White Villages of Cadiz province

Discover this area of the Sierra de Cádiz Mountains in Andalusia, where you will find 19 unique villages.

The White Villages are one of the many attractions that await you in the province of Cadiz, in Andalusia: they are 19 inland villages. Each has its own special history yet they share common characteristics. The first thing you will notice is their appearance: the colour of their whitewashed streets, squares, walls, roofs, churches, houses, palaces... These villages look like huge white "stains" in the heart of a landscape of rocky peaks that make up the Sierra de Grazalema Nature Reserve, which has the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation.

The bright, intense light of Andalusia will accompany you on this journey amidst olive groves and forests of pine, holm oak, cork and Spanish fir trees. The last of these is autochthonous in this area of mountains. This stunning area is just a few kilometres from the beaches of the Costa de la Luz, and the route is ideal to explore especially in Spring and Autumn, when temperatures are at their most pleasant. You can do this route on foot, by bike or even on horseback..

There are a range of different routes available to discover the White Villages. A good starting point is Arcos de la Frontera: its views of the mountains and historic old town make a visit well worthwhile. You will love the heritage and monuments of the White Villages with their castles, patios, alleyways, Gothic-Baroque churches... and also their countryside, with a host of caves, grottos, canyons and waterfalls in the region, home to many protected species such as the golden and imperial eagle, and the Griffon vulture.

Besides culture and countryside, these villages in Cadiz province are an excellent area for open-air and adventure sports: paragliding, fishing, hunting, kayaking, rowing, hang-gliding, hiking and cycle touring.

Be sure to sample the local olive oil, along with typical regional dishes such as stews, casseroles, game and venison.

To sum up, in the White Villages you will find monuments, fiestas and traditions, crafts, nature and the chance to practise a range of sports. Check with the tourist offices, where they will help you plan your stay.