Scattered across the hills and mountains in Spain’s Andalucía are enchanting white towns with picture-postcard settings. They are called Pueblo Blancos, or White Towns, and exploring these charming settlements will be one of your favourite activities in southern Spain. Since they are vastly different and spread over a large territory, we’ve created a guide to help you find your favourite Pueblo Blanco.
Most of the Pueblo Blancos were originally settled by the Moors between the 8th and 15th centuries. They were fanned out across the land so painting their homes the same colour brought a sense of unity to the population. White was selected because it prevented the homes from overheating in the hot summer months. They used slated lime whitewash, thinking it would protect them from epidemics that often spread through the communities. Whatever the reason, the bright white homes set on the mountain slopes have resulted in some of the most sensational scenes.
In addition to the whitewashed homes, their locations add to their appeal. Many of these towns are built on slopes so steep that the buildings look like they might slide right off. And yet, the narrow, cobbled lanes and their homes have been there for centuries. Some of the towns have remnants of old Moorish walls, such as arches and gates that give them even more unique characteristics. Above them, you may still find castles or fortresses as reminders of the conflicts that defined them in medieval times.
The official list of Spain’s Pueblo Blancos includes 19 towns from the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga, but we have included others that are just as deserving. In our guide, we have ranked the towns, but it was a difficult task because each brings their own unique character. You may rank them in a different order, but there’s no denying that they are all worth visiting.
Here’s a map to help you visit a few Pueblo Blancos on your next trip to Spain.
1. Setenil de las Bodegas
A rocky cliff band above Trejo River provides the setting for one of the most unique towns in Spain. Many homes in Setenil de las Bodegas have been built inside caves and under overhanging roofs to create a scene begging to be photographed.
Although their two main streets are famous, they aren’t the only ones worth visiting. Save time to explore the rest of this charming mountain town.
Setenil de las Bodegas is very close to the popular city of Ronda. To read more about Setenil de las Bodegas please visit our post Best Day Trips From Ronda.
2. Olvera
From below, Olvera looks like a scene from a fairytale with Olvera Castle perched atop a rocky point and its white homes tumbling down the hill. Not only is it spectacular from below, you will continue to be impressed as you walk through the town toward the precariously placed castle above.
Olvera is only a short drive from Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas. You can read more about Olvera, in our post Best Day Trips From Ronda.
3. Frigiliana
Frigiliana is the quintessential Pueblo Blanco. Not only does it have a spectacular location on the side of a steep mountain slope the town is also deeply connected to the history of this region. As you walk up and down the tiled lanes, it will feel as though not much has changed since the early 1400s.
Frigiliana is not far from the popular beach town of Nerja on Costa del Sol. For more information on Frigiliana, read our post Costa del Sol – Frigiliana & Nerja
4. Montefrío
We stared across the valley in awe at the awkward-looking rocky peak that supports a medieval church. It is one of the quirkiest locations for a historic church that we have seen and one of the most unique of the Pueblo Blancos. After seeing it from the National Geographic Viewpoint, you can get a closer look at the church by walking up to it on the steep streets in town.
Montefrío is only a short drive from Granada and Málaga. You can find out more about Montefrío in our post Best Day Trips From Granada.
5. Casarás
Strung between two rocky hilltops, you’ll find the whitewashed buildings of the heritage town of Casarás. This adorable town is cute from afar but it gets even better close-up. Seemingly untouched by the modern world, its medieval lanes are decorated with old lanterns as they climb up and down the slopes of the hilly terrain.
Casarás is not far from the popular beach city of Marbella on the Costa del Sol. Find out more about Casarás in our post Costa del Sol – Estepona, Marbella and Casarás.
6. Priego de Córdoba
In addition to its photogenic location, Priego de Córdoba’s most famous landmark is The Aldarve. It’s a natural balcony on the edge of town and provides gorgeous vistas of the olive groves that cover the surrounding hills.
Behind the Aldarve is the oldest neighbourhood, Barrio de la Villa. You’ll love exploring its quaint streets, decorated with flowerpots and small balconies.
Priego de Córdoba is only a short drive from Granada and Córdoba. You can find out more about Priego de Córdoba in our post Best Day Trips From Granada.
7. Medina Sidonia
Once you pass through Medina Sidonia’s Moorish gates, you will find yourself in an enchanting scene. Picture-perfect white-washed homes line the maze of cobblestone streets and allow you to travel back to the Middle Ages.
After exploring the medieval part of town, walk back through the gates to the newer part of the heritage centre. The buildings are still quite old, with some dating as far back as the 17th century. They are in excellent condition and make the streets very picturesque.
Medina Sidonia is not far from the coastal city of Cádiz. For more information on Medina Sidonia, visit our post A Visitor’s Guide to Medina Sidonia.
8. Carmona
Said to be the oldest, continually inhabited town in Spain, Carmona still has remnants from its Roman and Moorish rulers. With its old gates, heritage churches and whitewashed homes, Carmona has a lot of character. The other detail that makes Carmona unique is that it has two alcázars.
Carmona is not far from downtown Seville. You can read more about Carmona in our post Best Day Trips From Seville.
9. Antequera
If you enjoyed visiting the Moorish fortresses in Spain’s large cities, you may be interested in visiting some smaller ones. Known as the Heart of Andalucía, the Alcazaba in Antequera has the quintessential location on a small hill above the white city. In addition to the alcazaba, you can find many viewpoints that provide panoramic views of the hilly countryside.
Antequera can easily be reached from Málaga, Granada or Ronda. You can read more about Antequera in our post Best Day Trips From Málaga.
10. Archidona
Protected under the uniquely shaped Pico del Conjuro Mountain, Archidona’s setting looks too perfect to be true. Located only 25 km from Antequera, it’s worth a quick stop to explore this historic town.
If you’re visiting Antequera, you should stop by Archidona as well since they’re nor far apart. Find more information about Archidona in our post Best Day Trips From Málaga.
In addition to these, there are a few others that you may be interested in if you’re nearby.
To read more of our adventures in Spain, click here.
Coming Next – Top 10 Places To Visit In Andalucía, Spain
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