Arcos de la Frontera - worth spending a night?

The Night Time Is The Right Time. At least it was for us, in Arcos.

Arcos gets plenty of day-trippers during the day. At night, they are all gone, and it's all yours. You only have to share it with the birds, and the locals. Get there mid- to late-afternoon, leave your car parked in one of the lots at the base of the hill, take a taxi up to your hotel (don't even think of trying to drive up there). Watch as the crowds thin out and disappear, leaving it to you and the birds. It's quiet, empty, magical after dark, and it'll be all yours. Get up early, enjoy it a little more, when the sun gets high, taxi back down to your car, and move on. It would fit perfectly into your plan.

Do it. It'll be awesome. (Ssshhh, don't tell anyone...)

Agree with David!
If you can afford a room at the Parador with a balcony overlooking the valley (it's on the higher end but still reasonable, I don't remember the € figure), your night will be even more memorable.

Thanks David and balso,. That is the plan to stay at Parador. Come in late afternoon as I'll be coming from Ronda and Zahara. Wondering if I can do Ronda in about 5-6 hours. But, thanks for the tips and feedback.

For when you plan to arrive and leave it would be fine. There isn’t a lot to do there and most people go for the view. The Parador price Balso mentioned will change depending on the time of year and type room you get. If you decide to stay at it, I suggest you join the Paradors’ free Amigos program. As an Amigo you’ll get a better rate, a free drink for you and a guest each time you check in at a Parador, and a free breakfast for you and a guest the first time you reserve a Parador from the website. If you are over 55 it has special Golden Days rates.

On the trip we just finished we stayed at 9 Paradors and enjoyed that free drink upon arrival.

Thanks jaimeelsabio. Some good tips.

We stayed at Rick’s recommended Hotel El Convento just a couple dozen feet from the Parador the other night. We had a great terrace and even stayed in the room dedicated to Rick and where he stays when he is in Arcos. With an early reservation and prepaying we also enjoyed a free continental breakfast. The view may be better at this place than at the Parador. And the price could be half as much. It is in part of the former convent, hence the name. And, yes, Arcos is worth a night’s stay. Arrive late and leave mid-morning. And do not drive up to the old town. Most of the locals’ cars show the scraps and dents from rubbing along the columns or corners.