote my 10-day itinerary to see the top spots in southern Spain, I ended up leaving off Arcos de la Frontera. It’s always a tough decision to narrow down your priorities on a trip, but the truth is, Arcos de la Frontera is totally worth visiting.
You could certainly see all the highlights in Arcos de la Frontera in a few hours. It’s one of the more relaxed and quiet pueblos blancos (white villages) that I’ve visited in southern Spain.
You’ll find just a handful of shops, traditional tapas bars and with all hilltop towns, stunning views. While restaurants are lively at peak times, it’s not a town that’s overrun with tourist buses.
I have only ever visited as a day trip, but you could definitely stay the night if it made sense geographically along your itinerary. It is a convenient stopping point from Cádiz to Ronda (1 hour), or even Sevilla to Tarifa (90 minutes). I’ve got the perfect hotel recommendation if you decide an overnight stay is necessary…
Where to Stay in Arcos de la Frontera
My first stop when arriving to Arcos is always the sunny terrace of the Parador de Arcos de la Frontera to either get a coffee or a beer, depending on the time of day. The views overlooking the town are the perfect introduction.
I’ve never stayed the night, but it would be my first choice. Parador hotels are state-run accommodations in Spain, and they always offer a unique experience.
Beautiful rooms feature traditional tiles and Andalusian details. Balcony rooms with views of the countryside below are available for well under $200, an excellent value.
Check pricing and availability.
Things to do in Arco de la Frontera
Arcos de la Frontera is not the kind of place that offers endless things to do, but there are a few things that shouldn’t be missed.
Visit Comunidad de Mercedarias Descalzas
I’d have to say my favorite thing to do in Arcos de la Frontera is visiting Comunidad de Mercedarias Descalzas for the nun cookies, with a close second being getting a drink at the Parador.
Located right around the corner from the hotel, you’ll find a large wooden door leading to Comunidad de Mercedarias Descalzas. On the other side is a foyer area with a rotating tray in front of a covered window. Ring the bell to place your order with a cloistered nun.
They sell about a dozen varieties as listed on a worn piece of paper taped to the wall. Usually, photos on a menu is a sure sign the food won’t be very good, but here it is appreciated as you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Gluten free options are available and delicious.
Read more about the building and the Convent of the Barefoot Mercedarian Order on the Arcos de la Frontera tourism website. Boxes range from 5-10 euro and cash is essential. Open from 8:30-2:30, then 5-7.
See the Churches
The Basilica of Santa Maria you’ll see today is from the 15th and 16th century, but it was actually built on the previous site of a mosque and dates back to the 8th and 9th century. The view from the top of the bell tower is absolutely worth the climb up the encroaching staircase.
They do close for siesta, 1:30 to 5:30. 4 euros to enter the church and climb to the top of the tower.
Further in town, there’s another church called Iglesia de San Pedro. The hours are a bit sporadic, so I’ve never been inside unfortunately. So, if you’re lucky to be there when it’s open you’ll be able to see the ornate golden alter.
Enjoy the Views
Right between the Parador and the Basilica of Santa Maria you’ll find Mirador Plaza del Cabildo. It offers similar views as the terrace and the tower, but also worth checking out.
I actually missed the Mirador de Abades the first time I visited Arcos de la Frontera. On my second or third visit, I decided to just keep walking to the end of the town. I was actually in search of the arch that says, “Besame en Este Arco,” kiss me in this arch. It’s just barely a 5 minute walk down from the Comunidad de Mercedarias Descalzas and completely worth seeing.
Try Traditional Fare
After a stroll around town and a climb up the tower, relax for a long, late lunch. Taberna Jóvenes Flamencos is right on the main street as you walk into town. You can’t miss the red chairs and cheerful plants in polkadot pots.
The food is homemade and our server was very kind. This is the only place I have been able to find gluten free salmorejo, a traditional cold tomato soup made with bread.
See the Live Nativity
On the last Saturday before Christmas, Arcos de la Frontera transforms into a live native. I have never been for the event, as it was canceled for several years. If you have the opportunity to visit and are traveling in December, I think it would be a memorable experience.
Travel Tips
I usually park in the large parking lot near the Ayuntamiento and walk up the hill to the historic center. I once saw a large truck get stuck trying to make it up the main roadway. They made it all the way to the arches on the back side of the Santa Maria church before they realized they couldn’t fit.
The 20+ cars behind them had to reverse all the way down the hill. It was a nightmare/very entertaining to watch. All this to say, park at the bottom of the hill.
There’s a handful of trinket and ceramic shops, but nothing that really caught my eye. If you are looking for unique shops and something special to take home, I’d head down to another pueblo blanco (white village) Vejer de la Frontera.
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