10 Beautiful Spanish White Villages To Visit
Sun drenched southern Spain is a wonderful place and, in my opinion, its various Spanish white villages are without doubt amongst Europe’s most picturesque locations.
Add into the mix the incredible cafes, castles, plazas, and miradors found in many of these white villages in Spain and there are so many reasons to visit.
Known as the pueblos blancos, the dazzling whitewashed villages are a distinctive sight: a maze of narrow, cobbled streets and orange tiled roofs. Most often, these mountaintop hideaways cascade down the hillside, leaving a medieval castillo towering above.
A handful are incredibly popular, like Frigiliana.
Whilst others are pretty hidden gems with heaps of charm, like Gaucin and Casares. Most are small villages, though there is the occasional white town to explore like sophisticated Ronda.
The south of Spain is a place I truly love, and I’ve been lucky to spend three months exploring its best places, seeking out iconic these Spanish white villages.
So, if you’re looking for the best white villages to explore, here are the 10 villages I recommend the most.
Alongside my own personal experiences, I’ve also included tips for visiting and recommendations, to compile the ultimate guide to the best Spanish white villages and towns.
Where are the Spanish White Villages?
These pretty white villages are located in southern Spain, in the region of Andalusia. They are scattered throughout the mountains between the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga.
There are dozens of white villages in Andalusia, often many miles apart, linked only by winding mountain roads. Whilst this makes visiting all of them in one trip somewhat unrealistic, don’t worry - there are various ways to explore these pretty white villages, from road trips to tours.
Spain White Villages: Map
How to get to Spain’s white villages
The best way to visit the Spanish white villages & towns is on a day trip or as part of a much bigger southern Spain road trip. You can either:
From the UK, fly into Malaga, Seville, or Cadiz, and hire a car. This will give you the ultimate freedom to explore. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest and simplest car hire.
Which of the pueblos blancos you visit will likely depend on how much driving you want to do. For less driving, stick to the white villages in Cadiz or Malaga provinces.
But if you don’t mind extra miles then skip between provinces. This will also let you explore Cadiz and Malaga.
Alternatively, explore the pueblos blancos on a tour - I’ll list my favourite tour options below.
Top Spanish White Villages & towns: An Overview
Former Moorish mountain strongholds, today you’ll find a combination of historical influences amongst Spain’s white villages. What they have in common however are cobbled streets often leading to an ancient castillo or church, busy plazas, and buzzing cafes.
White villages in Malaga province include quaint Gaucin, a pretty place of narrow streets and stunning views, plus a thriving foodie scene of excellent tapas restaurants.
There’s also Casares - one of my absolute favourite white villages - with its ancient, medieval gateways and 13th century castle. And further along the coast, popular Frigiliana with its flower-filled gardens and bustling plazas.
Nearby, the iconic town of Ronda may not have the quaintness of the villages - but does boast a spectacular Roman bridge amongst its ancient architecture and history.
Whilst you’re in the area, be sure to visit the incredible Caminito del Rey; a pinned walkway high above the El Chorro gorge.
The province of Cadiz is also home to some of the best Spanish white villages. Vejer de la Frontera offers a maze of charming, cobbled streets, hidden patios, wine bars, ancient churches, and glorious plazas.
Arcos de la Frontera, meanwhile, boasts a prime position as the starting point of the route through the pueblos blancos. Whilst Zahara de la Frontera may be lesser visited, it is one the most beautiful of all the white villages.
10 of the most beautiful white villages In Spain
1. Vejer de la Frontera
Area: Cadiz province
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Whilst numerous white villages on this list vie for the title of Spain’s prettiest village, postcard-perfect Vejer de la Frontera is a strong contender.
This picturesque spot lies in the heart of Cadiz province.
Beautiful Vejer de la Frontera was the first white village I visited, and I’ve returned twice since. With the narrow streets, medieval archways, bustling plaza, quirky fountain, and stunning hilltop viewpoints, Vejer is easily one the prettiest villages amongst the pueblos blancos.
Easily accessible from Cadiz or the Costa de la Luz, Vejer de la Frontera is a wonderful day trip.
Vejer has a handful of really incredible restaurants and cafes, some on the plaza but others are hidden amongst the cobbled, hilly streets. There’re also a couple of wonderful wine bars with stools perfect for people watching.
It’s an incredible place to spend the day, with plenty to explore and places to eat - El Caminito is a wonderful casual lunch option, The Singular Coffee for a caffeine fix, and El Jardín del Califa for incredible Middle Eastern food plus gorgeous views from the roof terrace.
2. Gaucin
Area: Malaga province
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Understated would be a good quiet to describe wonderful Gaucin.
Gaucin is one of the Malaga white villages and gateway to the Serranía de Ronda; one of the most beautiful areas in the south of Spain.
This picturesque village is a maze of beautiful streets, whitewashed buildings, orange tiled roofs, and hidden plazas. An ancient castillo sits at its highest point and there are pretty gardens to visit. Going for a wander around the charming town is a must!
Gaucin’s setting is also particularly stunning, with views over leafy green forests and soaring mountains - all the way to Gibraltar and Africa beyond. Visit Mirador De Gaucin for views over the surrounding landscape, which is especially magical at sunset.
Foodies will love the restaurants and cafes here and Gaucin’s gastronomic scene is not be to missed. The tapas and traditional Andalusian dishes served in the eateries here are amongst the best food I tasted in Spain, but they are popular (for good reason!) so book a table in advance.
My personal favourites are Platero & Co and Restaurante La Raiz.
3. Casares
Area: Malaga province
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One of the most dramatic of the Spanish white villages, stunning Casares is an absolute gem.
Situated high on a hilltop, gleaming white house’s cascade down the steep hillside. Incredibly picturesque, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Casares.
Easily walkable (though steep), explore the narrow streets with their ancient archways and whitewashed walls. Follow the main route from the plaza to the medieval castle, for magnificent views over the Andalusian countryside.
Popular walking routes start in Casares: part of the GR249 between Casares and Estepona is known as one of the best stages. Surrounded by untouched natural park, there are trails into the park too - spot the resident griffon vultures soaring overhead.
After a day of exploring, enjoy tapas in one of the delicious restaurants and a chilled cerveza in a cafe overlooking the town. Book a table at Restaurante Sarmiento who serve incredible food in a beautiful setting. Whilst cafe El Cortijo is a more casual option serving delicious tortillas and salads. Both have wonderful views over the village and excellent reviews.
Casares is easily visited from Estepona, Marbella, and Malaga.
4. Frigiliana
Area: Malaga province
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Pretty Frigiliana is one of the white villages closest to Malaga and the Costa del Sol. It’s one of the most popular of all the pueblos blancos, and it’s easy to see why - Frigiliana is picture-postcard perfect.
Colourful flowers adorn the white houses, a labyrinth of cobbled streets lead to wonderful viewpoints over the coast, and the village boasts a beautiful centuries-old church and heaps of Moorish architecture.
It is gleaming white, completely charming, and oh so pretty.
After a day of walking there’re heaps of wonderful eateries to relax in, and wine bars too - famed for its sweet wine, Vino de Frigiliana, a glass is a must after dinner.
Prepare for the lower levels of Frigiliana to be incredibly busy, as this is where the tour buses stop. But walking uphill for only a few minutes will bring you to the calmer, and much prettier, parts of the village.
Frigiliana is easiest visited from Malaga and the best tours often also visit the gorgeous coastal town of Nerja.
5. Arcos de la Frontera
Area: Cadiz province
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Arcos de le Frontera is often considered the first stop on the “ruta pueblos blancos” - the route through the white villages of Cadiz.
Located on a cliff, this beautiful Spanish white village is famed for its well-preserved Moorish architecture. The best sights in the village are found amongst the cobbled alleys where whitewashed walls are adorned with colourful tiles and traditional Andalusian flower pots.
Once you’ve reached the hilltop, take in the views, and discover the grand medieval castle, the prominent landmark that was once a Moorish fortress.
Arcos is most easily visited on a road trip through Andalusia. Or on this excellent tour from either the cities of Jerez or Cadiz.
6. Ronda
Area: Malaga province
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The province of Malaga is also home to one of Andalusia’s best located and most gorgeous white towns - Ronda.
Set high on a plateau, surrounded by deep gorges, lush vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills, Ronda’s mountaintop location is utterly stunning.
It is however a busy town, and not strictly speaking one of the quaint white villages - those seeking charming villages should head to nearby Casares and Gaucin instead.
But Ronda’s rich culture of history, architecture, and locally produced wine and olives, absolutely make this town a wonderful place to spend a day.
The ancient Roman stone bridge, the Puente Nuevo, has firmly placed Ronda on the map of must-visit places. And for good reason - this spot on the Tajo Gorge is easily one of the most dramatic sights in all of Europe.
All around the town are signs of Ronda’s long and rich history. Be sure to visit the old town where you’ll find the prettiest spots: Moorish castle Castillo del Laurel, the hanging gardens at Jardines de Cuenca, and ancient town gateway at Arch of Felipe V to name only a few.
After exploring, sip a coffee or wine in one of many cafes dotting the streets, soak up the vibrant atmosphere in the main square, and listen to live music on the clifftop balcony.
7. Setenil de las Bodegas
Area: Cadiz province
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Of all the Spanish white villages, Setenil de las Bodegas is certainly one of the most unique.
Cave houses have been carved into the mountainside and the effect is, as you can imagine, extraordinary. Rocky overhangs and giant boulders cascade over the narrow streets and houses that look frankly impossible to build peek from below the cliffs.
The most iconic streets to visit are Cuevas del Sol (Sun Street) and Cuevas de la Sombra (Shade Street) - afterwards, I recommend you follow your feet around the small village, where you’ll find more cave dwellings, Roman bridges, flower lined streets, and an ancient church.
Originally built as a Moorish town, today around 3,000 people still live in Setenil de las Bodegas - many of them in these ancient dwellings. For the ultimate experience, book a stay in this stunning cave.
There’re plenty of restaurants and cafes to visit too, many serving delicious tapas and locally produced chorizo and ham.
Setenil de las Bodegas is a small village, but it makes for a great day trip from Malaga.
8. Zahara de la Sierra
Area: Cadiz province
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Located in Cadiz province, Zahara de la Sierra is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic of all the Spanish white villages.
Arriving in Zahara, over the twisting mountain roads, is an utterly incredible sight. The historic, pretty white village tumbles down a steep cliff and at the top, the castle that looms over the village can be seen for miles around.
Inside the ancient walls you’ll find wisteria filled streets, pretty cobbled lanes, and a bustling plaza. There are plenty cafes and restaurants to choose from, though I recommend selecting one in the main square - its a pleasant place to sip a coffee or indulge in an ice-cream whilst people watching.
Zahara is an unforgettable – and extremely photogenic – experience.
9. Grazalema
Area: Cadiz province
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Surrounded by the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, the pretty mountain village of Grazalema is a lovely place.
Famed for its position high in the mountains, there’re heaps of senderos - incredible walks - that start in and around Grazalema. It’s no surprise that this is a popular place with outdoor lovers and if you’re seeking an adventure, then this is the village for you.
However, visitors will also love the pretty streets, wonderful views, and rich history on offer and the village boasts century old churches and temples.
There’s also an incredible foodie scene in Grazalema - some of the best food on my Spain trip was eaten in Grazalema’s restaurants and visiting around lunch time is a must. This is when Grazalema really comes to life - though be prepared for a hectic service and busy outdoor tables!
10. Olvera
Area: Cadiz province
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Something of a hidden gem, Olvera is perhaps less visited than many of the other white villages on our list. Yet it’s a pretty spot that remains incredibly authentic.
Follow the pretty alley Calle Calzada to Olvera Cathedral, visit Plaza de la Iglesia for the best views over the village, and wander through the whitewashed streets to the hilltop 12th-century Castillo de Olvera.
The sights and views from the castle are stunning, though the best photography spot is accessed from the clifftop steps, just after the castle entrance. Trust me, it’s well worth the walk up!
Afterwards, visit a local cafe in the village for a cafe con leche. Or book dinner at Michelin recommended La Tarara, found on the main square in the centre of town.
White villages of Spain: Tours
You’ll find excellent tours listed under the villages and towns above - each have excellent reviews, last a full day, and are guaranteed to provide an incredible experience.
Here are a few other top-rated options, which make for a perfect day trip from Malaga or Seville:
Beautiful white villages In Spain: Wrap Up
In all honesty, it was difficult to narrow down my favourite Spanish white villages - there are so many beautiful options! But hopefully you’re inspired to plan a Spanish getaway and visit the pueblos blancos on your next Spain trip.
Looking for more Spanish inspiration? Check out my Spain travel guides:
5 Best Rioja Bodegas (coming soon)
How To Walk The Caminito del Rey (coming soon)
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