“Pueblos Blancos” are a series of beautiful white villages in Andalusia, Southern Spain, you must add to your list.
Most of these towns or 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.
One of the reasons why houses and buildings are painted in white is to protect them from the sun, especially in the warmest months.
Keep reading to discover the most charming white villages in Andalucia.
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Table of Contents
10 Beautiful Pueblos Blancos in Andalucía
Things you must check before visiting Southern Spain
- Discover all the amazing things you can do in Malaga for free in this guide.
- Have a look at this Malaga 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.
- Book travel insurance for your trip, this is a must for any trip!
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 lots of fun day trips to do.
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 to drive 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.
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 during spring and autumn, as summers can be crowded and really warm.
Enjoy the best tapas in one of the many cosy restaurants in the village, 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 Spain, only a few kilometers from Frigiliana. The turquoise waters and a pebble beach are the perfect spots to enjoy a sunny day at the beach.
Mijas Pueblo
Recommended by Urban Abroad
When looking for some of Andalusia’s White villages to visit you may not want to miss out on Mijas.
First of all, if you are located 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 be driving.
Aside from its whitewash walls and narrow streets, this beautifully presented town offers its visitor an authentic village experience that is 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 which are there to give your tired feet a rest as you go deeper into the villages’ cobblestone streets.
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 are 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.
Mojácar Pueblo
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 large 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 very 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.
Nerja
Recommended by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling
Nestled in the east of the beautiful Costa Del Sol, Nerja is a charming town that you must add to your pueblos blancos itinerary.
The town is known for its beautiful crystal blue sea and rocky beaches, friendly locals and caves.
Nerja caves are some of the most important and popular 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 Balcon de Europa, a stunning viewpoint at the heart of the town. The views are breathtaking – you’ll contemplate the contrast of 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, it’s lovely walking through the small streets – whitewashed buildings with balconies that are decorated with beautiful flower pots.
Stop by one of the restaurants and enjoy the local cuisine that includes dishes such as grilled sardines, ajoblanco (a cold soup made with bread and almonds) and sweet potatoes with honey cane.
For a relaxing time, from Balcon de Europa access one of the two cosy beaches. These are the busiest ones during the summer season, but they’re worth visiting.
Last but not least, not very far from Nerja you can also visit another popular white village in Andalucia, Frigiliana.
Related blog: Best Things To Do In Nerja
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.
Its uniqueness 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 time-efficient way is to rent a car.
From Malaga, it takes around one hour of drive, and the road is in good condition. Due to the proximity of its famous sister, 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 build in 1822 and climb up Moorish castle from 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 remainings 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 unique white villages that managed to preserve the authentic feel.
Ronda
Recommended by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports
Ronda is one of the most popular and most visited white villages in Andalucia. 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 important 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, the water well was once used by the townspeople as a means of getting water from the river.
An easy day trip from Seville or Cordoba, Ronda can be accessed by car, train or bus.
Setenil de las Bodegas
Recommended by Sara from Sara Far Away
Located about 20 kilometers from Ronda or 100 kilometers from Malaga, Setenil de las Bodegas is probably one of Andalucia’s most unique Pueblos Blancos.
Unlike most of the white villages, 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 Setenils 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 some 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.
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 close proximity to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, seafood (particularly 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 of the town centre – a 20-minute uphill walk from the bus stop. However, there are plenty of organised day trips from most of Andalucia’s major towns and cities.
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 the beautiful Mediterranean south coast of Spain and not far from the much more touristy town of Torre del Mar.
Velez-Malaga is one of the 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 whole lot going on in this sleepy little village, I do 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 on 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 into 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 that I had to do a 17 point turn out of.
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.
If you have any questions, reach me at cristina@mylittleworldoftravelling.com or @creina.diary on Instagram. I’d be very happy to help you plan your Pueblos Blancos itinerary and tell you more hidden gems.
Safe adventures!
Cristina xx
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I loved Ronda but there are so many more beautiful white villages to visit on my next trip to Spain. You’ve shared some great info & beautiful pics! Thankyou!
Ronda is beautiful indeed. I hope you visit the other villages in the future 🙂
One of my favourite white villages is Olvera so I’m glad it made the list! There are a couple on here that I didn’t manage to visit so I’ll definitely add them to my itinerary for my next trip.
It’s great to hear you’ve already visited some of these villages! And I’m happy you’re adding the rest to your list 🙂
Lovely post and inspiration. Ive been to Spain only once or twice, so its about time I explored some more!
Thank you, Zoe!
Wow such a picturesque place with dreamy vibes!
I’m glad you like these villages!
As I started reading the post, I was lie “oh I need to go there”. Then I’d get to the next town, and think the same. Then, same again! Looks like I need to spend some time in Andalucia. I especially love the sound of Nerja with the beaches and caves.
You can easily spend a couple of weeks exploring Southern Spain! There are so many cities, cute towns and villages to explore 🙂
This area sounds amazing…. and all these photos are so stunning. I’ve never even heard of this part of Spain before now lol
It’s great to hear you’ve discovered a new area in Spain you didn’t know about before.
It looks so pretty over there! I used to live in a town over about 3000 and I kinda miss small-town life.
Narrow streets are not my friends–I probably would’ve had to make a 28 point turn, hahaha.
Yes, Southern Spain is very beautiful and charming 🙂