16 Beautiful Pueblos Blancos (White Villages of Andalucia)

“Pueblos Blancos” are a series of beautiful white villages in Andalusia, Southern Spain, which you must add to your Andalucia road trip.

Most of these towns and villages are located in the cities of Malaga and Cadiz; however, there are many other white villages across Andalusia as the houses are typically painted with light colours such as white.

Malaga is my home town, so visiting the white villages of Andalucia is easy for me, and it’s one of my favourite things to do on a weekend.

On this blog, you’ll discover the most charming pueblos blancos in Andalucia, including my favourites and local tips.

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Overview of the white villages in Andalucia

There are plenty of beautiful white villages in the region, but if you’re in a hurry, these are some of the best pueblos blancos in Andalucia:

• Nerja, Frigiliana and Mijas Pueblo (Malaga)
• Setenil de las Bodegas and Olvera (Cadiz)
• Mójacar (Almeria)
• Carmona (Sevilla)
• Pampaneira (Granada)

The most beautiful pueblos blancos

1. Isleta del Moro

Isleta del Moro is one of the most beautiful fishing villages in Cabo de Gata-Níjar National Park. It’s very small as its population is about 200 people, but despite its size, it’s full of charm.

Wander its whitewashed streets, swim in crystal clear water, eat a delicious meal in one of its beach bars, and climb its hills to contemplate the incredible mountain and sea views.

Isleta del Moro is excellent for scuba diving and spending the day at the beach. However, it can also be a stop on your road trip around Cabo de Gata.  

During the summer, it gets very busy as the locals and tourists love the atmosphere and beach, but it’s a very tranquil place to visit out of season.

2. Mojácar Pueblo

Recommended by Charlotte from Sunshine Seeker 

Perched on a hill in the Sierra Cabrera, at 175 meters above sea level, Mojácar Pueblo is undoubtedly one of Andalucía’s most beautiful white villages.

From its highest point, El Mirador del Castillo, whitewashed, cube-shaped houses and cobbled streets cascade down the hillside.

While Mojácar’s old town is popular with tourists, especially during summer, it has retained much of its original charm and still feels like an authentic Spanish town. 

The closest airport is in Almeria, about one hour away. Mojácar can easily be reached by bus from several surrounding cities. However, renting a car is recommended to get the most out of your stay in the area.

There are ample parking lots on the outskirts of the village where you can park for free and even a lift that will take you to the top.

Mojácar Pueblo’s main attraction is the village itself. Go for a stroll through the winding streets, browse the small artisan shops and marvel at the Bougainvillea and Hibiscus flowers that climb up the white walls.

Be sure to stop by El Torreón, a guesthouse and possibly the most beautiful street corner in Spain. It’s the perfect spot for a little photo shoot.

Other highlights include Plaza Nueva, a small elevated square that boasts the most amazing views, as well as the quaint Town Hall Square and Plaza del Parterre, where you can sit down with a drink and do some people-watching.

You will also find yourself spoilt for choice in restaurants and bars with terraces overlooking the vast plains below and the Mediterranean Sea in the background.

3. Olvera

Recommended by Tjasa from The Travel Momento

Olvera is a small village in the province of Cadiz, more precisely at the crossroads of three provinces – Cadiz, Seville and Malaga.

The uniqueness of this pueblo blanco lies in the hilltop position on top of which a beautiful Church Of Nuestra Señora De La Encarnación and a castle offer a splendid view of the town and its surroundings. 

It’s a quiet town where you can spend a relaxing afternoon without crowds of tourists. Olvera can be reached either by bus or car. The easiest and most time-efficient way is to rent a car. 

From Malaga, it takes around one hour to drive, and the road is in good condition. Due to the proximity of its famous sister, the white village of Ronda, it’s recommended to combine the visit of both in one day trip.

Once you arrive, you will step into one of the most photographed streets in Olvera, Calle Calzada. It will lead you up the hill to admire the impressive neoclassical church built in 1822 and climb the Moorish castle from the 12th century. 

To enter the castle, you need to cross the square and find a small sign of a tourist office. Take time and explore the remains and take in all the beautiful views overlooking olive trees, which have earned the city the award for excellence in olive production.

Among all the white villages in Andalucia, Olvera is one of the best as it has managed to preserve the authentic feel.

4. Setenil de las Bodegas

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Located about 20 kilometres from Ronda or 100 kilometres from Malaga, Setenil de las Bodegas is probably one of Andalucia’s most unique Pueblos Blancos.

Unlike most white villages in Andalucia, it’s not located on a cliff edge or perched on a hill. The centre of Setenil de las Bodegas is located at the bottom of a rocky gorge, with its picturesque white houses nestling in and over the rocks of the valley.

Setenil de las Bodegas owes its full name to the once flourishing vineyards back when the village was an agricultural base for olives, almonds, and wine.

While the first two can still be found in the area, the wine trade was wiped out by an insect infestation in the 1860ies. And with it, the Bodegas disappeared too.

Nevertheless, there is still a lot to see and discover in the maze of narrow lanes of Setenil de las Bodegas.

A good place to leave your car is this roadside parking, which is a good starting point for exploring Setenil gems.

Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra, located at opposite sides of the Guadalporcún River at the bottom of the gorge, are two of the best places to marvel at Setenil de las Bodegas’ unusual architecture.

The two alleys are covered by overhanging rocks and lined by restaurants and bars. Especially Cuevas del Sol is an ideal place to soak up Setenil’s unique atmosphere while enjoying local delicacies.

You can also visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación with its unique combination of Gothic and Moorish architecture and the remains of the nearby Arab castle.

And for some jaw-dropping views over the city, don’t forget to stop at the viewpoint of El Lizon, located just next to the castle tower.

5. Vejer de la Frontera

Recommended by Alison from Alison in Andalucia

Vejer de la Frontera is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful of all the white villages in Andalucia.

Situated around 10 km inland from the Costa de la Luz in the province of Cadiz, Vejer may only have a population of around 12,000 but is renowned as being a mecca for food lovers.

Thanks to its proximity to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, seafood (mainly tuna) is a local speciality.

A wander through the whitewashed cobbled streets of the town shouldn’t be missed. Start your walk at the Plaza de España, originally designed for watching bullfights but now a beautiful spot with a fountain in its centre surrounded by palms and orange trees.

On your way, look out for the Castle, the Convent of the Conceptionist Nuns, and the Iglesia Parroquial del Divino Salvador. Just outside the old town walls, you’ll find Vejer’s famous statue, La Cobijada.

A pleasant way to spend your time in Vejer is to combine a walk with some tapas tasting and see the sights as you go.

While a trip to Vejer can be easily done in a day, the sunsets are worth staying a little longer for.

There are miradors dotted around the town with beautiful views across the countryside and down to the beaches of the Costa de la Luz, as well as bars with rooftop terraces where you can sip cocktails as the sunsets.

The best way to get to Vejer is by car as there are no trains, and buses stop outside the town centre – a 20-minute uphill walk from the bus stop. However, plenty of organised day trips are from most of Andalucia’s major towns and cities.

6. Zahara de la Sierra

Zahara de la Sierra is a lovely white village inside Grazalema Natural Park in Cadiz.

Due to its unique location, the village has some stunning green surroundings to admire. When visiting Zahara, you must visit Plaza del Rey, the liveliest and most picturesque place in the heart of the village. Here you can enjoy a coffee or meal while you watch the world go by.

However, that’s not all. Enjoy the panoramic views of Zahara de la Sierra from its main viewpoint, visit Santa María de la Mesa Church, discover Zahara Castle and immerse yourself in nature by going on a hike.

It’s definitely worth visiting this pretty village in Cadiz.

7. Antequera

Antequera is a beautiful whitewashed town only 1 hour drive from Malaga.

The town is home to beautiful historical buildings and quaint streets that will make you love this place.

A must-see attraction in Antequera is the Alcazaba, located at the top of the town. This Moorish fortress-palace is full of history and will help you understand the Muslim period in this area of Southern Spain.

Next to the Alcazaba, visit the Real Colegiata de Santa María La Mayor, a beautiful Renaissance-style royal collegiate church, and admire the lovely panoramic views. 

Another place you can’t miss in Antequera is El Torcal de Antequera, a nature reserve with unusual but impressive landscapes. This is a great place to go for a hike in winter.

8. Comares

Nestled down in the mountains of Malaga, Comares is one of the highest whitewashed villages in Andalucia, and this is why it’s well known for being “the Balcony of the Axarquía”.

Comares is home to many scenic hiking trails, so if you love immersing yourself in nature, you will visit this small town.

Apart from its stunning views and nature, the town is also home to some interesting monuments, such as Comares Castle and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, a Mudejar-style church.

9. Cómpeta

Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Competa is a small village located in the mountains of the Axarquia in the south of Andalucia. With a population of just under 4000, this village is quaint and small.

The best time to visit is definitely during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. It can get very hot, though, so if you plan to do some hiking and exploring, make sure to take plenty of water.

The shoulder season from April to May and September to October is also a good time to visit, especially if you’re trying to avoid the tourist crowds. Competa is a lot quieter during this time.

While the village may be small, there is still plenty to see and do. Competa is located close to a nature reserve, so there are many fun day trips.

One of the best ones is a trip to Acebuchal. This is a formerly abandoned village located deep in the nature reserve. It was rebuilt twenty years ago and has become a popular tourist attraction.

If you’re not keen on driving long distances, you can easily spend a week or more in Competa itself. There are lots of amazing restaurants to choose from with delicious Spanish tapas and snacks.

Try the locally produced wines or wander through the historic streets and tiny alleyways. Shop for local products at the weekend markets or enjoy one of the summer festivals that are held in the month of August.

10. Frigiliana

Recommended by Stéphanie from Bey Of Travel

The village Frigiliana is situated six kilometres north of Nerja and fifty kilometres from Málaga. It is one of the most picturesque villages on the Costa del Sol.

This wonderful, white-washed village is truly one of a kind. Frigiliana presents itself as ‘Villa de las tres culturas’: the village of three cultures. Moors, Christians, and Jews have lived here peacefully together for centuries. In Barrio Alto, you can still see the history of the Moorish.

The views from Frigiliana are spectacular as the village is situated at three hundred meters above sea level. You will enjoy the most spectacular sunsets in town. On a clear day, the North African coastline is often visible, and the views of Nerja and its surroundings are incredibly beautiful. 

Take the time to wander around the car-free streets, the white houses, and countless beautiful shops. The best time to visit the city is spring and autumn, as summers can be crowded and warm.

Enjoy the best tapas in one of the many cosy restaurants in the village, and make sure to make a reservation when visiting during the summer months, as it can be busy.

Head over to Playa de Maro, one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern Spain, only a few kilometres from Frigiliana. The turquoise waters and a pebble beach are the perfect spots to enjoy a sunny day at the beach.

11. Mijas Pueblo

Recommended by Urban Abroad

You may not want to miss out on Mijas when looking for some of Andalusia’s White villages to visit. It’s one of the best villages to visit in Andalucia.

First of all, if you are anywhere near Malaga, you’ll find Mijas snuggly located between Benalmadena and Fuengirola, and to get to the village known as Mijas Pueblo, you’ll need to rent a car or drive.

Aside from its whitewashed walls and narrow streets, this beautifully presented town offers its visitors an authentic village experience unique to the region.

Arriving in the early evening just before sunset has the perfect vibe, especially if you plan to dine in the village. 

The reasonably priced Snug Restaurant offers authentic Spanish dishes in the form of Tapas, which you can enjoy whilst overlooking the village square.

There are some unique Spanish gift shops as well as donkey and horse carriage rides.

All in all, Mijas is a historical landmark in Andalucía that is worth a visit. One of the first things you will notice on arrival is the panoramic views of the ocean.

If you happen to be lucky enough to visit Mijas on a clear day, you can even see the African coast from afar.

12. Nerja

Nestled in the east of the beautiful Costa del Sol, Nerja is a charming town that you must add to your Pueblos Blancos itinerary. It’s one of my favourite towns in Andalusia.

The town is known for its beautiful crystal blue sea, rocky beaches, friendly locals, and caves. 

Nerja caves are some of the most important and famous caves in Spain. In the caves, you’ll find impressive and unique stalactites as well as other rock formations that date back hundreds of years.

Another must-see attraction in Nerja is the Balcon de Europa, a stunning viewpoint at the heart of the town. The views are breathtaking – you’ll contemplate the contrast of the sea and mountains from one place. 

Next to the viewpoint, there is a good variety of restaurants, bars and independent shops where you can buy artisanal bags and other unique gifts and souvenirs.

Even if you don’t like shopping, walking through the small streets is lovely – whitewashed buildings with balconies decorated with beautiful flower pots.

Stop by one of the restaurants and enjoy the local cuisine, including grilled sardines, ajoblanco (a cold soup made with bread and almonds) and fried aubergines topped with honey sugar cane. 

You can access one of the most beautiful beaches in Nerja from Balcon de Europa for a relaxing time. These are the busiest ones during summer, but they’re worth visiting.

Last but not least, not very far from Nerja, you can also visit another famous white village in Andalucia, Frigiliana. 

13. Ronda

Recommended by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Ronda is one of Andalucia’s most popular and most visited white villages. With a population of around 30,000, the cliffside town is larger than many other pueblos blancos in the region, but it offers that same quaint feel of a mountain village.

Visiting the famous Puente Nuevo is one of the most popular things to do in Ronda, Spain. The picturesque bridge spans 393 feet across the Tajo Gorge, which divides the village in half.

It took more than 30 years to build the bridge, which is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Andalusia. 

Additionally, as the birthplace of bullfighting, you’ll find the town’s original bullfighting arena, a museum, and a lively square called Plaza de Toros within a short walk from Puente Nuevo.

While the “sport” of bullfighting may be controversial, it is an essential part of Ronda’s history and culture. Just off Plaza de Toros, an adjacent garden boasts one of the best views of the white village perched on the cliffs, a jaw-dropping 320 feet above the bottom of the gorge.

If you choose to hike to the bottom of the gorge, there are several ways to do so.

First, there is a scenic hike that offers a dramatic view of Puente Nuevo with the village in the background. The hike is not extremely difficult and takes roughly 45 minutes.

Your other option is to take the 231 spiralling steps down the water well at Casa del Rey Moro. Another must-visit attraction in Ronda is the water well, which was once used by the townspeople to get water from the river. 

An easy day trip from Seville or Cordoba, Ronda can be accessed by car, train or bus. 

📌 Are you planning to go on a road trip to Southern Spain? Have a look at this 7 to 14 day itinerary around Andalucia.

14. Velez-Malaga

Recommended by Caitlin from The Country Jumper

I have always loved visiting the lesser-known places in the world. Sometimes I just throw darts at maps. And that’s the type of place Velez-Malaga is.

It’s about two miles from Spain’s beautiful Mediterranean south coast and not far from the much more touristy town of Torre del Mar.

Velez-Malaga is one of the most beautiful white villages you can find dotted around the region – where one of the main attractions is just the beauty of the place. My favourite and perhaps the most picturesque spot in the city is The Arab Fort.

It sits at the top of the small village – so while the fort itself is not white – it is the perfect vantage point from which to look out at the expanse of white buildings below.

While there isn’t always a lot going on in this sleepy little village, I recommend looking up special events during your visit. You never know – and every once in a while, there is some wonderful event.

I was lucky enough to get wind of a concert at the fort one evening. It was such a cool venue for it!

Unfortunately, you don’t have a whole lot of public transportation options in town, and driving is by far your best option.

Do, however, note the very narrow streets that you will encounter. I got myself into a bit of a hairy parking situation. I had to make a 17 point turn out.

If you have anything other than a small European car, don’t attempt to get past the edges of town. It’s also worth noting that Velez-Malaga is not a very accessible town. The roads are steep and uneven and would be difficult for many wheelchairs to navigate.

15. Carmona

Whether you’re visiting Seville or you’re looking at visiting an Andalusian whitewashed town near Seville, you need to add Carmona to your itinerary.

It’s the perfect town to go back in time and have an authentic experience in Andalucia, as Carmona is considered one of the oldest towns in Europe.

The town has many attractions full of history and heritage you don’t want to miss. There’s no visit to Carmona without seeing the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla, visiting Carmona Museum and eating spinach with chickpea, a traditional Andalusian dish full of flavour.

16. Pampaneira

Located in the beautiful of La Alpujarra in Granada, Pampaneira is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain.

Its pebblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and beautiful natural surroundings make it perfect for visiting on a day trip from Granada or Malaga.

Wandering its streets, stopping by its small shops selling local products such as honey, jams and colourful carpets, going on a hiking trail and visiting the chocolate factory are some highlights.

I loved visiting Abuela Ili’s chocolate shop and factory. They have all sorts of chocolate flavours, and the best thing is that they are all made with high-quality cocoa beans.

Pampaneira is also a short drive from other unique villages in the Alpujarra, so you can visit Soportujar, known as the witches’ village.

Andalucia map with pueblos blancos

Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the locations mentioned in this article.

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Conclusion on the white villages of Andalucia

There are numerous white towns in Andalucia to explore, so make sure to visit this county for more than a few days, especially if you love discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Despite being from Andalucia, I keep discovering more cute little towns that surprise me and have something unique to offer.

It’s also important to know that although some of these destinations can be reached by public transport or via a tour, the easiest way to travel is by car, so I highly recommend renting a car.

If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below.

Safe adventures!

Cristina xx

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Things you must check before visiting Southern Spain

• Discover all the fantastic things you can do in Malaga for free in this guide.
• Have a look at this ultimate food guide to indulge yourself in Andalusian cuisine.
• Are you planning to visit other Andalusian destinations? Check out my blog on the best day trips from Malaga.
• Rent a car to travel with ease around Andalucia.
• Book travel insurance for your trip; this is a must for any trip!

Read more about Andalucia

• Incredible Reasons To Visit Andalucia
• Most Beautiful Towns and Cities in Southern Spain
• Granada or Seville: Which City Is Best To Visit?
• Granada vs Malaga: Which City Is Better?
• Incredible Things to Do In Almeria
• Best Beaches in Cabo de Gata, Almeria
• How to Spend One Day in Malaga
• The Perfect 2 Days in Seville Itinerary
• How to Spend One Day in Granada

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