Most beautiful white towns in Cadiz and Spain
Perhaps you are thinking of visiting Cadiz province, the most southern in Spain and of Europe, famous for its Sherry wine, Bluefin tuna and endless beaches of fine sand. But there is much more, like its white towns. In fact, the history of these 19 villages goes back to the Moorish occupation of Andalusia and their reconquest by Castille in the 13th century. They form a truly unique group of frontier towns, that were fought over by the Moors and Christians all those centuries ago, but whose “town planning”, or rather lack of it, is undoubtedly Moorish, and perhaps to be found nowhere else in Europe.
You may have heard from them, specifically Arcos de la Frontera, if you have read Rick Steves’ guide, but there are many more beautiful villages in Cadiz worth a visit. These villages with their winding streets, often too narrow for cars to enter, their exotic patios full of flowers, and perched on mountain tops in one of the most incredible mountain ranges in southern Spain, are still surprisingly free of the hordes of tourist found almost everywhere else in Andalusia. Yet, they are just a short ride from the airports of Gibraltar, Jerez and Seville. Naturally, some of these villages are more interesting than others, but it is quite possible to tour several of them in a single day.
The province of Cadiz has 5 white beautiful white towns in Cadiz within the list of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain! We will present each of them:
Setenil de las Bodegas:
Setenil is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain! It is such a unique White village because it is actually built within the caves of a canyon. Scientists have found evidence of a large community of prehistoric people in the caves, making Setenil one of the oldest inhabited areas of Spain.
Vejer de la Frontera:
With its stunning views, the labyrinthine layout of the streets, the trendy shops and bars, and beaches just a stone’s throw away, this white town should be right at the top of your list. The best way to enjoy Vejer is by getting lost through its streets and the Plaza the España while enjoying entering the open private patio gardens and the beautiful white streets filled with flowers and plants. You can read this blog to see a quick route around Vejer de la Frontera.
It has been recommended for its gastronomy and architecture by international magazines and travel experts like: Lonely planet, New York times and more.
Zahara de la Sierra:
With its picturesque views and the 13th century castle at the top of the hill, it is another must-go-to white town. The views are among the best in Cadiz. If you arrive on a sunny day, the water of the local lake is completely turquoise. In all, the perfect village to get away from it all. You can do an olive oil tour just outside of the village.
Grazalema:
With steep mountains as a dramatic backdrop and amazing landscapes you have plenty of hiking routes around this white village. Coming from “Arcos de la Frontera”, or “El Bosque”, you will have wonderful views along the route. Curiously, the Natural Park of Grazalema is among the rainiest in Spain. So if you come to visit remember to bring an umbrella just in case!
Castellar de la Frontera:
Found within the biggest cork oak forest in Spain (Parque Natural de los Alcornocales). When visiting this White village and entering its surrounding walls it makes you feel like being in Medieval times. This town in Cadiz province has incredible views of Gibraltar and surrounding areas. The walls contain the entire old part of the village
The village is on top of a hill, surrounded by woodlands and a lake.
When to come?
Best months to come for a visit would be when it is warm, full of wild flowers and not too busy. These months are May and beginning of June. If you can’t do it at this time, then try to make it for September or beginning of October
Full day tours in Vejer de la Frontera and Cadiz province
I hope this blog about the most beautiful white towns in Cadiz helps you to design your holidays. If you are looking for Andalusian culinary food, cultural and Sherry wine experiences for sightseeing Cadiz province, then keep reading. I will now take advantage to show off to you the great food tours in Vejer de la Frontera and throughout Cadiz province that we do. Officially, Vejer de la Frontera is one of the most beautiful towns of Spain, you should come and meet us!
Cultural and culinary food tours
If you want to learn the whole process of the Almadraba and Bluefin tuna in Cadiz province check our Bluefin tuna tour. You will learn the history of Bluefin tuna in the area since Phoenician times. You will go in a private boat ride to visit the Almadraba (if you are lucky it may be active); visit a local food market; and taste different parts of bluefin tuna in all ways, salt-dried, grilled, raw.
If you want to learn more about Vejer de la Frontera, its traditions and gastronomy book our Sherry & Tapas tour! Learn about sherry wine, wine tastings, and how to pair it with traditional gourmet food from the area. Taste different types of Spanish Sherry wines and local food like bluefin tuna, bull meat, salmorejo, eggplant with honey and pinenuts, etc. The tour includes 5 tapas and 5 Andalusian wines/Sherrt wines.
If you would like to visit other beautiful white towns in Cadiz, like Vejer, we can do a tour of the beautiful white towns in Cadiz province. On the other hand we can mix a visit to a beautiful white village with a visit to an olive oil mill. Or you can choose to do a private tour that we can design especially for you based on your interests. Come and join Explore la Tierra in Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain!
Our latest addition is our become an artisan for one day tour. Make your own cheese and your own leather souvenir in Ubrique and enjoy its great history and panoramic views. This white village is famous worldwide for its importance for the international leather companies.
Sherry wine tours
Would you like to learn more about Sherry wine and immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions? If you want to learn and experience it with the company of a local guide and turn your visit to Cadiz into an exciting culinary adventure, book with us. Sherry wine love is very contagious, surely you will also become one!
If you have your own transport we can accompany you while learning about Sherry. Enjoy the best Sherry bodega tours, local culture and traditions and the local gastronomy. In case you do not have a car we can arrange transport, restaurant and the rest of your trip for you.
If you would like to learn all about Jerez-Sherry-Xeres D.O. then join us for our Ultimate Sherry wine Tasting tour. We can design a private tour just for you and your family.
If you are staying in Vejer de la Frontera or within Cadiz province we can organize a private Sherry wine tasting with local gourmet tapas for your group. We will go to your place and do a Sherry wine or Andalusian wine tasting for you privately. We can focus on premium Sherries; VORS and premium Sherries; or Andalusian wines in case you do not like Sherry wine.
Contact us
To learn more about sherry, culture and travel guides, please hit the big blue button to read other blog posts. If you have any ideas and suggestions, please do not hesitate to write us an email at info@explorelatierra.com. Please read our privacy policy before you get in touch with us. We will take your new recommendations into consideration.
