15 best white villages to visit in Andalucia | Our top picks

Beyond the cities and beach resorts, the real soul of southern Spain lives in the white villages in Andalucía. Clinging to cliffs, tucked into valleys, or crowning olive-covered hills – these pueblos aren’t just photogenic – they’ve got stories, texture, and edge. Crumbling castles in Zahara, cliffside drama in Ronda, Moorish echoes in Vejer, cave-carved streets in Setenil – every village on this list earns its place. We’ve cut the forgettable ones, kept the standouts – here’s where to go.

What are the best white villages to visit in Andalucía?

If you’re putting together a Spain itinerary and want to go beyond the usual city stops, the white villages in Andalucía offer a different kind of highlight. These aren’t just photogenic pit stops – they’re some of the best places to visit in Spain for slowing down, eating well, and getting a real sense of place.

The classic image is all whitewashed walls and flower-filled balconies – and yes, you’ll find that. But the Andalucía white villages are more than a pretty face. Some cling to cliffs with views that stop you in your tracks (Ronda, Zahara). Others feel frozen in time, with narrow alleys and ancient fortresses (Olvera, Vejer). A few, like Setenil, are simply bizarre – in the best possible way.

Many of these villages are within easy reach of bigger hubs like Seville, Málaga, or Granada, which makes them perfect for day trips or one-night detours. Just be selective. Not every white village lives up to the hype, and there are plenty that feel more like style than substance. The ones on our list? They’re worth the drive.

1. Alhama de Granada, Granada Province

If you’re planning a trip to Spain and want something halfway between Granada’s history and Málaga’s buzz, Alhama de Granada is a smart detour. The drive inland from the coast takes you through the dramatic Zafarraya Pass – a crack in the mountains that opens out into fields of corn and holm oak.

The town itself clings to the edge of a deep gorge, with views across the plains of the Sierra de Tejeda. It’s compact but full of character – winding lanes, faded mansions, and the eerie Casa de la Inquisición, once home to Spain’s inquisitors. Just outside town, you’ll find a 12th-century Moorish bathhouse, still functional if you fancy a dip.

It’s quieter than the better-known pueblos, but that’s part of the appeal. If you're ticking off things to do in Málaga and looking to escape the coast for a day, Alhama gives you thermal baths, local tapas, and some serious scenery, without the crowds.

2. Medina Sidonia, Cadiz Province

It might not have the dramatic clifftop setting of Arcos or Vejer, but Medina Sidonia earns its place among the best white villages in Andalucía for its depth of history alone. Once a key stronghold in Moorish Spain, and before that a Roman settlement, this hilltop town still carries the weight of centuries in its quiet streets.

You’ll enter through Moorish gates, pass over intact Roman sewers, and stroll past crumbling palaces that hint at the town’s one-time status as a major ducal seat. There’s faded grandeur here, not polished beauty, and that’s exactly the charm.

It’s the kind of place where nothing much happens in the best way. Stray cats doze in doorways. Locals crowd the bars on scorching afternoons. And you’ll likely have the town’s shaded alleys and wide views mostly to yourself.

3. Montefrio, Granada Province

The Alpujarras often steal the spotlight, but Montefrío offers one of the most striking village settings in inland Andalucía. Surrounded by miles of olive groves, the town climbs dramatically to a rocky peak topped with a church and the remains of a Moorish fortress – a view that’s impressive from just about every angle.

Down in the village, you’ll find another fine church, peaceful plazas, and a few bars where time moves slowly. At the top, La Iglesia de la Villa houses a museum focused on the Christian reconquest, while the crumbling alcazaba behind it offers sweeping views over the plains.

One of the more unusual things to do in Granada province lies just a few minutes away – Las Peñas de los Gitanos, a fascinating Neolithic site with caves, dolmens, and hillside trails. It’s quiet, wild, and under-visited.

4. Casares, Málaga Province

Just inland from the sprawl of the Costa del Sol, Casares delivers the kind of hilltop drama you hope for in the white villages of Andalucía. From a distance, it looks like a cascade of white sugar cubes tumbling down the hillside, crowned by the ruins of a Moorish castle.

It’s small – there’s not much to do but wander the steep streets, take in the views, and stop for a cold beer or coffee in the shade. But what Casares lacks in attractions, it makes up for in atmosphere. Stick around after the day-trippers leave and the place transforms – quiet, golden-lit, and full of local life.

That’s why it ranks among the best places to stay in Andalucía if you're after a laid-back base with easy access to both coast and countryside. Spend the night, and you can also visit the nearby Roman sulphur baths – supposedly visited by Caesar himself – without the crowds.

5. Arcos de la Frontera, Cádiz Province

Few towns in southern Spain make an entrance like Arcos de la Frontera. Balanced on a narrow ridge above the Río Guadalete, with sheer drops on either side, it’s as dramatic as they come. What looks like another pretty white village from a distance turns out to be a full-blown labyrinth once you’re in – twisting streets, shadowy archways, sudden views, and a Moorish castle anchoring it all.

It’s also a solid stop for anyone mapping out things to do in Spain beyond the obvious. Between tapas bars, old churches, and strange local legends (yes, there are ghost stories), Arcos gives you more than just a photo op. It’s one of the few places that feels both lived-in and mysterious.

For food, this town doesn’t try too hard, which is exactly the appeal. Settle into a small bar for cured pork, local cheese, and a glass of chilled fino. It’s an easy fit on an Andalucía food tour, especially if you’re hungry for something with character.

6. Zahara de la Sierra, Cádiz Province

If you were to sketch the perfect white village, you’d probably come up with something close to Zahara de la Sierra. It clings to a rocky peak, crowned with a ruined castle, overlooking a reservoir so turquoise it looks fake. It’s one of the most striking villages in Andalucía – and yes, it lives up to the photos.

The streets are steep, but worth the climb. From the top, you get a full sweep of the Sierra de Grazalema, a natural park that’s also one of the best hiking areas in southern Spain. Come in spring and everything’s green and buzzing; come in summer and it’s bone-dry, but the reservoir is swimmable.

There’s not much in the way of nightlife, but a long lunch with local cheese and game stew is reason enough to linger. And if you’re here in early June, the Corpus Christi decorations turn the village into a floral maze.

Zahara works as a day trip from Ronda, but it’s better as an overnight stop if you're road-tripping the pueblos blancos. You’ll want time to sit, stare, and let your calves recover.

7. Frigiliana, Málaga Province

If you’re looking for one of the most polished Andalucía villages, head to Frigiliana – just a few kilometers above the coast, but worlds away in feel. With its whitewashed streets, tiled murals, and tidy plant pots, it’s one of the cleanest, best-kept villages on the list – a little too polished for some, but undeniably pretty.

It’s also an easy win if you’re exploring Spain with kids. The layout is compact, there are no cars in the upper part of the village, and you can bribe tired little legs with ice cream or a ride on the (slightly kitschy) tourist train. For adults, there’s local wine, mountain views, and a solid lineup of small galleries and shops.

It can get crowded in peak season, especially with day-trippers from Nerja, but mornings and evenings are calmer. You’ll still find corners to yourself, especially if you climb towards the old Moorish quarter.

8. Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz Province

Few white villages in Andalucía manage to balance charm, culture, and coast as well as Vejer de la Frontera. Perched on a low hill just a short drive from the Atlantic, Vejer gives you winding streets, flower-draped patios, and views that stretch to the beach.

And not just any beach – El Palmar, one of the best beaches in Spain, is just 10 minutes away. Long, wild, and mostly untouched by resort development, it’s ideal for surfing, sunsets, or just letting the kids run wild while you do nothing at all.

Back in the village, Vejer has plenty to hold your attention: a castle, a beautiful old mosque-turned-church, rooftop bars, and a serious food scene. Come in October for the annual tapas competition, or any time of year for some of the best dining in the region.

9. Grazalema, Cádiz Province

Tucked deep into the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, this village feels more alpine than Andalusian at first glance – white houses with red-tiled roofs, pine forests all around, and a backdrop of jagged limestone peaks. But Grazalema is pure Andalucía, and one of the most rewarding white villages if you like your scenery served with serious flavor.

This is a stronghold of traditional mountain cooking – rich stews, game dishes, cured sheep’s cheese, and payoyo goat cheese, one of the best Spanish foods you’ve probably never heard of. Local restaurants don’t fuss with trends; they do hearty, home-style food that’s perfect after a long walk.

And walking is what brings most people here. Grazalema is a hiking base, with trails fanning out into the surrounding park, including one that takes you up to El Pinsapar, a rare Spanish fir forest. It’s also cooler than much of Andalucía in summer – a good option if you're melting on the coast.

10. Mijas Pueblo, Málaga Province

Just 30 minutes from Málaga and high above the coast, Mijas Pueblo is one of the easiest Andalucía white villages to reach, which also means it’s one of the busiest. But if you time it right (read: early morning or off-season), you’ll see why it still deserves a spot on the list.

The village itself is textbook pretty: steep streets, tiled fountains, flowerpots on every wall. There’s a small bullring, a few museums, and a string of shops selling local ceramics and sweets. It’s polished, yes, but not without charm. Grab a seat on a terrace and you’ve got views over the Costa del Sol to the sea.

While it’s popular with day-trippers, Mijas works well as a base if you want to stay somewhere peaceful but still be within easy reach of Málaga’s beaches, restaurants, and airport. You won’t find much grit here, but for easy access, good food, and an intro to the Andalucía pueblos, it delivers.

11. Olvera, Cádiz Province

With its hilltop church and castle rising above a sea of white houses, Olvera has the look of a showstopper – but without the crowds. It’s often overlooked in favor of nearby Ronda or Zahara, which is exactly why it belongs on any list of must-see Andalucía white villages.

The main climb takes you past narrow, quiet streets to the Iglesia del Socorro and the ruins of a Moorish fortress, both perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop. From the top, the views stretch across olive groves that go on forever – this is olive oil country, and it shows.

There’s not a long list of attractions, but Olvera is perfect if you’re after a slower pace. Walk part of the Vía Verde, an old railway route turned hiking and cycling trail, or just spend the afternoon grazing on olives, local cheese, and molletes at a bar in the square.

12. Jimena de la Frontera, Cádiz Province

If the more polished white villages in Andalucía leave you wanting something wilder, head to Jimena de la Frontera. It’s not staged for tourists, and that’s exactly the appeal. Tucked into the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, this is a place where castle ruins sit above tangled streets, and vultures circle overhead while locals argue over their coffee in the plaza.

The main draw is the Moorish castle – part crumbling, part intact – which offers panoramic views all the way to the Rock of Gibraltar on a clear day. Around the village, you’ll find Roman remains, walking trails, and the kind of thick cork oak forest that’s rare elsewhere in southern Spain.

Jimena is ideal if you want to slow down and stay a while. It’s got a few small guesthouses, a weekly market, and enough tapas bars to keep things interesting, but not so many that it feels like a theme park.

13. Cómpeta, Málaga Province

Set high in the Axarquía hills east of Málaga, Cómpeta is one of the more laid-back white villages in Andalucía. It’s not as glossy as Frigiliana or as wild as Grazalema, but if you’re into hiking, wine, and local life with fewer crowds, it hits the mark.

The village is surrounded by the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, with trails starting right from the edge of town. Whether you’re up for a full-day hike or just a stroll between olive groves, there’s plenty of fresh air and views.

Cómpeta’s also known for its moscatel wine, and every August the village hosts the Noche del Vino – a celebration involving folk music, dancing, and more wine than anyone needs. Even outside festival season, there are plenty of bodegas to visit and local produce to try.

14. Setenil de las Bodegas, Cádiz Province

At first glance, Setenil de las Bodegas looks like a film set – until you realize the streets really are wedged beneath massive rock overhangs. This isn’t just another white village on a hill – it’s a town built into the cliff face. Homes, shops, and tapas bars are carved right into the stone, with boulders forming the ceilings. It’s strange, bold, and entirely unforgettable.

It’s a small place, but one that punches well above its size. You can see the whole thing in a couple of hours, making it a perfect short stop on a southern Spain itinerary – especially if you're combining Ronda, Zahara, and the surrounding Grazalema mountains.

Don’t miss Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra – two parallel streets where one is flooded with sunlight and the other lies in permanent shadow thanks to the cliff looming overhead. Grab a beer, sit outside, and let it all sink in.

15. Villaluenga del Rosario, Cádiz Province

Tiny, remote, and clinging to the edge of a rocky bowl in the Sierra de Grazalema, Villaluenga del Rosario is one of the smallest – and highest – Andalucía white villages. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere. There’s barely a handful of streets, but they’re steep, silent, and flanked by craggy limestone peaks that feel like they’re about to swallow the place whole.

This is hiking country. Trails lead out in every direction, including routes to nearby Llanos del Republicano, where you can explore caves, open plains, and rugged backcountry. In spring, it’s lush and green; in summer, bone-dry and wild.

Villaluenga is also known for its payoyo cheese, one of Andalucía’s best regional products – rich, tangy, and made from the milk of native goats and sheep. There’s even a small museum dedicated to it, which is about as lively as things get here.