White villages, the essence of Andalusia
The most genuine of the Andalusian cultural heritage, in the heart of the Sierra
The White Villages represent the most genuine of the physical, human and cultural Andalusian landscape. A route with beautiful natural landscapes, villages with a secular tradition and a rich architectural, cultural and gastronomic heritage. Visiting the White Villages is the best way to get to know the essence of Andalusia
Guided visits to white villages
As an Official Tourist Guide of Andalusia I make the following proposal, which you can customize, deciding what to visit, duration and itinerary
The duration of visits is orientative and depends on how many monuments are visited, traffic and other incidents
If I were busy with another customer, I pledge to provide you with the best Official Travel Guide available.
Prices do not include transportation
Children accompanied and handicapped with assistant are welcome
Complement to the visit to Ronda
Here I offer you the possibility to visit some of the white villages of the Serrania:
- Grazalema, the rainiest place in southern Spain.
- Zahara de la Sierra, breathtaking views and possibility to visit a totally ecological oil factory
- Arcos de la Frontera, Olvera, Setenil, …
Information
In the Route of the white towns there are more than 400 accommodations of all types: rural houses, cortijos, hostels, hostels, inns; many of them with charm, located in old manor houses in the centers of the towns, or in the middle of nature, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the mountain range and with magnificent views. Undoubtedly, you will find, among such a wide range, accommodation that is of your entire satisfaction.
The gastronomy of the white villages is based on the products of the area. Vegetable and wild vegetables, such as tagarninas, asparagus and artichokes; hunting: deer, partridge and rabbit, with which delicious casseroles are made; chacinas and cheeses; the sweets typical of the area, such as the gañotes, snowy eggs and sighs. And, of course, olive oil, a basic element in Mediterranean cuisine.
More information: Turismo de Cádiz
The white villages of the mountains of Cadiz and Malaga have an archaeological heritage that goes back more than 250,000 years, which indicates the presence of diverse cultures throughout its history. But it is the presence of the culture of Al-Ándalus (mastery of the Muslims in Spain) that has left more traces: in the urban layout, in the economy linked to the oil cultivation, in the craftsmanship of the skin and in toponymy of the place. Nowadays, the white towns are the repositories of a tradition that, in addition to its cultural importance, remains – along with the new contribution of tourism – fundamental in the economy of the area.
The white villages celebrate annual patron saint festivities, Holy Week, pilgrimages, Moorish and Christian festivals, and more recent events destined to the tourist and cultural projection, such as music festivals and flamenco singing. In some of them agricultural fairs and harvest parties are held.
More information: Turismo de Cádiz
We encourage you to visit a privileged natural environment: the mountains of Cadiz and Malaga where are the villages of the proposed route. In the Serranía de Ronda (Málaga province) and in the adjacent Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, and the Los Alcornocales Natural Park – cataloged as ‘One of the Ten Natural Wonders of Europe’ – you will see dreamlike landscapes and you will be able to observe the exuberant richness of its biodiversity.
Trails, forest tracks, sport fishing, free flying, horse riding, cycling, canyoning and other sporting activities are at your disposal in the natural environment of the White Peoples.
More information: Turismo de Cádiz
The Route of the White Villages includes several localities of the mountain ranges that share the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga, concretely the Sierra de Grazalema. Throughout the Mediterranean coast you can find white houses. White reflects the sun’s rays, protecting it from the heat, and the white lime, used to paint houses, drives away the parasites and performed a hygienic function in centuries past, when cholera ravaged those lands. From there comes the origin of these beautiful mountain villages that today are one of the most unique attractions of Andalusia.
The mountain villages share the typical physiognomy of the medieval populations established around fortresses erected centuries ago. When Christians and Muslims fought for the dominion of the Andalusian territory, the people protected themselves around castles and places of worship, giving place to the layout of the present towns, that still is conserved in great part.