The Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos, between the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga, is one of the most beautiful and photogenic routes in Spain: a string of dazzlingly white villages, perched on the sierra, with steep streets, castles and dizzying viewpoints. Touring it by motorhome, stopping in each village, makes for a fantastic mix of culture and scenery. Here's the guide.
The must-see villages
- Arcos de la Frontera: spectacular, perched on a crag above the river.
- Vejer de la Frontera: one of the prettiest, with its Moorish layout.
- Grazalema: right in the heart of the natural park, a base for hiking.
- Zahara de la Sierra: beneath its castle, above a turquoise reservoir.
- Setenil de las Bodegas: with houses built into the rock, unique.
- Olvera, Ronda (the "city of the Tajo gorge")...
Nature along the way
The route crosses the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, one of the rainiest and greenest in Andalusia, with unique Spanish fir forests and great hiking (see hiking). Nature and white villages combine perfectly here.
Practical tips
- Spring and autumn are ideal; inland summers get very hot.
- Park outside the old towns (very narrow, steep streets) and walk in.
- Winding sierra roads: drive calmly (see driving in the mountains).
- Use designated sites in the villages and respect local overnight rules.
In short
The Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos links dazzling villages perched on the sierra of Cádiz and Málaga, with the Grazalema Natural Park thrown in for good measure. The step to take today: plan an itinerary through Arcos, Grazalema, Zahara, Setenil and Ronda, parking outside the old towns and walking in; combine the villages with a bit of hiking around Grazalema. Pair it with the routes through Andalusia.