Nestled in the sunny hills of southern Spain, the white villages of Andalucia, or“pueblos blancos“, are a captivating sight: whitewashed buildings, tiled roofs and a long history… Their discovery is a must!
Here’s our selection of the most beautiful white villages in Andalucia, and tips for planning your trip.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Most beautiful white villages in Andalucia: selection + map
The white villages are one of Andalucia’s best attractions. They are called Pueblos Blancos.
Here’s a map with our favourites, to help you find your way around and plan ahead:
The most famous area filled with these villages is around Ronda. But you can also find quite a few north of Cadiz.
You can find organized tours that take you to one or two villages.
But the best option is to hire a car to explore them.
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1. Setenil de Bodegas
>> Closest to Ronda
Why visit
Setenil de las Bodegas is a unique Andalucia village offering an unforgettable experience. Its most distinctive feature is the way the houses are built directly into the rock. We were fascinated.
The village has existed since the 22nd century, but traces of habitation go back much further.
You’ll discover troglodyte restaurants, rocky alleyways and plenty of viewpoints.
More photos and information in our article on Setenil de las Bodegas
Where to find the village
- North of Ronda
- Driving time from Ronda: 25 minutes
- Driving time from Malaga: 1h30
- Driving time from Sevilla: 1h45
- Easy access to the village by car
- Guided tours from Malaga, Costa del Sol and Sevilla – see options
Useful tips
- There are several parking lots, one of which is close to the village entrance but quickly fills up. The others require an additional 5-minute walk.
- Arrive early. It’s a very touristy village, so there are crowds in the middle of the day.
- Easy-to-explore lower part – stairs or slopes to admire the rest of the village and viewpoints.
- Several restaurants
2. Frigiliana
>> Closest to Malaga
Why visit
Frigiliana is a captivating white village in Andalucia. Its well-preserved old town is characterized by a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses, creating a picturesque atmosphere. It is often referred to as the “prettiest village in Andalucia”.
With its white houses, flower pots and sea views in the background, it’s a very photogenic village.
Frigiliana is known for its craft stores, local cuisine and festivals, as it attracts many artists.
Read more in our article on Frigiliana (coming soon).
Where to find the village
- Between Malaga and Motril
- Driving time from Malaga: 50min
- Driving time from Motril: 40min
- Easy access roads
- Guided tours from Malaga and the Costa del Sol – see options
Useful tips
- Convenient underground pay parking near the main square.
- The village is very hilly, so if you want to explore a little, there are stairs and sloping streets.
- A little tourist train that takes you through certain districts (but not the prettiest alleys, as they are very narrow).
- Arrive early. It’s a very touristy village, so there are crowds in the middle of the day.
- Numerous restaurants.
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3. Zuheros
>> Closer to Jaen / Cordoba
Why visit
Zuheros is a small white village that is much less well known because it is further away from the main tourist centers. It offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty and authentic Spanish charm.
Nestled beneath limestone cliffs in the Sierra Subbetica Natural Park, it is surrounded by olive groves. It is also dominated by a 9th-century castle built into a rocky outcrop. Impressive!
For more photos, see our article on Zuheros (coming soon).
Where to find the village
- South-east of Courdoue
- Driving time from Cordoba: 1h10
- Driving time from Jaen: 1h
- Driving time from Malaga: 1h40
- Short drive on a mountain road, nothing difficult.
Useful tips
- A few parking spaces in the village make it easy to visit. But it fills up fast.
- Larger parking lot below the castle (near the start of the canyon walking trail), and steep slope up to the village.
- Few shops
4. Grazalema
>> Closest to Ronda
Why visit
Grazalema is a beautiful, well-kept white village nestled in the Sierra de Grazalema nature park, at an altitude of 800m. The village is photogenic, set deep in the valley and surrounded by limestone mountains.
From the village streets, you can enjoy the whitewashed houses and the natural surroundings! Grazalema is renowned for its handmade products, including the delicious Payoya cheese.
Find out more in our dedicated article.
Where to find the village
- West of Ronda
- Driving time from Ronda = 45 minutes
- Driving time from Malaga = 2h
- Driving time from Sevilla = 1h45
- Mountain driving to get there, but not difficult.
Useful tips
The parking lots are not far from the village, but the visit will require a short climb on the way back.
It’s easy to walk around the village.
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5. Montefrio – famous National Geographic photo
>> Closest to Granada
Why visit
Montefrio is often the most recognized of Andalucia’s white villages. It’s all thanks to a National Geographic photo (now, they’ve even installed a frame so that tourists can take exactly the same angle…).
To be honest, it doesn’t have the prettiest alleys of all the white villages, but this view (pictured above) is truly unforgettable and so representative of Andalucia!
The village boasts two remarkable churches: the Iglesia de la Villa, built on an ancient castle, and the Iglesia de la Encarnación, a unique round church.
Where to find the village
- Northwest of Granada
- Driving time from Granada: 1h
- Driving time from Motril: 1h20
- Driving time from Malaga: 1h50
Useful tips
- Viewpoint just outside the city center, on the heights (100m stopping zone)
- Sloping village
- Some restaurants
6. Olvera
>> Closest to Ronda
Why visit
Olvera is best known for its view from the outside, with its 12th-century Moorish castle and neoclassical church. But we also loved the view from the square between the church and the castle, with all the rooftops below us. And the olive groves all around!
With its authentic Andalusian charm and fewer tourists than more popular destinations, Olvera offers a tranquil and immersive experience of rural Spanish life.
Where to find the village
- Northwest of Ronda
- Driving time from Ronda = 50 minutes
- Driving time from Sevilla = 1h30 drive
- Driving time from Malaga = 1h50 drive
Useful tips
- Take the time to walk around the village for plenty of beautiful views
- Several parking lots to the north and south of the village
- Sloping village
- All the streets look beautiful, even the ones furthest from the castle.
7. Zahara de la Sierra
>> Closest to Ronda
Why visit
Zahara de la Sierra is a captivating white village perched spectacularly on a hill overlooking a turquoise reservoir (Embase de Zahara el Gastor).
At the top, the village is dominated by its 13th-century Moorish castle and tower. The village was strategically located between Sevilla and Ronda.
Another village that combines history, architecture and nature!
Where to find the village
- West of Ronda
- Driving time from Ronda: 40 minutes
- Driving time from Sevilla: 1h25 drive
- Driving time from Malaga: 2 hours
- Easy access, short climb to lower parking lot.
Useful tips
- Parking lots at the bottom of the village and also under the castle.
- Steep streets.
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8. Medina Sidonia
>> Closest to Cadiz
Why visit
Medina Sidonia is a town with a historic center like a white village. The main entrance with an Arabic-style door.
In the lower parts of the town, you’ll discover beautiful 16th-century buildings, and at the top, don’t miss a visit to the church and castle ruins.
We love the different elements of this old center that has evolved over the years.
Where to find the village
- North of Cadiz
- Driving time from Cadiz: 35min
- Driving time from Sevilla: 1h20
- Easy access road, short detour from freeway
Useful tips
- Parking under the fortifications entrance.
- A sometimes steep uphill climb to reach the church and fort ruins.
- Some restaurants
9. Capileira (in the Sierra Nevada)
>> Closest to Granada
Why visit
In the Sierra Nevada, there is a famous trio of white villages in the Barranco de Poqueira valley, situated at over 1000m altitude. The highest is Capileira. It’s the most famous and the most popular with tourists. Between its narrow streets, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
It’s the starting point for beautiful hikes in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Where to find the village
- Between Granada and Motril
- In the Sierra Nevada mountains
- The highest of the 3 villages.
- Driving time from Granada: 1h30
- Driving time from Motril: 1h15
- Driving time from Malaga: 2h10
- Winding mountain road, very busy.
Useful tips
- Visit early for easy parking
- Sloping village
- Restaurants
10. Vejer de la Frontera
>> Closest to Cadiz
Why visit
Vejer is the most famous of the white villages perched between Cadiz and Tarifa.
The old walled town offers a maze of narrow streets with traditional white houses that are well maintained.
You can explore the medieval castle, stroll along the ancient ramparts and discover hidden courtyards.
But beware, it’s easy to get lost!
It feels more lively than the villages, which makes it even more attractive.
Where to find the village
- North-east of Cadiz
- Driving time from Cadiz = 45 minutes
- Driving time from Sevilla = 1h45
- Fairly easy access road, close to freeway
Useful tips
- Difficult city to visit.
- A maze of alleys
- It goes up and down all the time
- Restaurants
11. Arcos de la Frontera
>> Closest to Cadiz
Why visit
Arcos de la Frontera is one of Andalucia’s most spectacular white villages. It’s an impressive sight, perched atop a limestone ridge. We’ve already enjoyed admiring it from afar. But from the village, you can also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Guadalete River.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, it became a defensive stronghold during the Middle Ages with its castle. And don’t miss the Basilica!
Where to find the village
- North-east of Cadiz
- Driving time from Cadiz = 45 minutes
- Driving time from Seville = 1h15
- Fairly easy access road
Useful tips
- Large parking lots to the west of the village
- A fairly touristy village, we recommend an early or late visit to avoid the crowds.
- Restaurants
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12. Montoro
>> Closer to Cordoba
Why visit
Montoro is a very photogenic town nestled in a bend of the Guadalquivir River.
It’s best known for its views from different vantage points around it, with the contrast of its plank houses, the ochre color of the tower and the green of the fertile valley.
You can capture its beauty from the surrounding area as you approach or from the bridge.
Where to find the village
- East of Cordoba
- Driving time from Cordoba: 40min
- Driving time from Jaen: 1h5
- Easy access road
Useful tips
- Less touristy
13. Pampaneira
>> Closest to Granada
Why visit
Of the famous trio of Sierra Nevada villages, this is the lowest.
It’s completely different in style and atmosphere. It’s small and organized around a charming square and a church.
It’s less picture-perfect. We really liked its more authentic look.
Where to find the village
- Between Granada and Motril
- In the Sierra Nevada mountains
- The lowest of the 3 villages.
- Driving time from Granada: 1h15
- Driving time from Motril: 1h
- Driving time from Malaga: 2h
- Winding mountain road, very busy.
Useful tips
- Visit early for easy parking
- Restaurants
14. Troglodyte village in Guadix
>> Closest to Granada
Why visit
It’s not really a village, but a district of the town of Guadix, but it really does look like a village, and it’s a very different place from the others!
Situated on a high plateau, Guadix is a fascinating town. It dates back to the Phoenicians.
In the oldest part of town, most inhabitants live in troglodyte houses carved into the ochre hills, dating back to the 15th century.
Where to find the village
- East of Granada
- South of the town of Guadix
- Driving time from Granada = 50min drive
- Driving time from Almeria = 1h15 drive
- Very easy access
Useful tips
- A little hilly, but easy to ride.
15. Mijas
>> Closest to Malaga
Why visit
Mijas is one of the most popular white villages in Andalucia, thanks to its location close to the Costa del Sol.
It’s a series of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses.
The village is also famous for its white-walled bullring.
Where to find the village
- Between Malaga and Marbella, Costa del Sol
- Driving time from Malaga: 30min
- Driving time from Marbella: 30min
- Easy access roads
Useful tips
- Visit early or late afternoon to avoid the crowds
- Numerous restaurants and tourist shops
Nerja, Baeza, Tarifa…
We haven’t listed some of the other names in this article, which you’ll find in others. This is because, in our opinion, they fit less into the definition of Pueblos Blancos, either in terms of architecture or size.
For example:
- Nerja near Malaga (in our selection of the most beautiful towns)
- Ubeda and Baiza (historic towns near Jaen)
- Ronda, which is a town
- Cazorla, a pretty prospect but less attractive alleys in our opinion
- Tarifa, which is a
Pueblos blancos by region
Best white villages around Ronda
- Setenil de las Bodegas
- Grazalema
- Zahara de la Sierra
- And much more… See our article.
Best white villages around Sevilla
- The villages around Ronda listed above (1h20 to 1h40 drive)
- Carmona, no longer a town, but it has pretty white streets
- The villages around Cadiz listed below (1h20 to 1h40 drive)
Best white villages around Malaga and Costa del Sol
- Frigiliana
- Mijas
- The villages around Ronda listed above (1h20 to 2h drive)
- And more…
Best white villages around Cadiz
- Arco de la Fronteraa
- Vejer de la Frontera
- Medina Sidonia
- And much more….
Best white villages around Cordoba
- Zuheros
- Montoro
- Iznájar
- And much more….
Best white villages around Granada
- Montefrio
- The 3 Sierra Nevada villages with Capileira
- …
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