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Visit the most beautiful white villages of Andalusia

Updated: Jun 2, 2023

On the road to the white villages of the province of Cádiz


village andalousie
Arcos de la Frontera

If Andalusia makes you dream for these beaches or these majestic palaces, I also advise you to discover the white villages or "Pueblos Blancos" in the Andalusian lands. A real postcard in the heart of nature where whitewashed houses, maze of streets and mountainous landscapes will make this trip a real delight... So take your photos to immortalize these moments. You can find white villages near the Sierra Nevada (Zuheros, Montefrio...) or much closer to the coast around Malaga (Mijas, Frigiliana...). In this article I will tell you about the villages between Malaga and Cadiz near the Sierra de Grazamela Natural Park.


First of all, a small plan of the 2 or 3 day itinerary that I propose to you depending on the time you will spend visiting these villages.


map andalousie
2 or 3 day itinerary

The whole of this route is 150 kilometers for a duration of 3 hours of roads by car... the only way to make this trip.


How to come to Andalusia?


- By Plane: The 2 nearest airports are Seville and Malaga - By car: from Seville you will start with Arcos de la Frontera or from Malaga you will start with Ronda. In all cases, the distances to reach your place of stay are the same (100km and 1h30 journey).


Accommodation during your stay?


- There are many accommodations at all prices in this tourist region. You will find below many possibilities in each of the villages



Prepare your visit to Andalusia with this book you will find many tips and tricks





I will therefore show you these villages by going from Ronda - Arcos de la Frontera. As a reminder, you can split this itinerary as you wish (in 2 or 3 days...see more)


We will start our trip in Ronda. This village is one of the oldest in Spain, best known for its impressive gorge over 170m high where the Guadalevin river flows. You will be able to admire the valley from several viewpoints near the arenas or the emblematic bridge of the city located at the entrance to the gorge. It is said that great men like Hemingway or Orson Welles were amazed by this spectacle. At nightfall you will come across lovers or photographers on its bridge...or both :)


You can take a day trip from Seville or Malaga if you don't want to spend more time there


You can also visit the Turkish baths or discover an organic olive oil producer.


Bridge over the Gorge
Bridge over the Gorge

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Turkish baths

Next visit Sétenil de Los Bodegas 20 minutes from Ronda. This village is worth the detour if only for these houses built under the rock...These troglodyte habitats have existed since the 12th century. Do not hesitate to discover the alleys of this atypical place. You will find car parks at the bottom and at the top of the village with a view of the valley. For charcuterie lovers, Sétenil is famous for its chorizo ​​and sausages.


You can take a day trip by bus from Malaga to discover Ronda and Sétenil


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View of the village

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Cave houses

Let's continue towards Olvera Olvera is more of a small town than a village. These white houses with a few touches of color are different from the other villages. The landscape is also different, gentle mountains, cereals and olive trees will enchant you. You will be able to visit its magnificent perfectly maintained church and a medieval Arab castle from where perhaps you will see griffon vultures.


If you are in Cadiz, take the opportunity to take a short trip to Olvera and Setenil


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View of the castle and the village of Olvera

Church of Encarnacion
Church of Encarnacion

Another atmosphere, let's go to Zahara de la Sierra You cannot miss this village, you will see from afar the Moorish fortress on its promontory. Admire the exceptional view from its belvedere on the lake with turquoise blue waters. Park your car at the bottom of the village (or under the castle) and walk through these steep streets. Do not forget to go to its watchtower in front of the village and open your eyes wide to the spectacle offered to you over the village and the fortress

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View of the lake from the Moorish fortress

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View of the village and the fortress from the watchtower

Here we go again towards the village of Grazalema It is one of the most visited villages in the Sierra de la Grazalema. Typical two-storey houses, flowery alleys, fountains and its village square nestled in the hollow of the mountain. Visit its baroque church (if possible ... not always open), walk through these cobbled streets At the end of September, there is a reconstruction every year of an Andalusian village from the 19th century. Admire the view of the valley from the belvedere A tip for parking your car, cross the village... at the exit you will find a free car park on your right.

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Village square seen from the church

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View of the village

Let's go down to the village of Ubrique Ubrique is a small town that extends to the foot of the mountain. We come to visit it for its church and its promontory, its Roman ruins, its castle of Cardela or its steep streets... But also for its very famous products made from leather work (jacket, bag, shoe, etc.) There are also many hikes to do in these surrounding mountains


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View from the Hermitage del Calvario

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hiking trail

Let's go to El Bosque 15 minutes from Ubrique This village has the charm, tranquility and simplicity of these white villages of Andalusia. You will find a visitor center (exhibition), a multipurpose room where information on hiking trails, local crafts or the Botanical Garden of Castillejo will be given to you. It is often hot in summer in Andalusia, so don't hesitate to take a walk on the Majacenta path where you will find freshness and nature...greenery, waterfalls and a river will be there.


river tree trail
River on the Majacente trail

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Ruin of an old mill

Let's end our journey in Arcos de la Frontera From the road below you will see Arcos de la Frontera dominating the valley. This city will surprise you with its squares, its watchtowers, its palaces and stately homes. Visit its old churches classified as historic sites, its temples, these belvederes where you will discover unique landscapes. A city not to be missed


village
village view

Basilica
Basilica

Here we are at the end of our trip, I hope I have made you want to visit these white villages of Andalusia. I wish you a good trip and good souvenir photos




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