Planning a trip to Spain's Pueblos Blancos? Here are some towns to put on your itinerary (and a few useful links as well)

Ronda, seen from across the valley

Arcos de la Frontera

The Pueblos Blancos of Andalusia are not a destination to be seen, but rather a location to be experienced.  These small, white towns, perched high on clifftops and hillsides promise both unforgettable views and an unforgettable experience. Today these ancient villages' narrow streets rumble with the sound of rubber tires on the stone cobbles.  The ancient architecture, and long history combined with a culture that moves to it's own gentle pace offers a wonderful blend of food, culture and sights to their visitors. 

If you are planning a trip the Pueblos Blancos of Andalusia, here are a few towns you might want to put on your itinerary:

1.  Ronda

View of the old bridge - Ronda, Spain

Perhaps the most famous of the white towns, this legendary birthplace of the bullfight draws visitors from all over the world and with good reason: Ronda is very beautiful. The town's white buildings sit perched on a yellow sandstone cliff high above the gentle curves of hillside vineyards and olive groves.  Surrounded by the peaks of the Serranía de Ronda and the Sierra de las Nieves, a view of the mountains is an easy thing to have in Ronda.

There is so much to love about Ronda: the way the sight of the new bridge spanning the deep gorge, El Tajo, takes your breath away every time you see it; the way the red-roofed white houses contrast with the golden cliffs; the beautiful geometry of the bullring; the wonderful asymmetry of the ancient walls and churches; and the bustling streets filled restaurants and shops.  Ronda holds a perfect balance between natural and man created beauty, and it is no wonder people come from far and wide to admire it.

While you are there, don't forget to take one of the many walks and hikes available in the country side around town.  Maps and guides can be purchased for one euro at the very helpful visitors center just across the square from the Plaza de Toros or printed online here.

Frequent bus service from both Seville and Malaga keep Ronda well connected.

The famous Bullring - Plaza de Toros de Ronda

2. Zahara de la Sierra 

The white village of Zahara de la Sierra is located at the northern edge of the Sierra de Grazalema National Park.  The town has a reservoir filled with clean spring water for swimming and boating, a Victorian era olive oil press, and a Moorish Castle.  Less popular with tourists than some of the other white towns, this is a great location to get away from the crowds of Ronda or Costa del Sol.

bus service in and out of Zahara de la Sierra is limited, so be sure to check the timetable.  Zahara lies on the Cadiz - Ronda bus route.

3. Grazalema

Grazalema is one of the more popular towns for visitors to the Sierra de Grazalema national park.  It is also one of the rainiest (and consequently, greenest) places in Andalusia.  The town holds a textile museum and factory, some interesting old churches, and a helpful visitors center that can help with local unrestricted walks into the park and might even help visitors obtaining the proper permits to visit the more restricted areas.  There are several walking trails and routes from Grazalema that do not require permits, and while the town fills up with visitors to the park during the spring and the fall, the town doesn't feel congested or "touristy."

There is limited bus service to Grazalema from both Ronda and Malaga.

4. Arcos de la Frontera

The view of the valley from the Arcos de la Frontera

Santa Maria, Arcos de la Frontera, Spain

Called "the queen of the white towns" by Rick Steves, this village sleeps high on a narrow cliff ledge overlooking the surrounding valleys.  Impossibly narrow cobbled streets, small white houses (sometimes carved right into the cliff face), and the old stone churches of San Pedro and Santa Maria, are just some of the charms that attract people to Arcos.  Great food and friendly people who stop to chat help make this quiet little town feel welcoming and special.  Spending a couple of days in this little town feels like spending a couple of days in another time.  The town has a helpful visitors center, a poorly maintained foot path around the base of the cliffs and out to the reservoir, several grocery stores, a handful of night clubs, and some very good restaurants.  If you visit, don't forget to buy some pastries through the turntable at the town's last remaining convent.

There is bus service to Arcos from Ronda, Seville, and other locations using the nearby town of Villamartin as a transfer point.

5. Gaucin

 

The views from this town have been a source of inspiration for artists and writers (most notably Prosper Mérimée) since the 19th century.  Once a Roman settlement, Gaucin boasts an old Roman Castle (Castillo del Águila - Eagle's Castle), an active arts community, and a colorful history.  If you visit Gaucin, be sure to take some time to simply sit and admire the view.  It is also worth looking in on one of the many resident artists or the art gallery in town.

There is bus service to Gaucin from both Ronda and Algeciras.

Useful websites:
andalucia.com
rusticblue.com
ipholidays.com
Sierra de Grazalema
cadizturismo.com
top walks
Arts in Gaucin

Public Transportation between the white towns:
samar.es
losamarillos.es
tgcomes.es