The 10 Most Gorgeous White Villages of Andalusia, Spain

What Are the White Villages in Spain? 

Los Pueblos Blancos are small villages of white-washed houses and narrow, winding paved streets located in the region of Andalusia in Southern Spain.

The tradition of using lime for the houses dates back to the 17th century, valued for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties during times of epidemics like the plague and typhus.

What makes these villages truly special is their exceptional locations, either nestled in the mountains or perched high on cliffs. In the past, these hard-to-reach spots were strategic for defense against invaders.

Today, these picturesque villages have a unique atmosphere where the bright colors of the geraniums pop against the pristine white facades. Exploring these villages means immersing yourself in Andalusian culture and meeting the friendly locals who love to chat with visitors.

The 10 Most Beautiful White Villages of Andalusia

1. Frigiliana

Many people say Frigiliana is the most beautiful village in Andalusia, and that’s exactly what some locals in Malaga told us!

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra d’Almijara mountains, it’s less than an hour’s drive from Malaga. Frigiliana is a must-visit for its rich cultural and historical heritage, plus its close proximity (15-minute drive) to the beautiful coastal town of Nerja.

Tip: Make sure not to miss what I consider one the most majestic mirador on the road to the village, Frigiliana Scenic Viewing Point. The viewpoint is right in the middle of a winding 2-lane road, so drive slowly to avoid missing it.

2. Zahara de la Sierra

It’s one of the most popular stops on the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos, and for good reason. The village is dominated by the Castillo, perched on a hill and visible from miles away.

Zahara de la Sierra boasts a number of interesting monuments to visit including the Santa Maria de Mesa church and an incredible view of the El Gastor Reservoir, which is so vast it looks like a huge lake.

Tip: If you plan to sleep in this town, I recommend Hotel Tugasa Arco de la Villa! I didn’t expect such an unforgettable view when I’ve picked this hotel, both on the reservoir and the Castillo. 

3. Setenil de Las Bodegas

Just a 15-minute drive from the town of Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the most famous villages of the Pueblos Blancos. This village stands out because it’s nestled along a cliff in a canyon carved out by the Rio Trejo, with troglodyte houses built right into the rock face.

Don’t hesitate to explore beyond the iconic Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra to uncover the village’s unique architecture and hidden gems.

4. Montefrío

Just an hour’s drive from Granada, Montefrío is one of the most spectacular white villages you’ll ever see.

Crowned by a church and an ancient Moorish fortress, it features charming narrow, winding cobbled streets and beautiful old facades that captivate every visitor.

For the best view of the entire village, head to the Mirador National Geographic, just a 15-minute walk from the town center. The panorama is especially breathtaking at sunset.

Tip: If you choose to spend the night in Montefrío, I recommend booking Casa del Arrabal for the stunning view from the balcony. We loved having breakfast on this lovely balcony while watching the sunrise, and drinking some wine at sunset too.

5. Grazalema

Grazalema owes its charm to its stunning location, nestled in the mountainous landscapes of the Sierra de Grazalema.

This picturesque white village listed as a historical monument has a very authentic historic center with white houses, tiled roofs, balconies adorned with blooming geraniums, and charming little squares where you can hear the soothing sounds of fountain water.

Tip: Hiking lovers will be amazed by the wide variety of trails through the Sierra de Grazalema, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. I highly recommend the Sendero La Garganta Verde hike, where you can explore a deep canyon where you can see vultures and discover prehistoric caves.

6. Olvera

Olvera is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Cadiz mountains. Like other white villages, it features a beautiful town center with steep streets and whitewashed houses. However, its hilltop church and castle are especially worth visiting.

The hills around Olvera are covered with olive groves, producing some of the finest olive oil in Andalusia. In fact, the village’s name is believed to be derived from the abundance of olive trees in the area.

Tip: If you stop at Olvera, you should definitely enter the Castillo for its stunning views on the church, the village, and the olive groves. It costs only 2€ and include the small museum that I found surprisingly interesting and well-made for such a small village and small fee. 

7. Iznájar

Just an hour’s drive from Málaga, Granada, and Cordoba, Iznájar is a picturesque white village perched on a rock and surrounded by a stunning reservoir, making it perfect for a day trip.

The town features several must-see attractions, including the Castillo de Iznajar, which offers breathtaking views of the village and its surroundings, the Parroquia de Santiago Apostol, and the charming Patio de las Comedias with its iconic blue flowerpots.

Tip: Iznajar is one of the very few white villages where you can swim! Surrounded by the Iznájar Reservoir, the town has a sand beach, Playa de Valdearenas, where you can bathe, sunbath, take a boat trip or rent a SUP. It’s small but large enough to freshen up. 

8. Arcos de la Frontera

Located 1-hour drive from Cádiz, Arcos de la Frontera is known as the gateway to the Andalusian White Villages Route and one of the most beautiful pueblos blancos.

Perched high on a rocky promontory in the Sierra de Cádiz mountains, this village offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape of wineries, olive groves, and orangery, and boasts a rich historical heritage. Must-see sites include the Castillo de los Duques de Arcos, the Iglesia de San Miguel, the Basílica Menor de Santa María de la Asunción, and the Palacio del Mayorazgo.

Tip: Arcos de la Frontera is another of the few villages with a (artificial) sand beach. Playa de Arcos on Arco Lake offers everything to spend a great beach day, showers and restaurants included. 

9. Casares

Nestled among the hills of Cadiz province, Casares showcases traditional architecture that has been preserved for centuries, featuring winding cobbled streets and iconic whitewashed walls.

The village is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including numerous churches and monuments, and its picturesque landscape dotted with abandoned windmills and ancient Roman ruins. Additionally, Casares is famous for its thermal baths, offering a unique and relaxing experience.

Tip: Located 15 kilometers from the coast, it’s possible to see the Rock of Gibraltar from the ruins of its Arab castle on clear days!

10. Ronda

A bit different from the others, Ronda is more a city than a village but is definitely one of the most iconic of the Pueblos Blancos. Not far from Malaga, Ronda is one of the most visited cities in Andalusia due to the wonderful Puente Nuevo, one of the most famous Spanish landmarks. 

Outside its outstanding Moorish and Christian heritage, Ronda has an exceptional setting, overlooking the Tajo gorge from its rocky promontory on top of the Serrania de Ronda. 

Tip: While most of the white villages can be visited in half a day, I recommend spending a full day in Ronda to explore its old down and popular monuments such as the Jardines de Cuenca or the Mondrago Palace that really deserve a visit. 

Iznajar Reservoir

Things to Know Before Visiting the Pueblos Blancos

Here are a few info and tips that are good to know before hitting the Andalusian White Villages Route:

• Prefer visiting the white villages in spring (March to May) or in the fall season (October to November). Avoid summer at all costs because it’s extremely hot so you simply can’t visit. Also, many shops and hotels are closed due to this unbearable weather. 
• If you’re visiting during the times I’ve recommended above, expect incredibly sunny weather. Even in May, afternoon temperatures can hit around 35°C (95°F). So make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Sun is no joke here, so come prepared!
• The villages are set on large hills or nestled in the heart of the mountains, with lots of steep streets and even staircases to climb. So avoid sandals and flip-flops and wear good sneakers or walking shoes. 
• Spain is known for naptime in the afternoon, and while you won’t notice it in bigger cities, you’d be surprised in the villages. Everything is closed from around 3 pm to 7 pm!
• The opening hours of the villages’ monuments can vary a lot so try checking them on the internet the day before. 
• It’s not just the villages that are interesting; the region is very steep, with many magnificent natural parks to discover like the Sierra Nevada and the Sierra Grazalema. So take a look at what there is to do around the villages you plan to visit to vary your activities.

Map of the Best White Villages of Spain

I’ve gathered these 10 most beautiful Spain white villages on the map below. I’ve also included other great white villages for you to have a greater overview, which can be helpful when planning your trip through Andalusia.

To get it, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.

🔍 Read more:

• Day Trip Itinerary to Seville 
• Where to Stay in Cordoba
• Where to Stay in Malaga

I hope you enjoy your trip to the Andalusian white villages; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

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