Travelers who go off the beaten path to Andalusia‘s charming whitewashed villages (Pueblos Blancos) will be rewarded with a world of enchantment and Moorish beauty. The quaint whitewashed houses of these peaceful mountain communities are famous worldwide. Because the Moors originally came from what is now Algeria and Morocco, their culture and heritage are reflected in the buildings.
The whitewashed villages of Pueblos Blancos, Andalucia, are sometimes overlooked by tourists on their way through the region, but they are well worth the extra time and effort you put into getting there because of the stunning natural scenery and old-world charm.
The Road of the Pueblos Blancos provides a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of Andalusia’s major towns like Seville, Granada, and Córdoba. Yet, getting here necessitates either a car or lengthy hiking, both of which need great preparation and athleticism.
Mountain de Grazalema, Sierra Nevada, and the foothills of Las Alpujarras are where you’ll find the vast majority of the region’s small villages. The proximity of several of the towns makes it possible to visit many locations in a single day. Another option is to take a longer road trip that takes several days but includes visits to all of the communities.
Top 11 white villages in Andalusia, Spain
While being off the main path and less frequented by tourists than the larger cities, Spain’s pueblos blancos, or white towns, give visitors a charming, old-world appeal that takes you back in time to a simpler, leisurely existence. If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you should definitely include a stop in one of these picturesque white towns of Andalusia.
- Ronda
- Arcos de la Frontera
- Grazalema
- Vejer de la Frontera
- Medina Sidonia
- Zahara de la Sierra
- Ojén
- Sentil de las Bodegas
- Mijas Pueblo
- Olvera
- Ubrique
Ronda
Ronda, one of Spain’s most famous “white towns,” is perched on the edge of a cliff on each side of the Tajo Canyon. When visiting Ronda, be sure to check out the Puente Nuevo or the new bridge. Due to its compact size, Ronda may be explored thoroughly in a single day.
While the Andalusian town of Ronda can be visited in a day from the nearby cities of Seville and Cordoba, staying there for at least one night will allow you to enjoy a quieter, more local atmosphere once the daytrippers have left.
Ronda is the birthplace of bullfighting and home to one of Europe’s most recognizable bridges. For younger audiences, it serves as the backdrop of the film Ferdinand, about a bull who doesn’t want to fight. Bullfighting is a significant part of the history and culture of the town, even if you choose not to attend the events as a spectator.
Arcos de la Frontera
Arcos de la Frontera, in Andalucia, is one of the most stunning white villages in all of Spain and Andalusia. The village, perched on a breathtaking cliff, makes for a wonderful day excursion from Seville or Cadiz. Arcos de la Frontera is a city full of exciting opportunities. You may see a flamenco show, get lost in the maze of small alleyways, and eat tapas and wine at one of the numerous restaurants and pubs.
You should begin your exploration of the village in Plaza del Cabildo. There is also the stunning Minor Basilica of Santa Mara de la Asunción, the town hall, a historic castle (now privately held and hence not open to the public), and the tourism office.
It’s a nice place to get lost in, so get a map if you’re a directional stickler. It’s not so huge that you can’t find your way about, but not so little that you don’t feel lost. The Convent of the Barefoot Mercedarian Order is the only functioning convent in the area and is worth a visit.
Grazalema
Grazalema is a lovely village in the Parque Natural de Sierra de Grazalema, which is located in a valley in the Cádiz province (about 50 kilometers from Arcos de la Frontera). This huge natural park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a “special protection zone” for wild birds. It spans over 53,000 acres, and it is one of Andalusia’s best white villages.
Limestone mountains, pine woods, oak groves, and flowing rivers all contribute to an atmosphere that is ideal for outdoor recreation. The Sierra de Grazalema is a popular destination for visitors interested in hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
Grazalema, with its charming cluster of whitewashed cottages, winding alleys, and peaceful squares, is one of the greatest spots to visit for a taste of the Moors. Winding through the neighborhood on foot, you’ll see homes with vibrant flower pots on the windowsills and breathtaking vistas of the distant rugged mountains.
Vejer de la Frontera
Vejer de la Frontera, one of the most picturesque Pueblos Blancos or white villages in Andalusia, is located on a hilltop above the Ro Barbates and is only 10 kilometers from the coast. There are several vantage points throughout the village that look out over the ocean. This ancient walled city spent six centuries under Muslim domination.
Mudéjar architecture, swaying palm trees, meandering cobblestone lanes, arched tunnels going through the medieval fortifications, and boxy, whitewashed cottages with flower-bedecked courtyards all contribute to the village’s overall Moorish feel.
The village is a protected Historical Artistic Monument due to its significant past. Together with the Arch of Segur, the Judera (ancient Jewish district), and the Plaza de Espaa (Spanish Square), which features a fountain, the Moorish castle, built during the 10th and 11th centuries, are the major draws for visitors.
Medina Sidonia
Medina Sidonia, a typical Pueblo Blanco located about six kilometers south of Arcos de la Frontera, has a rich history dating back to Roman times, and it is one of the greatest white villages in Andalusia. This magnificent hilltop settlement is surrounded by pristine scenery, which consists of pastoral land and bull ranches.
Iglesia de la Santa Mara de la Coronada, a gothic church with a Plateresque retablo; the remnants of a Moorish alcazar (castle) from the 13th century; the old ramparts; and the Roman bridge are the primary tourist attractions of the village.
One of the region’s oldest churches, the 7th-century Ermita de los Santos Mártires (hermitage), can be found in the village, along with the 17th-century Convento de las Descalzas, which is known for its ornate dome.
Zahara de la Sierra
If you’re taking a road trip across southern Spain, you have to stop at the historic white town of Zahara de la Sierra, as it is one of the best white villages in Andalusia. Hilltop pueblo blanco in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The Mirador Zahara de la Sierra on the A-2300 road is a must-see on the way to the village, as it looks out over an artificial lake and a gorgeous valley.
There are a few attractions in the village itself, including the fortress of Zahara de la Sierra. While the castle is a somewhat unimpressive ruin, the scenery is the main attraction (though it is amazing that it dates back to the 13th century). The Clock Tower, the San Juan de Letran chapel, the Church of Santa Maria de la Mesa, and a few more vantage spots are well worth seeing.
Ojén
Ojén, a picturesque mountain town, is a great place to set up camp. This village is also one of Andalusia’s top white villages. Visit one of the white villages, or pueblos blancos, in the Sierra de las Nieves for a taste of true Mexican culture and breathtaking scenery.
Ojén is a little town with less than 3,000 people, yet its mountain setting and sloping architecture combine for a gorgeous scene. Most internet maps label a viewpoint south of town as “mirador de Ojén,” and this is where you may get the best aerial view of the settlement.
Nothing in the sleepy village can compare to a leisurely stroll down its cobblestone lanes, observing the locals go about their days in the picturesque whitewashed buildings.
Although the sleepy town of Ojén itself doesn’t offer much in the way of entertainment, it serves as a great home base for exploring the beautiful landscape beyond.
Sentil de las Bodegas
The stunning white villages (pueblos blancos) of Andalucia are well-known worldwide. Setenil de las Bodegas stands out as the most remarkable white village in Andalusia.
The streets are so tiny that even the smallest automobiles have trouble passing through, and there are white buildings jammed into the hillsides. The town was once ruled by the Moors, and it was only after seven Christian attacks that it was finally taken. Later, the region earned renown for its vineyards, whose harvests were aged in underground vaults known as bodegas.
Unfortunately, insects destroyed the vineyards, but the rooms were put to good use as homes for the community. The roofs of several of these homes are cave-like, having been hewed out of the mountain itself. At some of the cave dwellings, you’ll need to stoop down so as not to hit your head on the low ceiling. It is possible to have dinner on the terraces beside the riverbank, hidden among the rocks.
Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is one of the white villages in Andalucia that is easiest to get to, being only 20 minutes from Malaga and serviced by frequent buses.
Mijas, situated in the Sierra de Mijas, rises to an altitude of 400 meters (1,312 feet) above sea level. Magnificent vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and, on clear days, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco may be seen from here.
Mijas Pueblo is a small village, yet it doesn’t lack entertainment options. If you take a stroll around the top portion of Mijas Pueblo, you’ll find some of the gorgeous streets in the whole village. White buildings with blue flower pots holding scarlet geraniums are the staple of the town’s aesthetic.
The miniature museum in Mijas Pueblo is one of the most unusual attractions there. The museum houses a collection of small painted things. Things like rice, toothpicks, and pinheads are among the most peculiar examples.
Olvera
Olvera is renowned as one of the most stunning white villages in all of Andalusia. The stunning community is perched on a hill with a stunning church as its centerpiece. The town’s hilltop fort, which is placed on a huge boulder, is even taller than the church. See breathtaking vistas of the olive orchards and white buildings below from this vantage point.
On the other hand, Olvera’s outstanding location means that it is seen from far and wide. This makes the journey to Olvera, and especially the stretch between Olvera and Sentinel, quite spectacular. From gorges to olive orchards and vineyards, this meandering route takes you over lush green hills. The castle is visible from nearly every direction as you wind your way into town.
Ubrique
Ubrique is situated in a valley between El Alcornocales and Grazalema national parks; both are huge and mountainous. This village is one of Andalusia’s most stunning white villages. As you make your way up the mountain, you’ll have a fantastic view of the quaint village and its colorful rooftops.
Ubrique, like many of the other so-called “Pueblos Blancos,” is well-known for its leatherwork. Ubrique has been home to this sector for quite some time, and the city still manufactures high-end handbags today. This is why the Leather Museum is a must-see while in Ubrique (Museo de la Piel de Ubrique). The structure itself is stunning, and within, you’ll find a museum dedicated to the art of leather bag creation from centuries past.
Ubrique is a picturesque village as well, with its whitewashed homes and pink and purple bougainvillea cascading over the roofs and walls. Furthermore, hikers may access the stunning natural scenery in the hills and mountains that surround the village.