While many visitors prefer to laze on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, they are missing out on a treat. Just a few kilometers inland are a host of “Pueblos Blancos,” or “White Villages” just waiting to be explored. Spread over the hillsides, these quaint destinations are Instagram-ready for any traveler visiting the south of Spain.

Visit Andalucia’s ‘Pueblos Blancos’

The famous “Pueblos Blancos” of southern Spain are well known for their dramatic landscapes, quaint beauty and quiet seclusion. Most are draped over the hillsides, or located on hilltops where they were former fortresses, dating back to the Moorish occupation of Spain. The name “Pueblos Blancos” comes from the whitewashed homes that make up the villages. This was originally done to keep the interiors cool from the hot Spanish sun. However, nowadays, the home owners in the White Villages are required to keep their homes whitewashed.

Many of the villages are surrounded by olive groves or orchards of lemons and oranges. The villages sport narrow, winding and cobbled lanes, and homes are decorated with bright flowers, including geraniums and bougainvillea, making them a truly scenic sight.

The official Pueblos Blancos route runs through Alcalá del Valle, Algar, Algodonales, Arcos de la Frontera, Benaocaz, Bornos, El Bosque, El Gastor , Espera, Grazalema, Olvera, Prado del Rey, Puerto Serrano, Setenil de las Bodegas, Torre Alháquime, Ubrique, Vejer de la Frontera, Villaluenga del Rosario, Villamartín, Zahara de la Sierra.

However there are dozens of white villages dotted across southern Spain. Among the most famous are the town of Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara de la Sierra, the larger town of Ronda and the iconic Setenil de las Bodegas.

Ronda and the 'New Bridge'

The hilltop town of Ronda is renowned for its Roman and Moorish architecture and for the famous “New Bridge” that connects two halves of the city across the El Tajo gorge. The town also offers a beautiful viewpoint with panoramic views across the hills and the surrounding countryside. Ronda is famous for its Plaza de Toros, the legendary 18th-century bullring and the town’s surrounding defensive walls.

Living under a rock in Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil de las Bodegas is renowned for its whitewashed houses set into the surrounding cliffs. The town has a hilltop castle which was once a Moorish fortress. Beautiful views of the town and surrounding countryside can be experienced from the Torreon del Homenaje tower in the town. Also, close to town, visitors can explore the ancient Roman ruins of Acinipo with its amphitheatre.

Visit Arcos de la Frontera

Probably one of the most famous white villages is the town of Arcos de la Frontera. The town is perched on top of a sandstone cliff and was originally a frontier town in the Reconquista of Spain, when the Spanish took back the country from the Moors. However, Arcos was settled long before that time, due to its strategic defensive position. The town hosts one of Spain's wonderful Paradores, perfect for a charming and historic stay.

Explore the “Pueblos Blancos” of Andalucia on your next visit to southern Spain. Many are ideal for a day trip inland, but also feature small charming hotels or bed and breakfasts for an overnight stay.