Travel bucket list idea:
Andalusia, Spain
Just outside of the beautiful town of Ronda, in the gorgeous Andalusian countryside of the Sierra de Grazalema region, you’ll find a series of so-called White Villages (Pueblos Blancos) scattered across the landscape, sprawling over and down large hills.
These 20 hill towns are named after their glowing, universally white walls. The buildings are all white-washed with slaked lime – known locally as ‘cal‘ – that bleaches in the sun to a sparkling white, a practice introduced by the Arabic-speaking Moors. Not only does the white colour keep homes cool during the searing Andalusian summers, but it came to symbolise hygiene. When a series of epidemics from plague to cholera and yellow fever swept through the region between the 16th and 19th centuries, houses were painted with cal in the wake of infection. (It may have actually helped: studies have shown that slaked lime does kill bacteria that cause cholera).
Each village possesses its own unique character, but they share a timeless allure characterised by narrow cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It’s Andalusia’s rich and enchanting cultural heritage at its idyllic best.
Arcos de la Frontera, Andalusia, Spain
Experience
Traditional, picturesque gateway to the White Villages from Cadiz, curling around a sheer cliff on the Guadalete river, with a Moorish fortress, steep narrow cobbled lanes, lavishly ornate churches, and cubist white houses.
Good for age: 18+
Grazalema, Andalusia, Spain
Experience
Surrounded by craggy mountains, in the heart of the eponymous Natural Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), this flower-filled White Village is dominated by the dramatic limestone outcrop of the Penon Grande.
Good for age: 18+
Medina Sidonia, Andalusia, Spain
Experience
Just south of Arcos, a White Village founded by Phoenicians and believed by some to be the oldest city in Europe, before become a famous dukedom, with Roman sewers and waterworks to visit and a ruined castle.
Good for age: 18+
Vejer de la Frontera, Andalusia, Spain
Experience
Very Moorish, very pretty hilltop village, with a 10th-century castle, Jewish quarter, and colourful tiled fountain in the Plaza de Espana; views extend towards the sea and its beach, El Palmar, 10km away.
Good for age: 18+
Zahara de la Sierra, Andalusia, Spain
Experience
North of Grazelma, a village so perfect it looks like a film set, piled over a hillside under a precipice topped by a ruined castle overlooking an azure artificial lake where you can swim; it’s also a good base for walks.
Good for age: 18+
There are a number of organised tours to the popular white villages, that will arrange all of the logistics for you. See our recommendations below.
If you want to self-drive, you can take in three of the most picturesque White Villages by heading 17km north to Setenil de las Bodegas with its famous cliff houses, then head west 33km to Zahara de la Sierra. From here drive south 16km on the breathtaking CA-9104 to Grazalema; from here it’s 33km back to Ronda. For a multi-day cycling (or e-bike) tour of the White Villages, try Cycling Country.
The White Villages are achingly beautiful year-round, but maybe less so in July and August when it can be very hot and crowded. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit for clement weather.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Seville
Price €79
Min age 0
Rating 4.53 / 5 [1620 ratings]
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Seville
Price €79
Min age 0
Rating 4.56 / 5 [332 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Seville
Price €85
Min age 0
Rating 4.71 / 5 [188 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Seville
Price €527
Min age 0
Rating 4.83 / 5 [165 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Seville
Price €99
Min age 0
Rating 4.13 / 5 [138 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
