Local area:
Arcos is a beautiful town 185m above sea level located on a spectacular clifftop and bordered by the River Guadalete. It has been declared an Historic and Artistic Monument since 1962 due to the conservation of its Roman and Arabic architecture which can be appreciated when wandering round the narrow streets, plazas, churches, towers and look out points. There are a number of fine restaurants and tapas bars dotted about the town, as well as the ventas and mesones on the outskirts of town, these are the popular restaurants serving home cooked food and produce from the local area.
There are 3 lakes close to Arcos Gardens, one at Arcos itself, another at Bornos and the Guadalcacin Lake at Algar, here you can go fishing, windsurf, swim, row, sail or take part in other watersports. There are also local companies who hire bikes and organise horse riding.
Sierra de Grazalema:
Arcos is close to the gateway to the Grazalema mountains and the National Alcornocales (cork tree) Park which is the most important of its kind on the Iberian Peninsular. This area is a haven for nature lovers, bird watchers and those who enjoy mountain biking or hiking. The park is 900m aove sea level in parts and home to a variety of wildlife such as deer, boar, eagles, owls and vultures. Grazalema itself is an unspoilt mountain village 48km from Arcos. There are many other pueblos blancos in this area such as Ubrique, famous for its leather factories and affiliation to bull fighting. Algondonales is famous for its guitar making factory, handmade ceramics but most of all its paragliding school which is visited from all over the world.
Jerez and the Costa de la Luz:
There is an excellent infrastructure connecting Arcos to Jerez (20 mins) and the rest of the province of Cadiz, Sevilla and Malaga. Jerez is just 30km from Arcos along a brand new dual-carriage way. This city represents everything Andaluz from its sherry bodegas including Tio Pepe, Harneys and Real Tesoro, the flamenco schools and shows and its love of horses. You can visit the Royal Equestrian School and Museum or if you are lucky enough to be here in May your visit may coincide with the famous horse fair which has been declared of International Touristic Interest. Jerez also hosts the Moto GP early May which is always a popular event. The historic town of Cadiz on the Atlantic coast is 67km away, here you will find boutique shops, exquisite fish restaurants and miles upon miles of sandy beaches. Further along the coast you will find Sanlucar de Barrameda, another seaside town close to the Doñana National Park, the town is famous for its manzanilla wine cellars and horse racing.
Golf:
Arcos Golf consists of 18 holes in a countryside location, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. Its spectacular setting is the reason why the course is used by the Swedish Golf Federation. The various trees, bunkers and lakes make it a challenging yet enjoyable course for golfers at all levels. There is a practice area with 10 target greens, a target fairway and also a short iron target area.
At Jerez you will also find Montecastillo Golf and Country Club and Sherry Golf courses. On the coast there are courses at El Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlucar.
Further south there are courses at Benalup Fairway Golf, Hotel and Spa, 3 different courses at Chiclana de la Frontera and Montenmedio Golf and Country Club, Vejer de la Frontera.
