We did not care for Arcos de la Frontera. It's on the lists as a must-see white hill town; however, it's nothing but tourist shops. I realized that this is what I had expected of Ronda which was why we skipped Ronda the first time around; but I really took to Ronda, not Arcos.
We went to Sanlúcar de Barrameda as a launch point for visiting Doñana National Park as it's a more accessible place than Matalascanas. The town had such an immediate appeal to us that we abandoned our original plan of taking the ferry to the park and hung around town instead. Tips for friends that are fans of special accommodations: the Ducal Palace seems like a particularly authentic and atmospheric place. The last (and final?) duchess lived there until 2008.
The famous mirador (viewpoint) in Arcos de la Frontera is perched 300 ft above the Guadalete River. Falling/jumping over the railing is a sure death. "Careful Papa!"
And the views are very good.
Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción backs the mirador.
One of the souvenir shops in Arcos appears to be the center of the universe for 6 x 6 inch ceramic tiles. Stay tuned.
And there are several other miradors with views to the valley below.
We got off the beaten track by following a 10km trail clockwise around the town; mostly along the river.
Sanlucar is known for its manzanilla (a variety of sherry), beaches, and was the starting port of Magellan's circumnavigation. This sandy rectangle leads down to the Guadalquivir River with it's fine promenade and brown sandy beach.
Lots of accommodation in this summer resort town.
Just across the river is Donana National Park.
One street back from the river is a fine row of beach cottages and an ice factory that is now the park's Visitor Center.
Sanlucar's main square.
Taking a break, we had coffee and chocolate in the garden of the Hospederia Palacio Ducal, then admired the view from the balcony.
A few more beach shots.
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