Andalucia White Villages Tour

Taking a tour of Andalucia white villages is a great way to explore Spain with the family. Follow our recommended route of the Pueblos Blancos from Marbella to hit the best villages and make the most of your trip.

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Historically Andalusians chose to live in fortified hilltop towns and villages called Pueblos Blancos (white villages) to escape preying bandits. These white towns are whitewashed in the Moorish tradition and today are functioning agricultural towns that will give you insight to Andalucia´s colorful past.

There are so many Andalucia pueblos blancos and they each have their own character and charm. They all have a main square and a church which make good starting points for touring the village. Many of the Andalucia white villages also have tourist or information offices where you can find more about the villages history and unique sights. Regardless of our path, keep your eyes open for street signs directing you to a particular village, which takes priority and will lead you on the shortest route from each town.

Keep in mind that many of these roads are in the mountains and have a lot of turns, so drive safely, slow down in unfavorable conditions, plan a bit more time than usual and bring any bags or seasick bands for anyone who may get a bit queezy with long drives.

It's possible to do this tour in a day, however we suggest you get an early start. If you see you´re short on time skip a town and continue to the next. Leave plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, have a tapas in the local bar, visit castles and museums, eat a leisurely lunch, shop for souvenirs and take in the local culture.

Start with any town you wish, as there are many places to stay and eat in all these towns. We start with Ronda.

Ronda Located only 45 minutes from Marbella, it´s easy to make Ronda your starting point. Here you will find one of the oldest bull rings in Spain and a breathtaking 100 meter high bridge.
Directions: Take the N340 towards San Pedro. Next head towards the mountains at the first street light onto the A 397. Follow road signs to Ronda. Approximately 50km from Marbella.

Setenil This beautiful village climbs up the side of a gorge where you will even find some streets covered by rock overhangs.
Directions: Head north on the MA 428 toward Olvera. Road turns into CA 4211 just before turnoff to Sentenil. Approximately 15 km from Ronda.

Ronda la Vieja Visit the remains and theatre of the Roman town Acinipo.
Directions: Follow MA 449 south and any tourist signs to Roman Ruins. Approximately 15 km from Setenil.

Grazalema Located next to the Natural Park Sierra de Grazalema, this charming village is known for its high levels of rainfall bringing various types of vegetation to the area.
Directions: Head south on the MA 449 then west on the A 372 until you hit Grazalema. Approximately 26km from Ronda la Viega (Acinipo)

Zahara de la Sierra The entire village has been declared a national monument with its historic castle ruin nestled atop the pueblo.
Directions: From Grazalema head north on the CA 5311. Approximately 14km from Grazalema.

Ubrique This village is known for its leather industry and lies between two natural parks, which makes your drive filled with beautiful landscapes.
Directions: From Zahara drive south again on the CA 531 toward Grazalema, but then cross the A 372 heading further south to Ubrique. Appproximately 33km from Zahara.

Arcos de la Frontera Another village declared a historical monument, Arcos de la Frontera is strategically positioned atop a limestone ridge offering spectacular views of the valley of the river Guadalete below.
Directions: From Ubrique head north on the A 373 for 9km, then west on the A 372 towards Arcos de la Frontera. Approximately 35 km from Ubrique.

Jimena de la Frontera Visit the moorish castle in this historic cobblestone paved village set among the hills where wild bulls graze among olive trees. Try and hit the annual village fair the second week in August.
Directions: From Arcos de la Frontera head southwest along the CA 5221 for about 15km, then the road transitions to the CA 521 for 4 km and then passes onto the CA 503. Continue along this road crossing the A 375 and turning into the C 3331. This road will lead you straight to Jimena de la Frontera. Approximately 55km from Arcos de la Frontera.

Gaucin Once a major Roman settlement this village is perched 626 meters above sea level commanding spectacular views of Gibraltar and the Rif mountains of Morocco. Visit the castle/fortress Castillo del Aguila (Eagles´s Castle).
Directions: From Jimena de la Frontera head northeast along the A 369 towards Ronda until you hit Gaucin. Approximately 16km from Jimena de la Frontera.

Once you´ve visited Gaucin you may either continue north to Ronda if you haven´t seen it or head south towards the coast heading toward Casares and Manilva until you reach the water. From there (San Luis de Sabanillas) you may take the coast road through Estepona and San Pedro de Alcantara until you reach Marbella. From Gaucin, the road to Marbella along this route is approximately 50 km.

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