Andalusia: our top 10 white villages
When we think of Andalusia, it's usually Seville (which we tell you about here), Granada or Cordoba that spring to mind. And yet, just a stone's throw from these emblematic cities lie little architectural marvels: the pueblos blancos, the white villages of Andalusia, named after their typical whitewashed houses. Perched on verdant hillsides or nestled in picture-postcard landscapes, these villages fascinate with their gentle way of life and spectacular views. Be warned, some require a bit of effort to get to. But if you really want to discover the soul of the region, it's well worth the effort!
Many of these villages are difficult to reach by public transport. To explore these white villages, we advise you to combine train travel to the main stations (Ronda, Antequera, Granada, Seville...) with local solutions such as renting an electric vehicle or using the shuttles when available. And above all, take your time: these villages are best enjoyed slowly, to the rhythm of their peaceful lanes and breathtaking landscapes.
Ready to go? Zoom in on our top 10 most beautiful Andalusian white villages.
1. Iznajar: a little corner of paradise
Perched on a promontory overlooking the reservoir, Iznajar is a veritable tableau vivant. Our favorite: the Patio de las Comedias, decorated with flowers and passion by Juanita, who has transformed every corner with her husband of 24 years.
Photo : ©Tolt - The breathtaking view from one of the balconies surrounding the Patio de las Comedias
Don't miss the Plaza de la Torre, dressed all in red and exuding the same passion for handcrafted beauty. And to finish on a high note, you can climb up to the castle to admire the Embalse de Iznájar, a dammed lake of unreal blue. Perfect for a picnic break or a photo shoot!
Iznajar surrounded by its magnificent dam lake
Access: train (Rute-Encinas station approx. 20 km or Granada station approx. 80 km away) + local bus from Granada or electric car rental.
2. Ronda: Andalusia in all its splendor
This is undoubtedly the most famous and photogenic of the white villages, and it deserves its reputation. The Puente Nuevo, an impressive bridge spanning a vertiginous precipice, is a sight to behold in its own right. Lose yourself in its charming cobbled streets, discover Spain's oldest bullring, and stay at least one night if you can to savor the magic of its sunsets.
Impressive Puento Nuevo of Ronda
Access: directly accessible by train (Ronda station), especially from Seville and Málaga.
3. Montefrio: a jewel of whiteness
With its church perched on a rock and its panoramic view from the mirador de las Peñas, Montefrío is like a painting in itself. We recommend a visit to the village museum to discover its history. But above all, make the most of the peace and quiet to get away from it all!
Montefrio and its church perched at sunset
Access: train (Granada station, approx. 50 km away) + local bus from Granada or electric car rental.
4. Olvera: the postcard village
Olvera is the kind of village that catches your eye even before you get there, with its imposing church and perched castle. From a distance, it looks like a watercolour, its white tones standing out against the green of the hills. And up close, it instantly soothes with the quiet charm of its white streets. Our recommendation: climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains!
Superb town of Olvera
Access: train (Ronda station, approx. 30 km away) + local bus from Ronda or electric car rental.
5. Vicar: the village of frescoes
More modest than its neighbors, this small village stands out for its street art - with frescoes and colorful wall drawings. We suggest you allow one or two hours to wander around and admire this open-air gallery. Perfect for a quick artistic getaway.
Photo: ©Tolt - The beautiful murals you can see in Vicar
Access: train (Almería station, approx. 25 km away) + local bus from Almería or electric car rental.
6. Antequera: treasures of heritage and nature
Although a little larger and often excluded from lists of white villages in Andalusia, the town of Antequera richly deserves its place in this top 10. Don't miss the Dolmens, a UNESCO World Heritage megalithic site, or the nearby El Torcal nature park, with its fascinating karst landscapes!
The pretty village of Antequera
Access: directly accessible by train (Antequera-Santa Ana station), especially from Málaga.
7. Villaluenga del Rosario: the jewel in the mountains
This discreet village is the smallest in the region. Small in size, but big in charm, it is best known for its queso Payoyo cheese (a must-taste local specialty). Perfect for strolling through its peaceful streets and admiring the surrounding mountains.
The beautiful plains and mountains around Villaluenga del Rosario
Access: train (Ronda station, approx. 40 km away) + local bus from Ronda or electric car rental.
8. Arcos de la Frontera: an unrivalled viewpoint
Perched on a cliff, Arcos is a maze of narrow streets leading to splendid panoramic views. The Plaza del Cabildo viewpoint is a must, especially at sunset. And if you're in a gourmet mood, don't forget to try the local pastries prepared by the village nuns!
Arcos de la Frontera from above
Access: train (Jerez de la Frontera station, approx. 30 km away) + electric car rental.
9. Zahara de la Sierra: natural Andalusian charm
With its ruined castle overlooking a turquoise lake, Zahara de la Sierra is also often described as a living postcard. It's also an excellent starting point for a walk in the Sierra de Grazalema nature park.
Zahara and its historic castle
Access: train (Ronda station, approx. 30 km away) + electric car rental.
10. Setenil de las Bodegas: the village under the rock
And to finish this selection, how can we not mention Setenil, a village literally built under and in the rocks? Its white houses nestling under rock formations will surely give you the impression of being in a movie set. If you're feeling peckish, take advantage of the unique atmosphere of the troglodyte cafés and restaurants.
Setenil and its houses on the rocks
Access: train (Ronda station, approx. 20 km away) + electric car rental.
11. Bonus - Júzcar: the blue village!
And if you want to add a touch of color to your Andalusian journey, you can make a detour to Júzcar, known as the village of the Smurfs (“el pueblo de los pitufos”). And for good reason: everything here is painted blue, making this little corner of the mountains as unique as it is quirky.
A “village of Shtroumfs” that lives up to its name
Access: train (Ronda station approx. 20 km away) + local bus from Ronda or electric car rental.
And that's it for the top 10 most beautiful white villages in Andalusia! If you'd like to extend your trip, take a look at our guides to Spain.
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