Free walking tours in Arcos de la Frontera and what to see

Must-sees

Arcos de la Frontera looks out over a gorge above the river Guadalete and is one of the best-known white villages in Cádiz. The starting point is the Plaza del Cabildo, with the La Peña viewpoint, offering a dizzying drop and views of the countryside. On the same square are the Basilica of Santa María de la Asunción, the Dukes' castle, which cannot be visited inside, and the parador.

From there, the old town is explored on foot through narrow streets, slopes and arches. The church of San Pedro, also perched on the crag, has a tower you can sometimes climb. It is worth getting lost in the alleys, peeking into the patios and walking down the Cuesta de Belén. Below, the Arcos reservoir is a good place for a waterside walk.

Free tours and guided visits

Arcos has some pay-what-you-like free walking tours, especially in high season. They cover the historic centre from the Plaza del Cabildo, explaining the village's past on the frontier between the Christian and Nasrid kingdoms, local legends and the best viewpoints. It is a good way to get your bearings before exploring on your own.

The most common option, though, is to combine the visit with guided trips along the White Villages Route, which usually include Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra or Ubrique. It is also easy to head to Jerez for a guided winery visit with tasting. If you like nature, there are guided routes in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

How long to spend

The old town can be seen well in four or five hours, with time for the viewpoints, the churches and lunch. If you use it as a base, allow two or three days: one for Arcos, another for the Sierra de Grazalema and the white villages, and another for Jerez or the Cádiz coast.

Where to stay

To feel the village's atmosphere, stay in the old town, near the Plaza del Cabildo or in the upper part. The sunset views and empty streets at night make up for the effort of the slopes. Bear in mind that parking there is difficult and some streets are very narrow. If you are driving and want convenience, the lower area and the surroundings of the reservoir are more practical.