Andalusia is well known for its famous historical cities (Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada) and its overcrowded and party crazy beaches (Málaga, Torremolinos). But Andalusia is a lot more than just that. This region offers a rich diversity of landscapes: arid desert, mountainous, littoral / seaside, rural plains…
Andalusia is also home to numerous typical White Villages (Pueblos Blancos) settled in the mountains. The Sierra de Grazalema in the Cadix province is reputed for its succession of Whites Villages but if you want a more typical experience with the possibility to mix other activities around the village, I recommend you to visit Zuheros, in the Córdoba province.
You will find this off the beaten path destination on your way from Málaga to Córdoba. The road to reach the village is pretty winding and there are lots of hairpin turns but the ride is totally worth it.
Zuheros, Pueblo Blanco, standing on a steep hill and overlooking olive trees plantations
Zuheros is a rather small size village (population: 850) where you won’t have any problem to find a free parking spot.
We particularly appreciated the typical atmosphere there. There were absolutely no tourists, it was so peaceful. We wandered in the streets and admired the architecture. Each and every house is indeed utterly white with a light brown roof. There are no exceptions to the rule. It was quite like a Greek village. We felt the inhabitants were so laid back here. We could see most houses had their windows and patios open. Maybe they were trying to make a breeze through this heat (August is very hot and dry in Spain).
Do not forget to walk up to the castle ruins on the edge of the hill.
Photo source: Ayuntamiento de Zuheros, www.zuheros.es
While in Zuheros, we went on a great hike through the Cañon de Bailón (4km). The Bailón river was entirely dry at this period of the year but the scenery was all the more stunning.
We walked through a very arid nature in the Subbetica Natural Park where huge and sharp rocks have formed on the steep landscape. We followed the empty river bed and when the sun was shining too high we were able to rest in the shadow where the rocks have shaped themselves in cave shelters.
Huge and sharp rocks have formed on this steep arid landscape
On the last section of the hike, we walked through olive trees fields. They were not ripe at this time of the year but it was so pleasant walking in this environment.
Another activity to do before leaving this village is the Cueva de los Murciélagos (bat cave). I haven’t visited it but I heard there are interesting Neolithic paintings. Do tell us about your experience in the comments if you have visited this cave.
After this wonderful stop-over in rural Andalusia, head over to Córdoba, my favorite City escape of all Andalusia. It’s only a one-hour drive from Zuheros and you will be able to cool down at the swimming pool of camping El Brillante.
Check-out the map below to see the points of interests I have mentioned in this post. I have marked the hike departure and where you should leave your car.
Did I convince you to visit Zuheros ? Have you visited any other Pueblos Blancos in Andalusia ? What activities did you do there ?
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Awesome article.