Arcos de la Frontera, the gateway to the White Villages of Cádiz
04/03/2025
Places to visit
Just over an hour’s drive from Gravina 51, Arcos de la Frontera stands as the perfect starting point to explore the White Villages Route of Cádiz. Its historic center, perched atop an impressive promontory, offers panoramic views that stretch as far as the Sierra de Grazalema, along with architecture that blends Andalusian heritage with the charm of traditional Andalusian villages. Its cobbled streets, lined with whitewashed houses adorned with wrought-iron balconies and colorful flower pots, invite visitors to get lost in its history and beauty. Every corner of this town reveals details of its rich cultural heritage, from ancient noble coats of arms to flower-filled patios that embody the essence of Andalusia.
Plaza del Cabildo and its viewpoint
The heart of Arcos de la Frontera is its Plaza del Cabildo, a square that houses some of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Here, you’ll find the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a Mudejar-style temple with an imposing Baroque tower, and the Balcón de la Peña Nueva, popularly known as the "Balcón del Coño" due to the exclamation it provokes from its breathtaking height over the Guadalete River valley. From this viewpoint, the landscape unfolds into vast fields and mountains, offering one of the most photogenic scenes in the region.
Arcos Castle and the Matrera Gate
Dominating the Plaza del Cabildo stands the Castle of Arcos de la Frontera, a fortress of Muslim origin that later became the residence of the Ponce de León family. Although it is not open to the public, its silhouette continues to define the town’s skyline. Nearby is the Matrera Gate, one of the historic entrances to the town, crowned with an image of the Virgin Mary, bearing witness to Arcos’ medieval past.
Churches, palaces, and traditions
Arcos' heritage extends beyond its main square. The Church of San Pedro, with its impressive Baroque tower, and the Palace of the Count of Águila, a stunning Mudejar-style building from the 14th-15th centuries, are must-visit landmarks. Additionally, in one of the houses near Plaza del Cabildo, you’ll find a permanent Nativity scene, an intricately crafted and highly detailed artisan display that surprises visitors with its realism.
Gastronomy in Arcos de la Frontera
No visit to Arcos is complete without indulging in its culinary traditions. The town’s convents have given rise to exquisite pastries, lovingly prepared by the Mercedarian nuns. For a full gastronomic experience, restaurants like Mesón Patio Andaluz, known for its traditional regional dishes, or Aljibe Restaurante Andalusí, which incorporates Arab culinary influences, are highly recommended. For a more casual tapas experience, Taberna Jóvenes Flamencos is an excellent choice in the historic center.
The Santiscal River Beach
It may seem surprising, but Arcos boasts a beach. Located on the shores of the Lake of Arcos de la Frontera, the Santiscal Beach is a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy water sports or simply relax by the water. Additionally, the area is a prime spot for birdwatching, as it is part of a Special Protection Area for Birds.
Discover Seville from Hotel Gravina 51
After a day exploring Arcos de la Frontera and the White Villages Route, Seville is the perfect place to continue immersing yourself in the essence of Andalusia. Located in the heart of the city, our 4-star boutique hotel, Gravina 51, offers a unique stay in a beautifully restored historic mansion. If you're looking for a hotel with a terrace in the center of Seville, this is the ideal place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. You can also take advantage of our special offers, perfect for those seeking an exclusive experience with all the comforts in the Andalusian capital.
Plaza del Cabildo and its viewpoint
The heart of Arcos de la Frontera is its Plaza del Cabildo, a square that houses some of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Here, you’ll find the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a Mudejar-style temple with an imposing Baroque tower, and the Balcón de la Peña Nueva, popularly known as the "Balcón del Coño" due to the exclamation it provokes from its breathtaking height over the Guadalete River valley. From this viewpoint, the landscape unfolds into vast fields and mountains, offering one of the most photogenic scenes in the region.
Arcos Castle and the Matrera Gate
Dominating the Plaza del Cabildo stands the Castle of Arcos de la Frontera, a fortress of Muslim origin that later became the residence of the Ponce de León family. Although it is not open to the public, its silhouette continues to define the town’s skyline. Nearby is the Matrera Gate, one of the historic entrances to the town, crowned with an image of the Virgin Mary, bearing witness to Arcos’ medieval past.
Churches, palaces, and traditions
Arcos' heritage extends beyond its main square. The Church of San Pedro, with its impressive Baroque tower, and the Palace of the Count of Águila, a stunning Mudejar-style building from the 14th-15th centuries, are must-visit landmarks. Additionally, in one of the houses near Plaza del Cabildo, you’ll find a permanent Nativity scene, an intricately crafted and highly detailed artisan display that surprises visitors with its realism.
Gastronomy in Arcos de la Frontera
No visit to Arcos is complete without indulging in its culinary traditions. The town’s convents have given rise to exquisite pastries, lovingly prepared by the Mercedarian nuns. For a full gastronomic experience, restaurants like Mesón Patio Andaluz, known for its traditional regional dishes, or Aljibe Restaurante Andalusí, which incorporates Arab culinary influences, are highly recommended. For a more casual tapas experience, Taberna Jóvenes Flamencos is an excellent choice in the historic center.
The Santiscal River Beach
It may seem surprising, but Arcos boasts a beach. Located on the shores of the Lake of Arcos de la Frontera, the Santiscal Beach is a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy water sports or simply relax by the water. Additionally, the area is a prime spot for birdwatching, as it is part of a Special Protection Area for Birds.
Discover Seville from Hotel Gravina 51
After a day exploring Arcos de la Frontera and the White Villages Route, Seville is the perfect place to continue immersing yourself in the essence of Andalusia. Located in the heart of the city, our 4-star boutique hotel, Gravina 51, offers a unique stay in a beautifully restored historic mansion. If you're looking for a hotel with a terrace in the center of Seville, this is the ideal place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. You can also take advantage of our special offers, perfect for those seeking an exclusive experience with all the comforts in the Andalusian capital.
