17 Best white villages in Andalucia (Pueblos blancos) – with pictures

Are you looking to visit the most beautiful white villages in Andalucia, Spain? There are many to choose from…
To help you narrow it down, you can find below my selection of the best villages in Andalucia (and also old town centers) with tips, photos and map. 

Most beautiful white villages in Andalucia (pueblos blancos)

My top 5 best villages in Andalucia

If I have to pick my absolute top 5, in terms of scenery, they are:

1. Zuheros – off the beaten path, protected by the mountain and near a gorge
2. Setenil de las Bodegas – so much fun to explore under the rocks
3. Frigiliana – well maintained and with views of the sea
4. Grazalema – for the surrounding mountains
5. Zahara de la Sierra – for the combination with hill, reservoir and mountains

This is my selection, my personal opinion. You will find more details for each on in the article below, as well as more of my favorite villages.

Top 5 Best villages in Andalucia – Map

Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate my top 5 villages:

About the Pueblos Blancos in Andalucia

The white towns of Pueblos Blancos are a great attraction of Andalucia.
The most famous area full of these villages is around Ronda.
They can be seen in series. The most famous routes are:

• Around Ronda – the most famous – Setenil de las Bodegas, Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema…
• North and East of Cadiz with Vejer de la Frontera, Medina Sidonia, Arcos de la Frontera
• But you can find stunning white villages in many places in Andalucia

Why are the houses white in Andalucia?

The houses are whitewashed for several reasons:

• To use the antibacterial properties of the lime-based whitewash. It repels insect
• The add a layer to the house making it stronger and waterproof
• To protect from the sun during summer, white houses are cooler since it reflects the sunlight.
• But also, probably because the village looks cohesive this way…

Know that in many towns, homeowners can be fined for not whitewashing their houses in time.

#1 – Zuheros – most beautiful village in Andalucia 

• Location –
  It is a little bit of a detour to visit Zuheros but I think it is worth it.
  Cordoba to Zuheros = 1h10 drive
• Why visit –
  The white village is well maintained and surrounded by beautiful mountains and a canyon.
  Its castle is beautifully integrated with the rocks and the cliffs, it is beautiful and impressive at the same time.
  And it is a lot less touristy, so quite a bit of fresh air.
  For more photos, check out my article about Zuheros
• Access – A short drive up the mountains, nothing difficult.
• Walking around –
  If you can park near the entrance at the top, it is quite easy to explore the village, there is not much of a slope.
  However there are not many parking places.
  For more, you have to drive down near the canyon walk trailhead and then it is a steep climb to get to the village.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#2 – Setenil de Bodegas 

• Location –
  In the Ronda area
  Malaga to Setenil de la Bodegas = 1h30 drive
  Ronda to Setenil = 25min drive
  Seville to Setenil de la Bodegas = 1h45 drive
• Why visit –
  Probably one of the most famous villages in Andalucia, because of the streets under the cliffs: the white houses embedded in the rock are quite a sight!
  The village has existed since the 12th century, but it is possible that people have been settling here since well before.
  The area is also famous for its meat (chorizo, sausage…) that you can buy in many shops.
  More photos in my article about Setenil de las Bodegas
• Access –
  Easy drive to the village
• Walking around –
  Several carparks, one is close to the village entrance, others require 5Min extra walking
  You can easily explore the bottom part of the villages with some of the most famous streets.
  If you want to reach viewpoints or the top of the hill, then uphill walking or stairs climbing are required…
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options in the village
  Or look at the best rated accommodations in Ronda

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your road trip around Andalucia:

#3 – Frigiliana – Famous white village near Malaga

• Location –
  Along the Costa del Sol
  Malaga to Frigiliana = 50min drive
  Nerja to Frigiliana = 15min drive
• Why visit –
  Often listed as the ‘prettiest village in Andalucia’, Frigiliana is a typical maze of cobbled narrow streets.
  It is one of the best maintained white villages with a lot of efforts in terms of plants. Therefore, it is really fun to photograph.
  It is also a place that inspires artists, and festivals are held every year.
  For more information and photos, see my article about Frigiliana.
• Access –
  Easy drive – underground carpark for a fee near the main square.
• Walking around –
  Hilly – exploring requires some climbing up streets. But you can go slow and stop often to admire the sight.
  There is a touristic mini train that takes you around some of the areas.
  However, know that it is very touristic, and the streets are narrow, so it can feel packed quickly in Summer.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#4 – Grazalema

• Location –
  In the Ronda area
  Malaga to Grazalema = 2h drive
  Ronda to Grazalema = 45min drive
• Why visit –
  Beautiful and well-maintained white village niched in a high valley (800m – 2625ft altitude).
  The white houses with red roofs, are surrounded by limestone peaks and lush vegetation.
  The whole scenery is very picturesque and the cobbled streets deserve a visit.
• Access –
  Mountain drive to read it, but not difficult.
  Don’t miss the stunning drive between Montejaque and Grazamela, one of my favorite landscapes in Andalucia (see my list).
• Walking around –
  Carparks not far from village, but visiting will require a little uphill walk on your way back.
  Easy to walk inside the village.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#5 – Zahara de la Sierra

• Location –
  In the Ronda area
  Sevilla to Zahara de la Sierra = 1h25 drive
  Malaga to Zahara de la Sierra = 2h drive
  Ronda to Zahara de la Sierra = 40min drive
• Why visit –
  One of the most dramatic white villages in the area, with a fort on top of a rocky promontory and the turquoise lake under it (Embase de Zahara el Gastor).
  Originally, it was a Moorish outpost at a strategic location between Seville and Ronda.
• Access –
  Easy access from around the lake.
• Walking around –
  Carparks at the bottom of the village and also under the castle.
  Steep streets.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#6 – Medina Sidonia

• Location –
  North of Cadiz
  Cadiz to Medina Sidonia – 35min drive
• Why visit –
  Yet another white village, but it has something different which I can’t explain. Far less touristic.
  The main entrance with an Arab style door is a great start for your exploration.
  Enjoy the 16th century buildings in the lower parts of town. Or head to the top, through the narrow streets, to visit the hilltop church and the ruins of the castle.
• Access –
  Short detour from the highway
• Walking around –
  Carpark below the fortification entrance.
  Uphill climb to reach the church and the ruins of the forts, sometimes steep.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#7 – Vejer de la Frontera (old town center)

• Location –
  North of Cadiz
  Cadiz to Vejer = 45min drive
• Why visit –
  Vejer is the most famous hilltop white village between Cadiz and Tarifa.
  The fortified old town offers a maze of narrow streets with white traditional houses.
  Plus, the old section is particularly well maintained by its inhabitants offering great photo opportunities.
• Access –
  Close to the highway
• Walking around –
  It is not an easy town to visit. It is really a maze going up and down… 
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#8 to 11 – Best views of Andalusian white villages & towns

The next few villages or old towns are, in my opinion, less interesting to explore inside. However, they do offer fantastic viewpoints!

#8 – Montefrio – famous National Geographic photo spot

• Location –
  Northwest of Granada
  Granada to Montefrio = 1h drive
  Motril to Montefrio = 1h35 drive
• Why visit –
  The white village of Montefrio has become famous thanks to a National Geographic photo in the 2015 best view of the world pick.
  Now they have installed a frame for tourists to take the exact same angle. LOL.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#9 – Arcos de la Frontera

• Location –
  Northeast of Cadiz
  Cadiz to Arcos de la Frontera = 45min drive
• Why visit –
  One of the most dramatic white village in Andalucia due to its position on top of a ridge, with the Guadalete River below.
• It offers fantastic views from the distance as well as viewpoints atop the cliffside.
  Inhabited since prehistoric times, it became a defensive strongpoint during the Middle Ages.
  The best views are from along the river.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#10 – Olvera

• Location –
  In the Ronda region
  Malaga to Olvera = 1h35 drive
  Ronda to Olvera = 50min drive
• Why visit – More a town than a village, Olvera offers a different experience. The houses are white but with many touches of colors, which makes it great for photography.
  Plus from the church and the fort, you can enjoy views over the village and the rolling hills covered with olive trees.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#11 – Montoro

• Location –
  East of Cordoba, close to the highway
  Cordoba to Montoro = 40min drive
• Why visit –
  Montoro is a very photogenic town niched inside a curve of the Guadalquivir River.
  The narrow alleys up the hill are lined with white houses and the village is surrounded by a fertile valley.
  You can capture its beauty from the around when approaching or from the bridge.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#12 to 14 – The 3 Sierra Nevada Villages

• Location –
  Granada to the villages = 1h15 drive
• Why visit –
  Famous trio of white villages in Barranco de Poqueira valley (Sierra Nevada), they are located over 1000m in altitude.
  It is a great place if you like hiking. But it also is a great half day excursion with magnificent mountain views and charming villages.
  When not in the clouds, the mountains of Sierra Nevada in the background, often covered in snow, make them even more photo-worthy.
• The villages –
  The lower one is Pampaneira, organized around a charming square and church.
  The middle one is Bubion – from the road you can admire the roofing, typical of the region.
  The top one is the most famous (and most touristic…): Capileira. It is the departing point for great hiking in the mountains of Sierra Nevada.
• Access –
  Mountain road with switchbacks. Can be a busy road.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#12 – Pampaneira

#13 – Bubion

#14 – Campileira

And keep track of your own trip!

#15 to #17 – Troglodyte villages of Andalucia

#15 – Village side of the town of Guadix

• Location –
  Near the Tabernas desert
  Granada to Guadix = 50min drive
• Why visit –
  Located on an elevated plateau, Guadix is a fascinating town like no other in Spain.
• It dates back to the Phoenicians and has had a long history since then.
  In the oldest part of the town, most inhabitants live in cave houses dug in the ochre hills. This is a fascinating place to explore.
  I strongly recommend spending a night here, to admire the rocks and views at sunset and sunrise
• Walking around –
  A little bit hilly, but easy to walk around
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

#16 – Marchal

• Location –
  Just 15min drive from Guadix
• Why visit –
  Small village with brilliant views of the clay rock formations created over millions of year in the Hoya de Guadiz.
  If there are not many people, drive up the road to the village center to enjoy the various viewpoints. Otherwise, park at the bottom and go on foot.
  You can see the contrast of desert like landscapes against olive groves.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options in Guadix

#17 – Gorafe

• Location –
  30min drive North of Guadix
• Why visit –
  Gorafe is one of the small villages with cave houses in the Guadix area. The road to reach it is beautiful.
  I have chosen this one because there is another attraction nearby: the Megalithic Park of Gorafe: the unpaved road takes you to several dolmens and offers magnificent views of the valley.
• Staying in or near the village –
  Check out the accommodation options

Want to see more of the best Andalucia has to offer?

• Best landscapes in Andalucia in 40 pictures – read article
• 24 best things to do in Andalucia – read article (to be published)
• 20 best beaches in Andalucia – read article
• 21+ Best cities and towns in Andalucia – read article
• Best castles and forts in Andalucia – read article (to be published)
• Sevilla or Cordoba or Granada – the city battle – read article
• Tips to plan a road trip around Andalucia – read article
• 16 best castles and palaces in Andalucia – read article

Planning a trip to Andalucia?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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