Arcos de La Frontera and Medina Sidonia

Good morning! Did you sleep well? If you want to have some typical Andalusian breakfast, order a 'tostada con tomate' or a 'tostada con Jamon'. It's toast with tomato spread or toast with ham. You can order them anywhere, even if they are not on the menu. If you want a little bun, you can ask for a 'Bocadillo'. If they ask if you need 'Aceite' don't panic, they just mean olive oil, which is also a common thing to eat your bread with in Andalusia.

You will start your day in the leather museum of Ubrique. You can go there by yourself or take a tour. The tours start at 11 and you have to make an appointment for those. The museum is closed on Mondays. More info here. The museum is situated in El Convento de Capuchinos. It's a nice place to start up your day, and the people that work here are very friendly.

Pick up your car here.

On your way to the next Pueblo Blanco, Arcos de la Frontera, make a short stop at Presa de Arcos. From here you will have a great view on the town you will visit next. Picture time!

There are several spots to park your car. If you don't find a place here, just drive to the next parking spot called Parking Arcos. From here you can walk into the centre. Arcos de la Frontera is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in the whole of Spain. But of course, every town will say this about itself, but maybe you will agree after your visit. Take some time to roam around and enjoy the scenery.

The castle of Arcos de la Frontera is your next stop. You will find that the castle is in the highest part of Arcos de la Frontera, and therefore you will have some great views from here. The castle was built by Muslims in the 11th century. Right now, the castle has got English owners.

From the castle, you can walk to El Circulo Mágico, the magic circle. It's a place full of mystery and part of the Soefi heritage of this place. While you tend to look up because of the beautiful building, you have to look down to see the actual circle. It's full of details, like for example the Zodiac mark. "The circle has its meaning because in philosophical currents it represents the eternal, cyclical movement, infinity, the beginning but not the end, even the wheel of life." Learn more here

On the main tourist walking rout trough Arcos de la Frontera you will find several places where you can enjoy lunch. And why enjoy just a sandwich when you can find tapas bars just about anywhere around? So sit down and have a look at the menu. Most of the time you will be good if you order 3 kinds of tapas per person. We recommended ordering the goat cheese in this place. And again, always make sure you order 'tapas' and not 'rationes'!

On your way to the last Pueblo Blanco of your route, you will take a little D-tour. To get you off of the big road, and toward Gigonza Aventura. On Saturdays and Sundays you can take an amazing tour here, the other days of the week it's closed, but you can see it from the outside. If you don't want to stop, no worries, you will be in Medina Sidona in no-time from here and you took the best route there.

It can be very hot in Andalusia, especially when you are here in the summer. The best way to cool down is enjoying the airconditioning in your car, or seek shelter in natural shades. You can do so here. Take some time to relax and stretch your legs before you arrive on your last destination of today.

The last Pueblo Blanco of your trip is Medina Sidonia. It has a middle ages vibe to it. With a lovely square, small streets and of course white painted houses and buildings. Just look for the blue signs with the 'P' to park your car.

When you walk towards the magnificent church of Medina Sidona, stop at the Arc Betlehem just in front of it. Here you can take a great picture. The arc is one of the ancient gates of the wall of the Muslim Medina. Because of all the reforms of the arc, you can hardly recognize its Muslim roots, but on both sides of the wall you can discover pieces of the original wall.

El Show is a good restaurant to have your dinner. You can sit outside on the terras facing the ancient wall which is beautiful lit in the evening. Inside you will find a nice atmosphere as well. The food is great, the staff is very nice and 'postres' (deserts) are delicious. Pay Attention! Show de Tapas i's closed on Mondays.
After dinner, you can end your evening on this terrace or wander around the lively town to get a drink (or two) in one of the other places. Especially in the dark, this town has got magic.

It's time to head back for Sevilla. But not before you make a quick stop in Jerez de la Frontera. It's a great city to spend some time in the evening. Jerez de la Frontera is famous for its sherry.