Last Updated on April 2, 2024 by Lauren Belzer
Both the White Villages and Ronda are must-see spots on any trip to Andalusia in the south of Spain. If your itinerary doesn’t allow for you to stay in this area of the Spanish countryside, I highly recommend taking a day trip at the very least! Luckily, you can see both in one day!
We booked a private tour with a very sweet tour guide named Miguel, who showed us his two favorite whitewashed towns before moving on to the more well-known city of Ronda. We were simply enchanted by the architecture in these white villages, as well as the kindness of the people who lived there!
As much as it’s fun to see the famous cities we always hear of, there’s something special about escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. That’s just what we did, paying a visit to the White Villages and the historic town of Ronda. Set amidst the stunning landscapes of the Andalusian countryside, these charming destinations offer a glimpse into traditional Spanish life!
Zahara de la Sierra
The first stop we made was Zahara de la Sierra, a whitewashed village perched atop a hill overlooking a shimmering reservoir. The first order of business is to grab an espresso or cafe solo at a cafe in the square to get your energy up before you set off to explore the narrow streets of Zahara, which wind their way through the heart of the village. Each corner reveals something new: a hidden courtyard with colorful flowers, a cozy cafe serving freshly brewed coffee, or a quaint shop selling artisanal crafts.
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Whether you want to pay a visit or just look at it from afar, be sure to admire Zahara de la Sierra’s crown jewel: the Moorish castle that looms over the village. Be sure to stop at any point along the ancient walls of the village or castle and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, where olive groves and vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see! This small village, with its timeless beauty and laid-back atmosphere, is a true hidden gem of Andalusia.
Grazalema
After our stop in Zahara de la Sierra, we made our way up to the top of the mountains for a stunning view of Andalusia, and down the other side to another white village, Grazalema! Grazelema is nestled within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. As you approach the village, you’re greeted by more breathtaking whitewashed houses with colorful flower pots, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and lush forests.
Grazalema is known for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, and as you stroll through its streets, you can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy inside. Stop by a local market or cheese shop to sample some of the region’s traditional foods, including the famous goat cheese that Grazalema is renowned for. Made from the milk of local goats that graze on the surrounding hillsides, this creamy cheese is a true taste of Andalusia. We stopped in at Quesos la Abuela Augustina, highly recommended by our guide, Miguel. He loves being able to take people to Grazalema specifically so he can stop in and get cheese to bring back to his family in Seville!
As you explore Grazalema further, you discover so much more than narrow cobblestone streets and cheese chops. There is a centuries-old church with stunning frescoes, a traditional tapas bar where locals gather together, and panoramic viewpoints that offer stunning hilltop views of the surrounding countryside. Grazalema may be small in size, but its beauty and charm will leave an indelible mark on you!
Ronda
The final stop of this day trip is Ronda, one of Andalusia’s most romantic and historic towns. As you approach the town, you’re greeted by the sight of the Puente Nuevo, a towering bridge that spans the El Tajo gorge, dividing Ronda into two halves. This iconic landmark is just the beginning of what you see when you spend time in Ronda! Don’t forget to have your guide take you to the base so you can see the bridge from a different viewpoint.
Crossing the bridge, you enter the historic center of Ronda, where ancient streets wind their way past centuries-old buildings and charming plazas. No visit to Ronda would be complete without a stroll through the picturesque gardens of the Casa del Rey Moro. Perched on the edge of the gorge, these lush gardens offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
If time allows, visit the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, known in English as the Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda, to see where bullfights happen and see exhibits of traditional bullfighting garb. As one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, dating back to the 18th century, it is a treasure to see for aficionados and everyday visitors alike. Stepping inside, you’re transported back in time to an era when bullfighting was not just a sport, but a way of life.
You’ll get to walk around the ring, sit in the stands, and imagine what it was like to watch a bullfight in Ronda back in the day! This was my dad’s highlight of the day, for sure.
From the villages of Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema to the historic town of Ronda, each destination offered its own unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
The greatest gift of the day was the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse ourselves in the simplicity of rural life in remarkable Andalusia!