About 30km northeast of Jerez de la Frontera you’ll find the old town of Arcos de la Frontera. In fall and winter it’s surrounded by an area that almost seems to be desert, in season these are pretty sunflower fields, vineyards and fruit orchards. Although smaller than Jerez, and therefore less known, it’s certainly worth a visit.

From Jerez there’s a highway (A382) to get there, but nicer is to take the smaller roads. Coming from the direction of Medina Sidonia you see the landscape changing, passing by towns that make you wonder how people can live there. You really have the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. Until suddenly you see Arcos de la Frontera. The first view of Arcos is a very steep rocky wall, with on top of it some historic buildings, among others an old castle. This is the old town of Arcos. Following the road uphill into town it’s best to park your car outside of the centre and take a stroll through the old town on foot.

Because of its strategic position Arcos has a rich history. The Roman gave the place the name Arx-Arcis, which means fortress on high. Later the Moslem invasion changed the name into Medina Arkos. During this era Arcos prospered and became a small kingdom. In the 13th century Seville took over the town. During the twentieth century the town kept growing, mainly founded on the agriculture of the region and the growth of tourism.

There are lots of interesting sites. Just have a stroll through the mazelike streets and find out. The Plaza del Cabildo, in the heart of the old town, is surrounded by old buildings. On the northern site you’ll find the St. Mary’s church, built in the thirteenth century and changed somewhat in the eighteenth century. This church also has a high tower which you can climb. Open: Monday-Friday 10am-1pm and 3.30pm - 6.30pm
Saturdays from 10am to 2 pm

On the west site of the Plaza is the town hall, the tourist office and the Castle. The castle, which dates from the 11th century, is privately owned and not open to the public. On the southern site of the Plaza del Cabildo is a mirador with panoramic views over de surrounding area.

A bit further to the east you’ll find the convent of the mercedarias nuns, founded in the seventeenth century. It’s possible to buy biscuits from the nuns. Going further east you’ll pass some other interesting sites, like the Jesuit church which is now an open market, an art gallery, the Mayorazgo Palace (17th century) with the Andalucian garden and the Saint Peter’s church. The latter one dates from the fourteenth century and is built on the remains of a former Arab fortress. The facade dates from the eighteenth century.
Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-1pm and 4pm - 7pm
Sundays from 10am to 1.30 pm

In the far east of the old town you’ll find the Matrera gate, the only remaining gateway in the city wall.

Besides of some historic sites Arcos also has some other things to offer. Northeast of the city center there’s a lake (Embalse de Arcos) where you can do some sailing, fishing or walking. Information about guided walking tours you’ll find at the tourist office, close to the St. Mary’s church.

There are lots of bars, restaurants and souvenir shops in the old town. In the new town of Arcos in the west the big supermarkets Carrefour, Lidl and Plus can be found.