Historical palace (3*)
The charming Parador de Arcos de la Frontera, once a palace known as Casa del Corregidor, is perched spectacularly at the top of the town. The old town of Arcos de la Frontera is set on top of a great sandstone cliff which overlooks the fertile valley of the River Guadalete, traditionally famous for its horses.
The hotel itself contains a range of architectural styles, from arcaded courtyards and a beamed dining room to modern patios and balconies. The Parador's privileged position endows it with panoramic views across the plains and the town beneath which can be enjoyed from the hotel’s outdoor terrace whilst guests also have the option of booking a room with a balcony which is very much recommended. Tucked neatly onto the town’s main square, the Parador is well-integrated into the local community and prides itself upon the warm welcome and attentive service received by visitors.
The Parardor de Arcos de la Frontera's restaurant offers an atmospheric dining experience and guests can also book a table to enjoy a meal within the hotel’s intimate interior courtyard. Additionally, extensive lunch and dinner menus are served in the 'Gastrobar', which offers a range of meal options from light snacks to 3 course dinners in an informal but well serviced environment.
This is one of the smallest Paradors with only 23 rooms, a real gem of a place to stay in a rather lovely, whitewashed Andalusian town.
Captured from the Moors in the 13th century, Arcos de la Frontera (literally ‘Arcos of the Frontier’) marked the boundary between Christian and Muslim Spain for some centuries. The authenticity of the present-day architecture becomes immediately apparent as one weaves their way up through the town’s old streets on the approach to the Parador. Arcos is an ideal starting point both for the Pueblos Blancos (‘White Villages’) trail, and the Wine Route culminating in Jerez. Within close proximity are some places of true natural beauty which may be of interest to nature lovers.
Places of interest include: the reservoir of Lago de Arcos which lies just to the North of the city, the natural parks of Sierra de Grazalema and Los Alcornocales, beautiful coastal towns found along the Costa de Luz including Conil, Puerto Real (Royal Port, whose old quarter is a historic-artistic site) and Chiclana de la Frontera. It is at the western end of the Cádiz coast through the town Sanlúcar de Barrameda where entry can be obtained into the famous World Heritage Site of Doñana National Park by boat. The town of Jerez is also not to be missed as it is the centre of the sherry-producing region and tours of the famous bodegas are a must.
Restaurant opening times:
Breakfast: 8.00 to 11.00
Lunch: 13.00 to 16.00
Dinner: 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
The Parador is located in the historical centre of the town in the Plaza del Cabildo, surrounded by historical buildings such as the Santa María church, the Castle and the Town Hall. 30 km from Jerez along the N-342, also accessible from the Cádiz-Sevilla motorway.
The Parador does not have its own private car park and parking is no longer allowed in the squae. Guests are advised to use nearby public car parks such as the 'Paseo de Andalucia', which is 15-minute walk downhill from the Parador (or a short taxi ride away) and has a daily charge.
Spain's southernmost region is rich in sunshine, culture, beaches and excellent food. Find out why you should visit and which Parador hotels to stay in.