Are you looking for the information on Andalucia´s white villages route? Planning to drive through the white villages of Andalucia and would like to program a logical and scenic route? If you would like to receive advice regarding the white villages route and which villages are the best to visit, you are in the right place. In this article, you will find a list of the best villages to visit in Andalucia, white hill towns map and itinerary of the white villages route.
The white villages route through Andalucia
There are as many ways to explore Andalusia as many travelers are willing to explore this part of Spain on their own.
The white villages route (Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos) is one of the proposals that can be implemented immediately and without much thought about the route itself because this one we prepared for you below.
The white villages route runs through 19 towns located in the Sierra de Grazalema mountain range in the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. Specifically, they are:
- Alcalá del Valle,
- Algar,
- Algodonales,
- Arcos de la Frontera,
- Benaocaz,
- Bornos,
- El Bosque,
- El Gastor,
- Espera,
- Grazalema,
- Olvera,
- Prado del Rey,
- Puerto Serrano,
- Setenil de las Bodegas,
- Torre Alháquime,
- Ubrique,
- Villaluenga del Rosario,
- Villamartín,
- Zahara de la Sierra.
It is best to start the journey from the town of Arcos de la Frontera, going east towards El Bosque, Grazalema, then north towards Zahara de la Sierra and Algodonales, and from there take the A-384 road to the towns of Olvera, Torre Alháquime and ending with picturesque Setenil de las Bodegas. You can see an overview of the entire proposed route below.
White Villages Route map
Click here to see white villages route Google Map
Where did the name Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos come from?
The white cities of Andalusia are not accidental. As you can guess, it’s about white houses, or rather their facades, which are characteristic of all the towns that make up the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos in Andalusia. In addition to aesthetic reasons that make white houses against the background of picturesque landscapes look simply captivating, there is also one practical reason. White color best reflects sunlight, which at more than thirty degrees of heat allows a little to reduce the amount of heat entering the home.
5 reasons to choose Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos:
1. Discover Spain from the unusual way
If this is not your first visit to Andalusia or if you have visited all the major attractions in this region, it’s time to get to know it from a slightly different angle! Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos is also a great idea for an active holiday. In many towns and their surroundings, you can devote yourself to extreme sports such as mountain climbing, paragliding or bungee jumping.
2. Enjoy the natural wealth of Andalucia
Traveling on the trail of white cities will allow you to discover views that you will not find in any other part of Spain. Numerous caves, cliffs, lush greenery of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park are just one of the many natural attractions that await you during your trip.
3. Experience time traveling
You don’t have to be an outstanding expert on architecture or history to quickly find out that Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos is the trail that best demonstrates Moorish influence in Spain. The mix of architectural styles characteristic of the art of Christianity and Islam is something that we can meet in this region of the country at every step, and it is best to find out by visiting the monuments, which on the trail of white cities is quite a lot.
4. Overcome mass tourism in Costa del Sol
If tourist attractions, crowded beaches, and ubiquitous shopping centers are not necessarily what you are looking for on vacation, then Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos is just for you. Although this route is more and more known to visitors to Spain, even for practical reasons (e.g. the need to rent a car) it is not as popular as the attractions recommended in tourist guides.
5. Taste traditional Spanish cuisine
The south of Spain is famous for its dishes and snacks called tapas, which by some are considered the best on the Iberian Peninsula. When visiting the other white cities of Andalusia, be sure to visit the small bars and taverns. Try local delicacies, cheese and regional wine. And if you don’t know where to start, waiters and chefs will gladly recommend their signature dishes.
Have you ever visited one of the white villages of Andalusia?
Share your impressions in the comment. Write what surprised you most. We are waiting for your opinion!