Nestled in the hills of Andalucía, the White Villages of Spain have a timeless allure. Visit the most picturesque villages, tucked into dramatic locations, with our driving route for the White Villages.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Comments & Questions
Perched on mountain peaks in the picturesque region of Andalucía, the Pueblos Blancos, or White Villages of Spain, stand as cultural strongholds in this fascinating part of the country.
Enriched by centuries of Moorish rule and built upon Roman foundations, the villages have a distinctive charm that remains traditionally Spanish.
Strolling the narrow cobbled lanes with whitewashed buildings and neat orange trees is a highlight of visiting the Andalucía Region.
There are plenty of villages to choose from. Some are tiny villages; others are larger towns with historic architecture and some of the best tapas in Spain.
We’ve selected the best villages for overseas visitors to see, along with instructions for visiting them either on a day trip from one of the larger centres in Andalucía or via a driving route.
We love this part of Spain for its fascinating mix of cultures, history and excellent food, and we hope this guide helps you experience it easily.
IN THIS GUIDE
WHITE VILLAGES OF ANDALUCÍA, SPAIN
WHAT? | WHERE? | TOURS | DRIVING ROUTE | MAP | WHITE VILLAGES | WHAT’S NEARBY? | WHERE TO STAY? | MORE GUIDES
WHAT ARE THE WHITE VILLAGES IN SPAIN?
The White Villages of Spain are hilltop villages, often with Moorish roots, found mainly in the Andalucía region of southern Spain.
Their most distinctive feature is a maze of charming, whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs. Due to their interesting history, they often have defensive Moorish castles, quaint churches, and charming town squares lined with fragrant orange trees.
While some are popular tourist locations, others are traditional Spanish villages with old-school tapas bars, unique characteristics and stunning views.
WHERE ARE THE WHITE VILLAGES?
White villages are found throughout Spain; however, the most popular are in the triangle between Málaga, Cádiz and Seville, in Andalucía in the south.
Under Moorish rule from the 8th to the 15th century, the white villages in Andalucía retained their unique architecture.
This combination of historical influences and impressive hilltop locations make the White Villages one of the unmissable things to do in Andalucía.
ORGANISED WHITE VILLAGE TOURS
Tours from Málaga, the Costa del Sol, or Seville can take you to two or three of the best white villages.
From Málaga and the Costa del Sol: This well-reviewed day trip includes Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas, two of the area’s most interesting villages.
From Seville: This excellent day trip includes Ronda, Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra.
To see more than two or three, hiring a car and driving yourself around is best. Driving in Andalucía is very easy, with good roads and clear signage.
OUR RECOMMENDED WHITE VILLAGES DRIVING ROUTE
We recommend hiring a car and exploring the area at your leisure to see a good selection of the most interesting white villages in Spain.
The above driving route will take you to a great selection of diverse villages.
It also includes the stunning drive over the pass between Zahara and Grazalema, one of the most scenic drives in Andalucía.
1-DAY ITINERARY
START: RONDA
Although not officially a white village, Ronda is an unmissable destination. It’s located at the top of a deep gorge formed by the El Tajo River, and the setting is spectacular.
The old town dates back to Islamic times and has interesting museums, art galleries and great restaurants.
SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS
Driving time: 20 minutes.
After Ronda, drive to Setenil de las Bodegas, a unique white village with houses built into the cliffs. It’s a great village to stroll around in, but there are also some wonderful viewpoints. More details are below.
OLVERA
Driving time: 30 minutes.
Olvera is a traditional Spanish town that sees fewer tourists than many others.
A 12th-century castle and church tower over the village and a very interesting cemetery at the top is well worth exploring.
ZAHARA DE LA SIERRA
Driving time: 35 minutes.
Zahara has the most commanding hilltop position of all the white Villages, with charming, whitewashed streets below.
There’s a very impressive Moorish castle, and the streets contain small local bars with some of our favourite tapas in Spain.
GRAZALEMA
Driving time: 30 minutes.
Nestled into a dramatic location with a reputation for local crafts. As a popular white village on the tourist trail, Grazalema can get busy during the day and sleepy in the late afternoon
While visiting the area, don’t miss the amazing Caminito del Rey.
MAP | BEAUTIFUL WHITE VILLAGES IN SPAIN
Our map includes our top 10 white villages in Spain, other interesting things to see in the area and our suggested driving itinerary to see the best of the area.
While in this part of Spain, you might like to read our guide to the best things to do in the Costa del Sol, which is accessible from the pueblos blancos.
How to use our maps // Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
BEST WHITE VILLAGES IN ANDALUCÍA, SPAIN
If you are in the area for a little while and have time to pick up more of the villages, here are the ones we recommend.
1. RONDA
Ronda is a remarkable town at the top of a deep gorge formed by the El Tajo River.
The bridge that spans the canyon is an imposing landmark and offers breathtaking views, making Ronda one of Spain’s most picturesque White Villages.
The old town dates back to Islamic times, and the influence of its Moorish past can still be seen today. The mosque has been transformed into a church, the Moorish palace into a mansion, and the Arab baths are now in ruins in the shadows of the gorge.
Ronda is famous for being the home of bullfighting in Spain, and it has one of the finest bullrings in the country, the Plaza de Toros. If you only visit one white village in Andalucía, make it this one.
WHAT TO DO IN RONDA
- Take in the Nuevo Bridge from the road at the top or by climbing down to the base of the gorge.
- Visit Casa de San Juan de Bosco, a 20th-century palace with Nasrid details and a garden overlooking the Tajo gorge.
- Explore the historic Palacio de Mondragón, a 14th-century Moorish house.
- Stroll through the stunning gardens of Casa del Rey Moro, an 18th-century mansion built on the site of an original Moorish house.
- Wander through the hanging gardens of Jardines de Cuenca, which are spread over 23 rose-covered terraces.
TIPS FOR VISITING RONDA
How to get there: Ronda is a one-hour, 20-minute drive from Málaga or one hour and 45 minutes from Seville or Cádiz.
Parking at Ronda: Head straight for the Plaza de la Merced car park. It’s close to all the main attractions, and the spaces are a tiny bit wider than some of the other parking lots in town.
Tour from Málaga: This well-rated tour from Málaga visits two very different white villages, Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas.
Tour from Seville: The well-rated tour from Seville visits Ronda and two other excellent pueblos blancos.
2. GRAZALEMA
Grazalema is a great Pueblo Blanco to visit thanks to its location on a rocky ledge deep within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.
Surrounded by towering craggy mountains, rows of white houses topped with terracotta tiles create one of the area’s most photographic locations.
As a popular white village on the tourist trail, Grazalema can get busy during the day and sleepy in the late afternoon when the buses depart and most of the cafes close.
Nonetheless, its central position on the Ruta de Pueblos Blancos makes it worth popping into.
WHAT TO DO IN GRAZALEMA
- Have a coffee in the main square under the gaze of the surrounding mountains.
- Hike in the nearby Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park – the El Torreon hike is one of our favourites.
- Try one of the very local tapas restaurants tucked into the lanes behind the main square.
- Complete the Llano del Endrinal circular hike from the car park (2 hours | 2.2 kilometres)
TIPS FOR VISITING GRAZALEMA
How to get there: Grazalema is a 1-hour 50-minute drive from Seville, Málaga & Cádiz.
Parking at Grazalema: The parking lot at Mirador el Tajo is a short walk to the main square.
Tour from Seville: Visit Ronda, Grazalema, and Zahara de la Sierra on this White Villages tour from Seville.
3. ZAHARA DE LA SIERRA
Perched on the side of a hill in the northern part of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, Zahara de la Sierra is a postcard-ready white village with magnificent views and interesting history.
The narrow hilltop laneways have some excellent dining options.
The town is overlooked by a 13th-century Moorish castle on a rocky promontory. For 150 years, Muslims occupied the area, selecting Zahara for their castle thanks to its commanding view of the surrounding countryside.
WHAT TO DO IN ZAHARA
- Climb the steps to the 13th-century castle and take in the panoramic views overlooking the countryside.
- Admire Santa Maria de la Mesa church with its colourful spire and dome.
- Photograph the picturesque Capilla de San Juan de Letrán chapel built in 1958 on the site of an old hermitage.
- Eat tapas on the street: El Gallo or La Cabana Terraza are great options.
- Hike deep in the dramatic gorge of Gargante Verde.
TIPS FOR VISITING ZAHARA
How to get there: It’s a 1-hour 30-minute drive from Seville or Cadiz and 2 hours from Málaga
Parking at Zahara de la Sierra: There is a car park on Calle Nueva as it enters the town from the south. Alternatively, you may be able to park along the main road (CA9104) as it skirts the northern edge of the town.
Tour from Seville: Visit Ronda, Grazalema, and Zahara de la Sierra on this White Villages tour from Seville.
4. SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS
Setenil de las Bodegas is a unique village in the southern section of Andalusia, in the province of Cádiz.
The village lies along the gorge of Trejo River, and its walls contain many natural caves.
Over the years, white facades were built over the cave entrances to create homes. Cheap to build and cool in summer, the village’s narrow streets are now adorned with buildings integrated into the natural landscape.
In addition to its distinctive architecture, Setenil de las Bodegas has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times.
The village was an important strategic location during the Muslim occupation of Spain. Its name comes from the Latin words ‘septem nihil,’ referring to the seven times the Catholic monarchs tried to recapture the town from the Moors.
WHAT TO DO IN SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS
- Wander around the houses built into the rock, admiring the unique architecture.
- Walk up to the Arab Castle (Nazari Castle) for stunning views over the town.
- Explore one of the many viewpoints – Calle Ventosilla Alta is the highest viewpoint in town; Mirador del Lizon is an observation deck open 24 hours.
TIPS FOR VISITING SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS
How to get to Setenil de las Bodegas: It’s a one-hour, 20-minute drive from Málaga, one hour 35 minutes from Cádiz, and one hour 50 minutes from Seville.
Parking at Setenil de las Bodegas: There are a few spaces on the main road as it winds around the village, but otherwise, parking is easy underground in Parking Los Canos.
Tour from Málaga: This well-rated tour from Málaga visits Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas.
5. OLVERA
Olvera is a charming town surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills.
The hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and its whitewashed buildings and narrow streets make it a classic example of a traditional Spanish village.
The most striking landmark in Olvera is the church and reconstructed 12th-century castle that dominates the top of the hill.
Less popular with tourists, Olvera is a quiet place to enjoy a glass of local Vermut, sample traditional tapas and stroll the charming, quiet streets.
WHAT TO DO IN OLVERA
- Walk up to Monumento al Sagrada Corazon, a viewpoint above a lovely rock garden with the scent of Jasmine wafting in the air.
- Climb the stairs up to El Castillo Arabe de Olvera for wonderful views over the church, the town and the surrounding olive groves. Entrance is €2.
- Stroll the beautiful cemetery with grand white marble graves set into the walls under the castle.
- Admire the church from the terrace (there’s no need to go in), and the views up to the castle.
TIPS FOR VISITING OLVERA
How to get there: Olvera is an hour and 30-minute drive from Seville, Cádiz and Málaga.
Parking at Olvera: The most convenient parking is towards the castle on Calle Bellavista on the northern edge of town.
6. ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA
Arcos de la Frontera is a charming village on a towering sandstone cliff surrounded by the Guadalete River.
Viewed from below the tiny houses only just peer above the vertical rocky wall.
The village has a rich history as a frontier for warring Christians and Muslims, resulting in a unique blend of architecture.
The narrow lanes of Arcos de la Frontera are lined with few shops and cafes, adding to its quaint and peaceful atmosphere.
WHAT TO DO IN ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA
- Stroll Cabildo Square which houses a 15th-century church built over the remains of a Moorish fortress.
- Catch a snap of the colourful Town Hall, a beautiful building in the main square.
- Head out to the Guadalete River for the best view of Arcos de la Frontera peeking over the vertical cliff wall.
TIPS FOR VISITING ARCOS
How to get there: Arcos is a 40-minute drive from Cadiz, 1 hour 20 minutes from Seville or 1 hour 40 minutes from Málaga.
Parking at Arcos de la Frontera: Park at Calle de Muñoz Vázquez, which has entrances off Plaza de España and Avenida del Duque de Arcos.
7. CASARES
Casares has been declared a historic, artistic site due to its well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage.
There’s a viewpoint on the road at the top of the town with breathtaking views.
From here, it’s a steep walk down to the town with tight laneways unsuitable for tourist buses. As a result, Casares remains quiet and local despite the beautiful setting.
The town is centred around Plaza de España, where you can enjoy tapas surrounded by friendly locals.
WHAT TO DO IN CASARES
- Visit the 13th-century ruined Castillo and walls for stunning views of the coast to Gibraltar and beyond.
- Walk through the interesting cemetery with its unique tombs on the marble walls.
- Admire the gigantic Griffon vultures, which can often be seen circling above the cliffs with wingspans up to 2.8 metres.
TIPS FOR VISITING CASARES
How to get there: Casares is a one-hour 20-minute drive from Málaga, one hour 40 minutes from Cadiz, or two hours 40 minutes from Seville.
Parking at Casares: Parking is around the mirador on the MA8300 as it winds above the village. It’s a 5-minute steep walk down to the village and a 5-minute walk back up to the castle.
8. GAUCÍN
Gaucín has become a haunt for foodies and artists.
Located in the Serranía de Ronda mountains, the village consists of narrow medieval streets filled with tall houses sprawled over two hills.
Village life revolves around Plaza de Santo Niño, and the Sierra del Hacho Mountain overlooks the whole scene.
Tiny galleries, several high-quality restaurants, and plenty of traditional tapas bars are dotted throughout the town.
It is a great spot for lunch, and on clear days, views stretch towards Gibraltar and Morocco.
WHAT TO DO IN GAUCÍN
- Visit the Castle of Aguila for its stunning views and fascinating history.
- Wander the village’s narrow streets and admire the traditional Andalusian architecture and colourful flowers.
- Eat at Azulete Restaurant for their excellent Mediterranean dishes. Book their outdoor terrace for the best seat in Gaucín.
TIPS FOR VISITING GAUCÍN
How to get to Gaucín: It’s a one-hour, 35-minute drive from Málaga, two hours from Cadiz, or two hours and forty minutes from Seville.
Parking at Gaucín: Parking is on Calle Convento as you enter the town on the eastern side.
9. JÚZCAR
In the spring of 2011, the once-white village of Juzcar was painted blue to celebrate the worldwide premiere of the Smurf movie.
The original plan was to paint the village white again after the premiere ended.
However, the blue village had become a sensation, and an estimated 95,000 people had visited over the course of six months.
The locals saw an opportunity and decided to leave the town blue.
Despite its gimmicky origins, Juzcar is a fun place to visit, set in a beautiful location.
The town is dotted with large statues of Smurfs and colourful red mushrooms, while murals and cartoons cover the walls. Even the road signs are cute.
WHAT TO DO IN JÚZCAR
- Stroll around the town to admire the blue-painted buildings and the Smurf-themed decorations.
- Visit the Smurf Museum to learn about the Smurfs’ history and how the town became associated with them.
- Explore the surrounding countryside by going quad biking, hiking, or mountain biking.
TIPS FOR VISITING JÚZCAR
How to get there: Juzcar is a 1-hour 45-minute drive from Málaga, 2 hours 15 minutes from Cadiz and Seville
Parking at Juzcar: Parking is on the side of the road on Camino De Pujerra at the southern edge of the town.
10. MIJAS
Thanks to its elevated position, Mijas is a picturesque town with traditional whitewashed streets. The town leads to a cliff-edge viewpoint with unparalleled views of the Mediterranean.
A thriving leather industry, an abundance of charming cafes and craft shops, and many small tourist attractions continue to entice busloads of visitors.
Situated between the tourist hotspots of Málaga and Marbella, Mijas can get very busy. Often painfully so.
To avoid the crowds, it’s best to arrive early in the morning when you can stroll the charming streets while they’re still waking up.
WHAT TO DO IN MIJAS
- Visit the church of Virgen de la Peña carved into the cliffside with prime Mediterranean views.
- Take a relaxing stroll through Parque La Muralla, an ornate garden on the cliff edge.
- Visit Plaza de Toros, which dates back to the early 20th century, to experience the history and culture of Spanish bullfighting.
- Savour the local cuisine by trying a traditional stew and sweet pastry.
TIPS FOR VISITING MIJAS
How to get to Mijas: Mijas is a 30-minute drive from Málaga, 2 hours 10 minutes from Cadiz, and 2 hours 40 minutes from Seville.
Parking at Mijas: There is limited parking on the streets and a large (pretty cheap) multi-storey pay-and-display that drops down just below the town.
Tour from Málaga: This tour from Málaga visits Mijas as well as Puerto Banus and Marbella.
WHERE TO STAY TO VISIT THE WHITE VILLAGES?
We recommend staying in Ronda,, which has great options for backpacking in Spain or indulging in a local atmospheric hotel. It’s a fantastic destination with impressive views, interesting history, and the best food options in the area.
Here are a few great options:
Aire de Ronda – A small, elegant hotel in the centre of Ronda with attentive owners and a superb homemade breakfast.
Catalonia Ronda – Relax in an infinity pool overlooking the bullring with excellent city views in this stylish and comfortable hotel.
Alavera de los Baños – Soak up the Mediaeval town centre in this good value hotel with quirky details and a lovely garden.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY
The White Villages in southern Spain are located in a beautiful and culturally interesting part of the country. Here are some other places to visit in the area.
CAMINITO DEL REY
The Caminito del Rey is a 7-kilometre hike through a stunning gorge suspended 100 metres above the ground on an aerial path. Anyone with a reasonable fitness level can complete the mostly flat trail.
All the details are on our guide to the Caminito del Rey walk.
CÓRDOBA
Córdoba was the capital of the only caliphate in Western Europe, and today, it’s a fascinating city to visit.
The Mezquita-Catedral, which combines Muslim and Christian influences, is one of the most important buildings in the world. Read more in our guide to visiting Córdoba.
GRANADA
Granada is a historic town at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, around 1.5 hours drive from Málaga. As an important centre during the Moorish occupation of Spain, Granada is known for the sprawling hilltop fortress Alhambra.
Read our guide to visiting Granada for all the details.
MÁLAGA
Recently reinvented with fresh urban spaces, Málaga has emerged from its reputation as a mere jumping-off point for some of Spain’s best beaches to become a cultural destination in its own right.
Read more in our Málaga guide.
CÁDIZ
Cádiz is an ancient town by the sea with wide boulevards flanked by imposing terrace houses. It has a relaxed charm, a sense of worn grandeur, Roman history, and excellent local tapas bars.
See our guide to Cádiz for more information.
SEVILLE
Seville is the capital of the Andalusian region, and it is home to world-class art, iconic attractions, and some of the best food in the region.
Read more in our guide to the best things to do in Seville and our 3-day Itinerary for Seville.
TARIFA
Tarifa is a popular surfing destination on the southern tip of Spain, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The town has a North African feel with small, whitewashed laneways hiding some excellent restaurants.
Read our guide to the best beaches in Tarifa.
MORE HELPFUL ANDALUCÍA GUIDES
- Read about our favourite places to visit in Andalucía.
- Relax on the Costa del Sol with our guide to the best beach bars near Marbella.
- Our guide to the best things to do in Granada has the top attractions plus the best tapas.
- The Caminito del Rey hike is one of the most stunning in Spain.
- Get off-the-beaten track on the El Pinsapar Trail in Sierra de Grazalema.
- Soak up the sun at these beautiful beaches near Tarifa.
- Visit el Torreón, the highest peak in Sierra de Grazalema.
- Discover all the best things to do in Seville.
- What to do in Mijas on a day trip.
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- Paul & Mark.
Paul Healy
Paul is an experienced travel writer with a collection of prestigious industry awards, including the title of Blogger of the Year at both the British Guild of Travel Writers and the TravMedia Awards.
His expertise lies in crafting engaging content, focusing on city breaks, comprehensive country-wide guides, and useful travel tips.
Ronda is one of the cutest towns I have ever been. I am in Spain quiet often so I will check out some more pueblos blancos next time. #FarawayFiles
We were in Ronda for Easter once and it transforms itself from a cute sleepy town to crazy carnival atmosphere. Very interesting thing to see!
Thanks – this is great and will come in very handy! I’m so glad you included a map too, you’ve done all of the hard work for us! #farawayflies
Thanks, Alex. Mark gets a scary amount of satisfaction from creating maps, so most of our stuff has a map in it somewhere – whether it’s needed or not!
This guide will come in handy one day because I’ve been collecting info on all of these towns for years and I’m dying to do a big tour of Andalucia, starting with the small white villages!! And definitely wouldn’t pass up the Smurf village! I love that they left it like that, though I wonder how they feel about the increase in tourism now. #FarawayFiles
They don’t appear to have had much of an increase in tourism, in fact, I wonder if they would like a bit more. Andalucía has one of the lowest incomes per capita in Spain and most visitors to the region head straight for the beaches. Some of the shops in these white villages look like they wouldn’t mind a few more customers.
I can overlook Ronda being a town not a village since it’s so beautiful! The picture you shot from the gorge hewn by the river is breathtaking. And the bridge that connects the two sides of the town is pretty impressive as well! #FarawayFiles
Thanks, Katherine. Ronda is a very picturesque place.
There are some wonderful towns and villages in Andalucía, we did a tour across the countryside a few years ago and it’s amazing that you don’t have to travel too far, to find some of these lovely tranquil places. We didn’t get to Júzcar, I think I may have remembered that one. #farawayfiles
It’s a great destination for a wee road trip with so many great things to see right next to each other. The mountain scenery is stunning as well. It’s worth poking your nose in Júzcar just for a look. Thanks for stopping by Janis.
I’ve spent a lot of time – years ago – in Spain but not much in Andalucia and would love to visit this region. There’s just something about white villages isn’t there? As I also have linked up my post of a white village in Italy, with more white villages to come. The blue one is interesting – not sure how I feel about the Smurf aspect but it does make for a good story! Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles
Thanks, Corey. It’s a really great part of Spain, the scenery, hiking and food are all top notch.
How quirky is Setenil de las Bodegas?! Some beautiful places for a road trip, for sure! Emma visited Ronda a few years back and I fell in love with the place when I saw her photos… #FarawayFiles
Ronda is stunning. We were there at Easter and it was a little weird – they really take their street parades seriously! But, it was lots of fun.
We stayed in Gaucin and loved it. Beautiful views down over Gibraltar, no where near as hot as the coast and lots of cute towns to explore #FarawayFiles
We haven’t been to Gaucin – must add it to the list.
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