Based on the experience of my route through Andalusia by car, I have made a list of what I believe are the 15 most stunning villages in Andalusia. Let’s start!

This list of the most beautiful villages of Andalusia will help you discover one of the main tourist attractions of this autonomous community in southern Spain. It is much more than its beautiful cities, monuments, and natural landscapes.

From small towns of whitewashed houses and balconies full of flowers perched on the mountain slopes to old fishing villages with white houses and beaches where one can relax, Andalusia has great diversity for travelers of all types.

The best way to discover these treasures is to travel by car. This will give you the freedom to stop anywhere and when you want, without wasting much time on transfers.

Also, there is the possibility of making a circular route of about 3 days in each province, focusing mainly on Cadiz and Granada, which are the provinces that contain the greatest number of beauties.

The most pleasant time to visit these villages is in spring and autumn when the weather is less hot. Their natural surroundings present the most spectacular colors and avoid the high prices in the most touristy areas.

The 15 Most Stunning Villages In Andalusia According To Tourists

1. Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil de las Bodegas is a charming village in Andalusia that lies so perfectly in the canyon of the Guadalporcun river. It is an obligatory stop on the route of the White Villages of Cadiz.

One characteristic that distinguishes it from other cave villages is that the roofs are covered with large rocks. They are whitewashed to keep warm during the winter and cool during the summer. 

Cuevas de la Sombra and del Sol, which contain most cave houses, are ideal for a walk through the town’s network of steep roads. 

It will take you to different viewpoints and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, one of the places to see in Setenil de las Bodegas.

And, of course, before leaving, you can recover your strength by having tapas at Bar Frasquito or Sol y Sombra. These are two of the most popular restaurants to eat in Setenil de las Bodegas.

Another advantage of this village is that it is 20 minutes drive from the beautiful city of Ronda and 40 minutes from the Caminito del Rey. These are two of the great tourist attractions of Andalusia. Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the best villages to visit in Andalucia.

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2. Frigiliana

Frigiliana, located on a hillside in the Sierra de Almijara, near the luxurious Costa del Sol, falls in love at first sight with its white facades. It also has lots of brightly colored flowers, which have made it one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

By strolling through its narrow streets, you can see the legacy left by Muslims, Jews, and Christians over the centuries. You can also purchase local products, such as the famed cane honey, in one of the magnificent craft stores.

3. Pampaneira

Pampaneira, located in the heart of the Poqueira Ravine and overlooking the imposing mountains of Sierra Nevada, is part of La Alpujarra, a historical region of Andalusia in which Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims passed, and which is worth visiting within this route.

Its architecture of white houses perched on a slope of the ravine, with flat roofs and chimneys, sets it apart from the rest. 

In addition to maintaining a Berber-style urban fabric with its classic tinaos and steep streets, this village is a perfect sample of this area of the country.

The experience includes getting lost in its narrow streets, eating the hearty Plato Alpujarreno or Migas at one of the most popular restaurants where to eat in the Alpujarra Granadina, and shopping in one of its stores for carpets and jarapas. 

You can go by car or walk to the neighboring towns of Bubión and Capileira. It is less than 5 kilometers away and is part of the route through the most beautiful villages of the Alpujarra Granadina. Pampaneira is one of the best villages to visit in Andalucia.

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4. Grazalema – One of the most stunning villages in Andalusia

Another one of the most beautiful villages in Andalusia, Grazalema, is located in the heart of the Route of the White Villages of Cadiz. It is located in the highest part of the Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema.

Besides having the particularity of being the only village in Cadiz where it snows, remember to bring a jacket depending on the time of the year you travel.

The pristine white facades of this village contrast with the bright colors of the flowers on the balconies and patios.

Aside from strolling its streets and admiring its viewpoints, I suggest you visit one of the top restaurants in Grazalema, La Maroma. La Maroma is one of the best places to eat. You do not want to miss out on trying delicious dishes here in the village.

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5. Montefrio

Montefrio, named by National Geographic as one of the ten villages with the best views globally, is another of the most beautiful villages in Andalusia.

Declared a National Historic-Artistic Site, this town of Granada surprises at first sight by the imposing, monumental complex formed by the Moorish fortress and the Church of the Villa, crowning the top of a rock and surrounded by a sea of olive trees.

Descending or ascending the rock, you will enjoy an urban architecture reminiscent of its Arab past with whitewashed houses and winding streets, which will take you to different viewpoints such as Las Peñas, with unique views of the surroundings and the village.

After completing the visit, you can go to the Peña de Los Gitanos, located 5 kilometers away and preserves archaeological remains ranging from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages as a hundred dolmens, a Visigoth necropolis, Roman, Visigoth, and Arab remains. Visiting Montefrio is one of the best things to do in Andalusia.

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6. Mojácar

Despite being a city in this list of charming villages of Andalusia, we did not want to leave out Mojacar both for its location and monumentality. 

This town, perched on top of a mountain 170 meters above sea level, at the end of the Sierra de Cabrera, offers incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea.

With a Moorish past and typical Andalusian white houses, Mojacar also has a 17-kilometer coastline with idyllic beaches and a lively nightlife, which have earned it the nickname of the “Ibiza of the South.”

When you complete this list of places to see in Mojacar and relax on one of its beaches, you can enjoy an unforgettable sunset and dine at Cabo Norte or Bellavista restaurants.

If you have more time, you can take a tour of the best beaches of Cabo de Gata. This is the Playa de Los Muertos, located just 25 kilometers from Mojacar. You can also complete this list of places to see in Cabo de Gata, one of Spain’s most beautiful natural parks.

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7. Vejer de la Frontera – Another of the wonderful villages in Andalusia

Vejer de la Frontera, perched on top of a hill on the banks of the Barbate River, is another of the most beautiful villages in Andalusia.

Strolling through the cobbled streets of the beautiful center, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, will take you back several centuries thanks to the labyrinthine urban fabric and the Nasrid courtyards, reminiscent of its Arab past.

Following this list of places to see in Vejer de la Frontera where the Arco de las Monjas, the Mirador de La Cobijada, and the Church of Divino Salvador stand out, you should try the delicious Moroccan food at the Jardin del Califa, which is one of the most recommended restaurants to eat in Vejer de la Frontera. Then drive to El Palmar beach to enjoy a relaxing swim.

8. Cazorla

Cazorla, a paradise for lovers of rural tourism and hiking, thanks to its routes through the Natural Park of the Sierra de Cazorla, is another of the villages of Andalusia that you should not miss.

Crowned by the Castle of Yedra or of the Four Corners, the narrow streets of this village of Jaén will take you through beautiful squares and historical places such as the Town Hall, the ruins of the Church of Santa María, and the Vault of the Cerezuelo River, until you reach the Balcón de Zabaleta, from where you will get the best panoramic view of the village.

Although if something characterizes this town and makes it worthy of entering this list, it is its unique environment in which you can connect with nature at any time of the year. It has some of the most popular hiking trails such as the Cascada de Linarejos, the Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente or the Cerezuelo river.

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9. Olvera

Olvera, located on a hillside in the Sierra de Cádiz and declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1983, is another of the most beautiful villages in Andalusia.

Going up the popular Calle Calzada and crossing the charming Barrio de la Villa, you will reach an impressive monumental complex formed by the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and the Moorish Castle, from where you will enjoy the best views of the whole province.

Go to the venerated Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios and ride on a bike or walk in the foot of the Vía Verde de la Sierra. Then stop rest and recharge energy in the Corral de la Pacheca, one of the most recommended restaurants to eat in Olvera.

10. Alájar

Alájar, located at 837 meters above sea level and at the foot of the Peña de Arias Montero, in the heart of the Natural Park of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, is another charming village in Andalusia.

This village in the province of Huelva, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, stands out for its cobbled streets, whose white houses with reddish roofs are still preceded by the typical “plains” and the fantastic natural environment of extensive forests of oaks, cork oaks, and chestnut trees.

In addition to visiting its main points of interest such as the hermitages of Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles and San Bartolomé, you cannot leave Alájar without tasting its famous Iberian ham and taking a hiking route through the Sierra de Aracena.

If you have more time, you can travel to the village of Aracena to enter the Gruta de las Maravillas. One of the most beautiful places in the world, you can see beautiful lakes and incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations.

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11. Ronda, Malaga

This wonderful village in Malaga is one of the jewels you have to see in the province of Malaga. Let me warn you that the view from this village to the New Bridge that crosses the Tajo will make you freak out. To say that this view is unforgettable is an understatement.

I dare to say that it is one of the best views in Andalusia. There is much more to this town than the Puente Nuevo. For example, I recommend the Alameda del Tajo, the views from the Balcón del Coño, the wall, and my last great discovery in Ronda: the House of the Moorish King.

12. Aracena, Huelva

In the north of Huelva, in the middle of the Sierra, hides one of the most wonderful villages of Andalusia. 

Aracena has that magic typical of Andalusian inland villages. Those magical times of Andalusia with a walled enclosure topped with a medieval castle.

The town is not only full of charm and history but there are several places to highlight as well. Some of its best features are its excellent pastures and its Iberian ham with a designation of origin. 

If you love pata Negra, a visit to the Museo del Jamón Ibérico will be a delicious experience. In addition, we have the jewel in Aracena’s crown: the impressive Gruta de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders). Full of stalactites, stalagmites, and lakes.

13. Arcos de la Frontera, Cádiz

After searching and capturing the most scenic route through the white villages, let’s return to Cadiz. Specifically to the best gateway to the Sierra de Cadiz: 

There is another balcony in Arcos de la Frontera that has views you wish to imprint in your mind forever and ever. 

The balcony I’m talking about is the Mirador de la Peña de Berlanga, also known as the Balcón del Coño. 

Do you know why the name is like that? It comes from the fact that when you look out, you inevitably get a “¡coño, qué vistas!”. I hope you forgive me for being so foul-mouthed, but the occasion deserves it.

I also recommend climbing the Cuesta de Belén, crossing the Callejón de las Monjas, the Plaza del Cabildo or having a drink at the Parador, right next to the balcony. 

Arcos is unquestionably one of the most beautiful villages in Cadiz to explore calmly and without hurry.

14. Carmona

If you are in Seville and like monumental and historical towns, Carmona is always an ideal place to explore. It is considered the jewel of the Sevillian countryside. 

Great civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Romans, and Muslims have passed through here. I am not exaggerating even a little when I say that the historical burden of these Andalusian villages is brutal.

At the top of the hill is the jewel in the village’s crown: the Alcazar de la Puerta de Sevilla. Several famous Spanish films are shot here to give you an idea of how beautiful this town is, full of churches, convents, and palaces. 

For example, Carmona has been the setting for the film “Carmen” starring Paz Vega, the series “La Peste” or the movie “Nadie conoce a nadie.”

15. Zuheros, Córdoba

Sierra Subbetica Cordoba, specifically Zuheros, is the last of these fifteen most beautiful villages of Andalusia. 

Andalusia is a historic center as well as a historical site. In addition, like many other villages I speak of in this article, it belongs to the network of beautiful villages in Spain.

Note: in total, 16 Andalusian villages belong to this network. I find it curious to comment that the province of Cadiz is the one that accumulates the most beautiful villages on this list.

Zuheros has many narrow streets and a perfectly preserved historic center where you can feel its Arab past. 

To enjoy the best view of the village, I recommend climbing the cliff to the top of its ninth-century Moorish castle. You cannot leave this village without visiting the Cueva de Los Murcielagos, the largest cave in Cordoba.