Rick Steves finds a charming hill town in Spain, largely overlooked by typical tourists, among his preferred destinations.
Nestled in the province of Cádiz, Spain, lies the enchanting town of Arcos de la Frontera. With a history that spans centuries, this small white-washed town offers a captivating blend of Roman, Muslim, and Christian influences.
Situated on a limestone cliff, Arcos de la Frontera is renowned for its steep cobblestone alleys, blinding white houses trimmed in iron balconies, flower-filled patios, and a skyline brimming with medieval towers and church domes. The town's historic heart can be found in Plaza del Cabildo, where several monuments, including the Basilica of Santa María de la Asunción, the Town Hall, the Ducal Castle, the Parador de Turismo, and the Convent of the Mercedarias Descalzas, stand proudly.
Rick Steves, a renowned travel writer, highly recommends Arcos de la Frontera for its spectacular cliff-top Old Town, historic churches, and basilica. A leisurely exploration of the town's narrow streets and viewpoints, such as the Mirador de la Peña Nueva, offers panoramic valley views that are truly breathtaking.
For those who may find the town's steep terrain challenging, a tourist train is available to transport visitors to the main plaza at the top of the town. This service allows visitors to fully enjoy the town's historic sites and scenic beauty without the worry of navigating the steep cobblestone alleys.
Arcos de la Frontera's culinary heart lies within its market, where various meat stalls and women pushing banderillas (a type of skewer with savory pickled vegetables) can be found. A sweet treat can be purchased from the nuns at the Convent of the Mercedarias Descalzas in Plaza del Cabildo by pressing a buzzer and letting them know what you'd like.
Accommodation options in Arcos de la Frontera include Hotel El Convento, a mid-range hotel with balconies overlooking the surrounding countryside, and La Casa Grande, a charming boutique hotel with panoramic terraces and traditional Andalusian decor. For those seeking a luxury experience, the Parador, a former palace, is located near the Mirador de la Peña Nueva.
Visitors can access Arcos de la Frontera by car, especially if they plan to visit other nearby white-washed villages. However, driving in the old town can be extremely difficult, and it's recommended to park in the lower town and walk.
For those interested in exploring the local culture further, Bodega Huerta de Albalá, located about a 15-minute drive from Arcos de la Frontera, offers a full tasting experience of Andalusian wines. Taberna Jovenes Flamencos is a popular and authentic restaurant in Arcos de la Frontera serving traditional Spanish dishes.
In summary, Arcos de la Frontera, a charming, less touristy hill town in Spain, offers a rich historical and scenic experience. Rick Steves recommends visiting this town for its spectacular cliff-top Old Town, leisurely exploration of narrow streets and viewpoints, using the tourist train option if needed, and combining the visit with nearby towns on a regional Andalusian itinerary. Don't forget to try the local ham, or jamón, while sampling food in any Spanish market.
After exploring the breathtaking views from the Mirador de la Peña Nueva, one might consider returning to the comfort of their home, perhaps a charming boutique hotel like La Casa Grande or Hotel El Convento, to unwind. Alternatively, for those interested in immersing themselves in the local Spanish lifestyle, they could visit Taberna Jovenes Flamencos, a popular restaurant in Arcos de la Frontera, or Bodega Huerta de Albalá, a nearby winery offering a full tasting experience of Andalusian wines, as part of a regional home-and-garden tour of white-washed Spanish villages.
