From small charming white villages and vibrant big cities to spectacular natural sites – in Andalucia, you’ll find beautiful spots at every step. Until now we’ve spent almost 6 months there exploring this beautiful region. We lived on Costa de la Luz, Costa del Sol, and Costa de Almeria. During that time we had an opportunity to visit quite a large part of Andalucia and got to know it pretty well. Today we’ll show you our subjective ranking of the most beautiful Spanish white villages in Andalucia, which charmed us and stayed in our memories. We’ll also list more examples of white villages in the area so that you can choose the ones that interest you the most. Add them to your Spain bucket list – you won’t regret it.
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Most Beautiful Spanish White Villages In Andalucia
About Andalucia, Spain
Andalucia is located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. It’s the only European region with both the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean coastlines. It’s the second-largest community in Spain and the most populous one. The capital city of Andalucia is the famous and charming Seville. Over the years the region was settled and influenced by civilizations like the Iberians, Phoenicians, Romans or Moors. An interesting fact is that during Islamic times, Cordoba surpassed Constantinople to be Europe’s biggest city! Also, Andalucia is the region where famous flamenco and bullfights were born.
What is the white village in Spain?
White villages, or pueblos blancos in Spanish, is an expression that refers to small towns and villages in Andalucia, in the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. These places are characterized by whitewashed buildings often decorated with colorful flowers, cobbled narrow streets, and often stunning hilltop locations with views of the surrounding countryside. White villages offer a unique glimpse into traditional Andalusian life.
Vamos, it’s time to finally explore the most beautiful Spanish white villages in Andalucia!
Spanish white villages in Andalucia on Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol, which can be translated as Coast of the Sun is a region in the south of Spain in the autonomous community of Andalucia. It stretches from Nerja in the east to La Linea de la Concepcion in the west. The total length of the coastline is around 150 kilometers. Not that long ago, only small fishing villages could be found there, and now Costa del Sol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain.
Estepona
Estepona is a charming hidden gem in Andalucia, often overlooked in favor of other cities on Costa del Sol. In the 60s it was only a little fishing village and since then it developed into one of the biggest cities in the area. Luckily the white old town kept its charm, and strolling along its streets feels like stepping back several dozens of years back. In our opinion, it’s one of the prettiest old towns in Spain. The newest part of Estepona is well-known for its colorful murals adorning many buildings. Currently, there are about 60 murals, and you can see them all by following the Ruta de los Murales Artísticos.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Estepona, Spain In One Day
Ronda
Ronda is one of the oldest towns in Spain which was first inhabited by the Celts in the 6th century BC, and later by the Romans and Moors. In the 1st century AD, it was declared a city by Julius Caesar. Ronda is located on a higher terrain, at 739 m a.s.l, and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. The town’s most characteristic and most famous landmark is The Puente Nuevo bridge which connects the old town with its modern part, and which took the lives of 50 people during its construction. Ronda is definitely one of the most beautiful Spanish white villages in Andalucia, and also the most visited one.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Ronda, Spain On A Day Trip
Benalmadena Pueblo
Many have heard about Benalmadena Costa, a very popular holiday resort, but not that many know about Benalmadena Pueblo, the second part of the town located a little further inland. Benalmadena Pueblo retained the authenticity of a typical Andalucian village to this day. It’s full of narrow streets, and whitewashed houses decorated with colorful flowers. The village is most famous for Castillo de Colomares – a building that looks like a fairy-tale castle. But in reality, it’s a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his discovery of America. The most fascinating fact is that it was built by only 3 people! We unexpectedly fell in love with Benalmadena Pueblo, which for us is the most beautiful Spanish white village we’ve seen.
Learn more: 7 Best Things To Do In Benalmádena Pueblo, Spain
Frigiliana
Frigiliana is a very charming little pueblo blanco located at 320 m a.s.l, squeezed between the Mediterranean Sea and Parque Natural de Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama. It’s one of the best-preserved villages in the whole province of Malaga and has a typical Mediterranean vibe. While walking in the picturesque labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and whitewashed houses it’s very easy to understand why the Spanish Tourism Board named Frigiliana the most beautiful village in Andalucia.
Travel tip. A trip to Frigiliana can be easily combined with a visit to Nerja and/or Torrox Pueblo.
Learn more: 10 Things To Do In Frigiliana, Spain In One Day
Explore local attractions
Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo without a doubt is one of the most beautiful white towns, pueblos blancos, Costa del Sol can offer. It’s a typical charming Andalucian village located at the altitude of 430 m a.s.l, at the foot of Sierra de Mijas mountain range. The village is packed with a maze of narrow cobbled streets, lots of charming corners, and whitewashed houses decorated with colorful flower pots. From the Mijas Pueblo you can admire stunning views over the Costa del Sol.
Learn more: 10 Best Things To Do In Mijas Pueblo, Spain
Antequera
Antequera is located at an altitude of 575m among the breathtaking mountainous landscapes. Thanks to its central location among the four big Andalusian cities (Malaga, Seville, Granada, Cordoba) the town is known as El Corazón de Andalucía (“The Heart of Andalusia”). Despite this, Antequera still isn’t a popular destination, and it can most certainly be called an Andalusian hidden gem. The charming old town, Alcazaba, Dolmens, Lovers Rock, El Torcal de Antequera, and more churches per inhabitant than anywhere else in Spain… There are many interesting things to do in this beautiful Spanish white village in Andalucia.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Antequera, An Undiscovered Gem In Spain
Ojen
Ojen is another beautiful Andalusian white village, which retained its traditional charm. It’s a town of Moorish origin with a population of only about 3000 people. Ojen is located between the sea and the Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves, less than 10km from Marbella. Its name is derived from an Arabic word, hoxán, meaning “rough place”, which is quite interesting as Ojen is a very tranquil place.
Nerja
Nerja was once a sleepy fishing village and now is a very popular holiday resort which old town kept its traditional Andalusian charm. Besides a nice stroll among narrow cobbled streets full of whitewashed houses, Nerja can offer you a relaxing time on one of its sandy beaches with amazing mountain views behind your back. It also has impressive caves to discover!
Travel tip. Thanks to the close proximity, a trip to Nerja can be easily combined with a visit to Frigiliana and/or Torrox Pueblo.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do In Nerja, Spain
Torrox Pueblo
Torrox Pueblo is a small charming Andalucian hidden gem, yet not discovered by many. The oldest part of the town is located at about 145m a.s.l and like most of the white villages it’s full of narrow streets and whitewashed houses generously decorated with flowers. Also, Torrox claims to have the best climate in Europe, with an average annual temperature of 18°C! Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
Travel tip. Thanks to the close proximity, a trip to Torrox Pueblo can be easily combined with a visit to Frigiliana and/or Nerja.
Learn more: 7 Best Things To Do in Torrox Pueblo and Costa, Spain
Spanish white villages in Andalucia on Costa de la Luz
Costa de la Luz, the Coast of Light, is a part of the Andalucian coast that faces the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline of about 200km extends from Tarifa located in the south, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, through the Province of Cadiz and Huelva, up to the mouth of the Guadiana River. Costa de la Luz can be proud of its stunning landscapes dominated by sandy beaches, charming white villages, and… strong winds perfect for practicing water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Vejer de la Frontera
Vejer de la Frontera is one of the finest examples of white villages that you can find in Andalucia. Town sits on a small hill, at the altitude of 200m a.s.l, and like many typical Andalusian white villages is full of narrow cobbled streets with whitewashed houses decorated with colorful flowers. According to the association of Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España Vejer de la Frontera is one of the most beautiful Spanish white villages in Andalucia.
Learn more: 15+ Best Things To Do In Vejer De La Frontera, Spain In One Day
Cadiz
Cadiz is a charming and quaint city full of history and spectacular views, definitely one of the most enjoyable cities in the whole of Andalucia. It’s located on a narrow slice of land, surrounded on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean. Cadiz is one of the oldest, and most continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, first settled by the Phoenicians 3000 years ago, in 1100 BC. Later, Romans settled there and built an impressive city. Over the years Cadiz was one of the most important ports in Europe and also was a starting point for Christopher Columbus travels.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Cadiz, Spain In One Day
Tarifa
Tarifa is the southernmost point of Spain and mainland Europe. It lies right across Morocco, in a place where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet. Thanks to strong, constant winds Tarifa is called Europe’s capital of the wind, and hence is one of the world’s most popular destinations for water sports, like kitesurfing or windsurfing, where thousands of water sports enthusiasts come every year. Town also boasts a charming old town with a typical Andalucian vibe, with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, corners, and squares.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Tarifa, Spain – Complete Travel Guide
Bonus: Guadix on Costa de Almeria
Guadix is one of the most unique places you’ll see in your entire life. Well, it isn’t a white village per se, but we think that its beautiful Cave Houses Neighbourhood (es. Barrio de las Cuevas) deserves a mention here too. Why? Because this area is full of stunning troglodytes’ houses from which you can only see… white doors and white chimneys. So somehow it can be classified as a white village, right?
Learn more: Guadix, Spain – Caves And Troglodytes’ Houses In Andalucia
Other beautiful Spanish white villages in Andalucia
Do you still want to discover more Spanish white villages in Andalucia? Wow, you are tireless! So here are more ideas, which we had on our bucket list but haven’t had a chance to see yet. Definitely next time.
Casares
Casares is a picturesque village tucked up into a rocky mountainside offering great views of the surroundings. Village is full of narrow steep streets with traditional white houses. Thanks to the fact that many of its houses appear to hang precariously over the edge, the place has earned a “hanging village” nickname.
Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil de las Bodegas is a white village best known for its whitewashed houses built into the surrounding cliffs of a narrow gorge. Walking among a maze of streets that wind through the rocky landscape must be a really unique experience! Setenil de las Bodegas definitely looks like one of the most beautiful Spanish white villages in Andalucia!
Olvera
Olvera for many is considered one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalucia. The village sits high up on a hill with a beautiful parish church and Arab fortress that overlook it. Fantastic views, lovely winding streets full of white houses, and lovely squares are guaranteed!.
Mojacar
Mojacar is a small and very picturesque Andalucian town. Its old town is one of the region’s most popular tourist spots, full of beautiful steep winding streets filled with whitewashed houses perfect to get lost in. In Mojacar, you’ll also find a 17km long stretch of beautiful sandy beaches lined with hotels, restaurants, and beach bars.
Arcos de la Frontera
Arcos de la Frontera is one of the most famous white villages in Andalucia, located on a steep rock. Whitewashed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, a beautiful basilica, and stunning views over the Guadalete River and its surroundings add to its charm.
Comares
Comares is located at an altitude of 703m a.s.l. It’s a charming hilltop white village with a rich history and spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Comare’s old town is a beautiful maze of narrow, winding streets, lined with traditional whitewashed houses with strong Arab influences.
Iznajar
Iznajar is a picturesque white town overlooking the biggest Andalucian lake, Iznajar Lake. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleys that wind up to the town’s imposing castle and church, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Zahara de la Sierra
Zahara de la Sierra is a lovely, postcard-worthy white Andalucian village perched on a hill above the stunning turquoise blue reservoir, Embalse de Zahara-El Gastor, and green fields. Its old town is really charming, and the views from the castle are simply fantastic.
Grazalema
Grazalema is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Andalucia. This traditional mountain village is nestled in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, surrounded by rugged limestone peaks and lush green valleys. Grazalema enchants visitors with its natural beauty, traditional charm, and many outdoor activities.
Beautiful Spanish white villages in Andalucia – Summing up
Wow, that’s a lot of Spanish white villages in Andalucia to discover, right? If you’re staying longer in the area you definitely won’t be bored. We hope our post was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing the perfect places to discover for yourself. Enjoy the time during your trips in Andalucia and share your experiences in the comments. We’re curious about the white villages you chose!
Our opinion about Spanish white villages in Andalucia & TOP5
So far we’ve spent almost 4 months in Andalucia and it quickly became our second favorite region in Spain, after the Asturias in the North. We stayed near Malaga and in Tarifa between November and March. During that time we had a nice opportunity to visit quite a large part of Andalucia and got to know it pretty well. Also, back then there were no wild crowds anymore and we explored most of the white villages in peace. And we really enjoyed most of them!
So what are our favorite Spanish white villages in Andalucia? Benalmadena Pueblo, Ronda, Estepona, Cadiz and Antequera!
One more tip for the end: traveling by car, without a doubt, is the best and the fastest way of getting to all white villages. So if you’re not traveling by car, we recommend you rent one.
For great car rental deals visit Rentalcars website.
