So, we’re driving through the Andalucían countryside. (Imagine snaking roads, rugged mountains, saturated green as far as you can see).
We emerge from a valley to rows of little white boxes above us, cut into the cliff face.
These tiny squares take shape as we get closer. High on the hill – one of the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) of Andalucía.
Did you know that the white villages of Andalucía are not only postcard-perfect but were built for a purpose?
The villages hold fascinating Moorish history and were built on high ground to defend other communities against invaders. The houses were white-washed to keep cool in the intense desert-like summers and to protect against plagues.
With 19 in total, you may not have time to visit all the white villages, but these top 5 are the ones not to miss!
Top 5 White Villages of Andalucía
1. Zahara de la Sierra
You’ll be constantly snapping shots wherever you are in Andalucía, but the turquoise reservoir and castle atop the mountain make Zahara especially photogenic. Look out for both as you drive in. The best viewpoints are on the bridge and the free observation deck just before you get to the village.
Explore the plaza, flower-filled streets, and beautiful baroque church. Then keep going up (and up) until you reach ‘Villa Medieval’. Entrance is €3.50, and from there continue hiking through the olive trees and winding paths towards the ruins of the Moorish Castle.
The climb is steep but worth it for the views. The watch tower rises from the ruins, and you’ll feel like a king surveying their kingdom of the reservoir, mountains, and villages below.
Tip: Go at golden hour to see the bright blue reservoir hue and sunset on your way down.
Like hiking? You can’t miss this surreal canyon trek just down the road from the village.
La Garganta Verde takes you on a 400-metre descent deep into the ravine, through mountains, caves, and even Griffon Vulture colonies.
Be prepared though, the path is sheer down the canyon. And don’t make the mistake we did and go on a 35° day. Even in April in the evening, the heat was stifling!
Tip: You need a permit for this hike, which is free online.
2. Setenil de las Bodegas
Have you ever seen a village built into stone?
I had not. But that’s exactly what you get when you visit Setenil.
The main street, Calle Cuevas del Sol, runs beneath an overhanging wall of rock. Restaurants, shops, and cafes all peek out from under the huge boulders – make sure you stop for a drink or snack in one of the caves!
Explore the surrounding streets where homes are built directly into the cliff face of a canyon. And look out for the kissing corner ‘Bésame En Este Rincón’.
3. Ronda
Tasty tapas, beautiful buildings, and the famous Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Ronda is one of the more touristy towns, but for good reason!
The incredible quadruple-arched Puente Nuevo connects the old and new towns and plummets 100 metres into El Tajo Gorge and the river below. The views from the bridge are impressive, but to fully appreciate the magnitude of this structure you need to see it from the gorge.
We drove down the tiny track then climbed the steep hill. (Yes, another hill).
The view (and the climb) will take your breath away.
The toy-size town teeters on the canyon, cleaved in two by the gorge. The immense stone bridge towers in the middle, and a waterfall cascades underneath.
With cafes on every corner and too many tapas bars to count, you’re spoilt for choice of food.
Stop at Hotel Don Miguel for a drink under the Puente Nuevo. (Yes, it’s overpriced, but the views are worth it for one). For dinner, we tried Casa Mateos, which had a great selection of tapas and wine and was packed with locals and tourists.
4. Grazalema
Play your favourite soundtrack, roll down the windows, and imagine you’re in a movie driving into Grazalema.
Located in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, this is the highest of the white villages. The winding roads trace valleys with an incredible mountain backdrop, and the houses appear halfway up the summit. Make sure you stop at the viewpoint on the way in!
We hiked Inicio Calzada Medieval, a trail that leads up to the village, then had a drink in the Plaza de España. A great spot for people-watching in the sun.
5. Olvera
Another village you’ll spot from afar, Olvera’s castle and cathedral loom over the valley as you drive towards the white houses.
Perched atop a large crag, the 12th-century castle is a must-see. For €2 you can explore the castle and surrounding grounds, including a quaint courtyard entrance and a museum of the town’s Moorish history.
And, you guessed it, another viewpoint.
Tip: The best photo op of the cathedral is from the castle stairs. Then climb the narrow spiral staircase to the rooftop for beautiful 360° views of the village and beyond.
Getting Around
The easiest way to travel around Andalucía is by car. Public transport is typically scarce and unreliable. We used Rentalcars.com – they compare all local car rentals to find the best for your road trip.
If you don’t drive, you can do a day trip from Seville. This guided tour by Viator takes you to Zahara de la Sierra, Ronda, and Grazalema.