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Parador of Arcos De La Frontera
By Gary Bumpas
Arcos De La Frontera is one of those typical white towns of Andalucia
where you feel as if you have stumbled into another epoch. Arcos was
controlled by the Moors up until 1264 and still retains the feel of those
times.
The Parador Arcos De La Frontera stands high above the R¨ªo
Guadalete with nearly a shear drop-off on one side. This
dramatic location is reminiscent of Ronda, but Arcos is much
less touristed than that city and the ambience far more
relaxed.
Parador Arcos De La Frontera is flanked by castle walls and
the large Gothic-Mud¨¦jar church of Santa Mar¨ªa de la Asunci¨®n.
From here you get incredible views to the river valley far
below. The town is a mix of fine Moorish and Renaissance
buildings. At the center is the Plaza del Cabildo which fronts
the Arcos Parador.
Arcos is a town for meandering. Wander up and down the
steep streets. You'll delight in making your own discoveries
here - no guidebooks necessary!
If you visit in early August, you'll be enchanted by the late-
night concerts on the main plaza during the Fiesta de la
Virgen de las Nieves. Stay on until September and you might
have become "local" enough to participate in their especially
wild version of the running of the bulls!
Be sure and dine in the exceptional restaurant at the Parador.
The wood-beamed dining room has a very nice feel, and views
that are panoramic. This is one of the finest restaurants you
will find for trying some of Andalucia's traditional dishes.
Interesting in-town excursions from the Arcos De La Frontera
Parador:
- The wonderful Castillo de los Duques.
- The Basilica-Paroquia de Santa Maria.
- The Convento de la Encarnacion.
- The Iglesia de San Pedro.
- The Palacio Mayorazgo.
Interesting day trips include:
- Jerez de la Frontera - Try to see the incredible Andalusian
horses dancing and jumping to the music of Beethoven at the
Real Escuela Andaluz del Arte Ecuestre. A tour of one of the
Sherry Bodegas is always fun - especially the free tastings!
- Sevilla - One of the "must see" cities in Spain.
- Ronda - Set in an breathtaking situation on top of the most
awesome gorge in all Spain.
- Cadiz - The oldest city in Europe. Cadiz has an altogether
pleasant ramshackle quality that draws travelers back again
and again.
The Arcos De La Frontera Parador literally oozes the character
of Andalucia. The town of Arcos combines a near-perfect mix
of spectacular natural surroundings and historically interesting
cultural sites. Being centrally located between the great cities
of Sevilla, Ronda, Cadiz and Jerez, it makes a great base from
which to fan out and visit the best of western Andalucia.
About the Author
SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty. Go to: http://www.SpainParador.com
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