Arcos de la Frontera and San Jose del Valle

Situated just 20 minutes drive from Jerez, the Sherry capital of the World and its International Airport (Ryanair) set halfway between open countryside and the mountains, crossed by the rivers Guadalete and Majaciete, Arcos de la Frontera and its nearby lake at San Jose del Valle in the province of Cadiz, Southern Spain, is one of Europe's most beautiful areas.

These rivers give rise to the reservoirs of San Jose and Arcos, both declared protected areas for their outstanding natural landscape and wetlands and the bordering Sierra de Grazalema national park and Lakes offer further enhancements to this regions 'green' credentials. Its "320 days" of sun per year is enhanced by a reliable thermal breeze and plenty of water.

Arcos de la Frontera, with origins in Arabic times, is one of the most notable examples of the 'White Villages' built on high cliffs and occupies the peak and slopes of a steep rocky crag cut by the action of the river Guadalete. The town itself varies, in its altitude, from 50 metres above the level of the river to over 195m at its highest point at the base of the castle and offers a splendid panorama of the surrounding countryside.

It is a National Tourism centre and the old town walls that encircle the centre ,the labyrinth of steep, narrow (and torturous!) streets and the multitude of bars, restaurants and beautiful monuments and churches deserve a particular mention.

MAP