Arcos de la Frontera Properties agree with most visitors that Arcos is one of Andalucia's most beautiful and dramatically positioned white villages (Pueblos Blancos). Arcos straddles a rocky limestone ridge with its whitewashed houses and stone castle walls coming to an abrupt halt where the sheer cliff face plummets to the river Guadalete below.
Declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1962 because of its exceptional architecture and impressive location, the old town is a labyrinth of cobbled streets that lead up to a spectacular viewing point perched on the cliff next to the Parador in Plaza del Cabildo. Not only can you enjoy the views over the town and the orange groves below but also watch the birds of prey swooping just below you as they try to catch a tasty pigeon for lunch!
Its easily defendable position and abundant water supply attracted settlers as far back as the the Neolithic age, followed in time by Tartessans, Phoenicians and Romans. However it was under the Moors that Arcos became a truly important settlement and prospered as a trading post with this importance as a frontier post between two kingdoms being refelcted in the full name Arcos de la Frontera.
Many a pleasant evening can be spent wandering Arcos's pretty (and often very narrow!) streets such as Calle Cuna and Calle Maldonaldo. Many of these streets are lined with elegant homes built by the wealthy nobility after the Reconquest. Just one word of warning: the streets are not made for cars and although there is a car park at the top, if you are just sightseeing the best idea is to leave the car at the bottom of the main street (there is a car park in Plaza de Andalucía).
The best tapas bars are concentrated on or near Callejón de las Monjas in the town centre but if you want to goggle at the views as you relax and enjoy a drink, try the terrace or the bar area at the Parador on Plaza del Cabildo.
Near to Arcos lies the local reservoir, the Lago de Arcos with several water sports centres, fishing, etc. and yet another good bar/restaurant offering a relaxing atmosphere with superb views over the lake to the town. Next to the lake lies the attractive El Santiscal development where you can enjoy the peace of lakeside living but still be only a few minutes from the centre of town.
