Spain’s white villages – or pueblos blancos – are as iconic as flamenco and fiestas. However, they’re more than just pretty postcard material. These hillside communities tell a story of Spain’s past, offer a different pace of life and could even be the setting for your new home overseas.
Scattered mainly across Andalusia, Spain’s white villages are known for their whitewashed homes (painted white to reflect the heat), steep cobbled streets and more traditional way of life. Though there are exceptions (which we’ll be exploring in this article), Pueblos blancos can usually be found inland – often on hillsides or mountain ridges – with far-reaching views and a strong sense of local identity. If daily beach trips are what you’re after, a white village may not be the best location for your new home, but they’re still worth exploring – if only for a day trip.
There are several beautiful walking and hiking routes through Andalusia’s white villages, especially around Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. These trails wind through rugged mountain scenery, olive groves and forests, linking up some of Spain’s most picturesque pueblos blancos. If you’re staying on the Costa del Sol and fancy a day trip without getting in your car, you can walk along the coast from Fuengirola to Benalmádena. The route, which takes just under three hours, takes you past many beaches and seaside restaurants where you can stop for a refreshing glass of Cruzcampo beer or ice-cold white wine. After a lunch of freshly grilled sardines cooked over coals at one of Benalmádena’s many chiringuitos, you can take a 20-minute bus inland to Benalmádena Pueblo – the old part of town. While Benalmádena’s coastal area feels like a throwback to a British seaside town, the pueblo has a classic white village atmosphere with narrow whitewashed streets, small plazas, traditional Andalusian houses and local tapas bars.
Where are Spain’s best white villages?
While there are pueblos blancos all over Andalusia, most are in the provinces of Málaga, Cádiz and Granada. Let’s take a closer look at five of the best white villages in Spain.
1. Mijas Pueblo, Costa del Sol
Just 10 minutes inland from Fuengirola, Mijas Pueblo is easily accessible by bus, which means it can get crowded during the summer months.
Despite its popularity, it has managed to hold on to its local character, with small artisan shops, tiled fountains and whitewashed homes with blue flowerpots arranged on the outside walls.
You’ll find a strong expat presence here, which means English is widely spoken.
Prices tend to be a little higher than in more rural villages, but with Málaga airport just 25 minutes away, you’re paying extra for the convenience.
Three-bedroom apartment in Royal Palms Mijas: €450,000
Browse hundreds of Mijas properties
2. Ronda, Costa del Sol
Probably the most dramatic of all the white villages, Ronda sits astride a deep gorge, with a jaw-dropping stone bridge linking its two halves.
The town is bigger than most pueblos blancos, offering more in the way of restaurants, cultural attractions and historic landmarks.
This could suit you if you want the white village look with a bit more buzz. It’s also a great choice for remote workers or anyone planning to live in Spain full time, with decent internet, services and schooling options. The downside? You’re inland, so beaches are at least an hour’s drive away.
Two-bedroom apartment in Ronda: €380,000
3. Frigiliana, Costa del Sol
Regularly voted one of Spain’s prettiest villages, Frigiliana sits above Nerja and is just 15 minutes from the coast.
It’s known for its Moorish-Mudéjar architecture and maze-like streets, which are steeper than they look. Make sure you bring good shoes!
This village is ideal if you’re looking for easy access to the beach and good-value homes. If you’re planning to rent your home out for part of the year, Frigiliana is an excellent choice, as it attracts tourists in spring and autumn, as well as summer.
Three-bedroom villa in Frigiliana: €615,000
Properties for sale in Frigiliana
4. Acros de la Frontera, Costa de la Luz
Head west to the Costa de la Luz and you’ll find Arcos de la Frontera – a hilltop town that’s more off the beaten track than the others we’ve mentioned.
Its dramatic location on a limestone ridge and historic centre make it feel more like a movie set than a place to live; until you notice the weekly markets, local cafés and everyday life happening all around you.
Arcos is popular with buyers looking for a traditional home at a more affordable price than coastal areas.
It’s not as international as many other parts of the Costa del Sol, so speaking at least some Spanish will be helpful here.
Five-bedroom villa in Arcos de la Frontera: €450,000
See Arcos de la Frontera properties on Your Overseas Home
5. Casares, Costa del Sol
Another classic white village with sea views, Casares is around 20 minutes inland from Estepona. Here, you have that timeless village feel, but you’re still close enough to the coast for an afternoon swim.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for value for money without feeling too remote. The village has a mixture of full-time residents and second-home owners, and while the roads leading up to it are winding, the peace and quiet at the top is well worth the drive.
Two-bedroom apartment in Casares: €375,000
Search homes for sale in Casares
Is living in a white village right for me?
Spain’s white villages offer an alternative to the beach-focused lifestyle that many expats gravitate towards.
If you’re considering buying in one, there are a few practical points worth thinking about. Public transport in these smaller inland locations can be limited, so owning a car is often essential for getting around. English isn’t widely spoken in many of the villages, especially those outside Málaga province, so a basic grasp of Spanish will go a long way when it comes to daily life.
You should also bear in mind that not every village has the full range of local services. Pharmacies, post offices and banks may be absent, meaning you’ll need to travel to nearby towns for everyday errands. If you’re planning to work remotely, checking the availability and speed of broadband – especially fibre – is crucial, as some villages still lag behind on connectivity.
In terms of housing, most properties are older and full of character, but that also means quirks like narrow staircases, thick stone walls and smaller windows. Renovation may be part of the process, but you’ll need to be mindful of local regulations, particularly if the home is within a designated historic zone.
Download the Spain Buying Guide for everything you need to know about buying a home in Spain.
You might also like:
