Arcos de la Frontera is almost hidden in the Gatidano mountain range, about an hour from the Mediterranean coast. It's held an important place in the long history of Catholic Spain’s struggle with the Moors. The old walled town of Arcos is home to just 4000 people and has a friendly feel. Built on a promontory the cliff edges give a dramatic feel and some of the cliff caves are still lived in today.
Boabdil, the last Moorish king, finally fell in 1492, the same year Columbus sailed west for India. At Cadiz's tip, near Arcos de la Frontera, Africa looms large across a bit of water that seems a mere swim away. The Romans occupied the town for six hundred years until 400 AD. Then the Visigoths came for 300 years until 711 AD, when the Moors took possession for a further 500 years until 1264 AD. Architecture from each culture is still seen with fine old buildings around each corner, mixed in with some fine examples of Spanish Baroque. Rich in history, gorgeous countryside and forest makes a great destination for all. It’s a good base to visit Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Ronda and Malaga from and only 2 hour from Tangiers in Morocco, an hour from Gibraltar or Cadiz. See available hotels in Arcos.
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