Once the last frontier of Christian Europe, the snow-white towns sitting atop the rolling hills of Southern Spain are a charming contrast to the hustle and bustle of Seville, Granada and Cordoba. Filled with history and traditions, these towns and villages offer an authentic off the beaten path experience.
The towns are not the easiest to explore by public transport so you must ensure you have your own wheels (preferably four of them). If you are short on time but still want a full flavour of the pueblos blancos (white towns), here are our top picks for a one-day excursion.
Tip: It is best to visit the towns in the early morning or late afternoon to experience the best light and avoid the crowds.
Setenil de las Bodegas
Hidden (literally) under the hills, Setenil is an awe-inspiring village interlaced with a labyrinth of little streets. But beware! Its treacherous streets can trap your car forever (although there are worse places to get stuck in). Guarded by a Moorish tower offering serene views of the town and the surrounding valley, Setenil’s dwellings are built into the rock walls of the gorge itself. What can be better than having a drink on a street inside a cave!
Ronda
Home to an architectural eighteenth-century wonder, this is not your typical white town. The massive Puente Nuevo, spanning the town’s gorge, is a unique sight. But it’s not only the bridge that brings tourists flocking here: its traditional dance of life and death – the bullfight – takes place in the oldest bullring in Spain. While taking in all these sights, take a moment to sit down in one of the cool, shady squares with a glass of traditional wine and try the award-winning poyeyo cheese (thick goat cheese). Ronda is by far the most popular of the white villages and is easily accessible by train and bus.
Grazalema
Fresh mountain air and countless opportunities to explore the wilderness of the Sierra de Grazalema await in its namesake village. Known for traditional handicrafts, Grazalema is a delightful stop in the mountains. For stunning views, make sure to take the road from here to Zahara.
Zahara de la Sierra
Sitting on a hill crowned by a Moorish castle and lying beside a pristine turquoise lake, Zahara de la Sierra is straight out of a fairytale. Once considered an unconquerable stronghold on the way to Granada, today this town is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Its charming steep streets and squares with stunning views of the valley underneath are the ideal place to see the sunset.
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