I am trying to put together an itinerary for our trip to Spain during Holy Week 2010. We have 6 nights to spend in Andalucía and would like to see the smaller towns (such as Arcos) by car. Our current (rough) itinerary is 2 nights in Seville, 2 nights in Arcos, 2 nights in Granada. However, I am worried about the longer drive from Arcos to Granada - I would prefer to keep driving stretches under 3 hours, and I think Arcos to Granada is slightly over that. I was thinking 2 nights in Arcos to minimize "one night stands," but in this situation, would it make more sense to town hop and spend 1 night in Arcos and 1 night in Ronda to get somewhat closer to Granada? Also, I have read on this board that the roads are winding and narrow - is that the case the entire way from Arcos to Granada, or is some flatter (and easier to drive) highway? Any other recommended itineraries?
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
The highway from Arcos to Granada is actually pretty good. The first 60 miles through the hills might be a little slow, but it's certainly not winding or narrow beyond what you'd find on some of the older U-S federal highways out west. Then you hit the relatively flat plains on the A-384, and soon after that you join the A-92, which is four lanes, divided, right into Granada.
Personally, I would spend a night in Ronda, if you don't mind winding roads from Arcos to Ronda. None are terribly bad...you just have to take it slow passt El Bosque. You'll see some magnificent scenery, and should stop in the town of Grazalema on the way. Even with that, you'll comfortably be in Ronda by early afternoon.
From Ronda, you will find it relative slow going again for the first half hour or so, until you break out of the mountains on the A-367. Then you'll meet the A-384 and the A-92, and thence into Granada. Total travel time Ronda-Granada should be just under 3 hours.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6790 posts
Yup. what he said. Roads are easy, it will not be an issue. Just don't attempt to drive up into the upper old town of Arcos (park below and take a bus/taxi). Ronda itself actually wasn't that bad to drive into. The driving between towns is a non-issue - you'll do fine.
Posted by
Trenton, Ontario, Canada
204 posts
IMO I would spend the 2 nights in Rhonda. Lots more to do -Acros was very confined in the old town-nice but small. It was very hot in May when we were there and had to rest most of the afternoon so maybe that was why I didn't get much out of it. Driving in this part of Spain is a breeze- yes winding roads but no traffic.
Enjoy