The Most Beautiful white towns in Cadiz to Visit
Cadiz is the southest province of mainland Spain, within Andalusia, once you step on it you immediately fall in love. Not only because of weather, but because of the people, culture, nature and so many hidden places to discover. Cadiz has some of the most beautiful villages and towns in Spain.
We have chosen our top 5 beautiful white towns in Cadiz from all the amazing places in the entire province. We chose these villages because they each have something special – architecture, views, landscapes. But ALL of them are stunningly beautiful – an Instagrammer’s dream! All of them have a unique character that you should explore to understand what makes them so special!
1. Setenil de las Bodegas white town:
This village has it all – the views, local food and very helpful local people. Setenil is such a unique village because it is built within the caves of a canyon. The caves are formed naturally by the water from the Burgo Creek. In fact, scientists have found evidence of a large community of prehistoric people living in the caves of this village. Setenil is therefore one of the oldest inhabited areas of Spain.
While the Calle Cuevas del Sol (pictured below) is the most photographed spot in the village, you’ll quickly see this is not the only beautiful Street in Setenil de las bodegas. The cave houses extend well beyond the centre of the village. Take some time to explore the narrow white streets of this beautiful white town of Cadiz. Make sure to peek inside some of the shops or buildings to see how the cave forms the back wall.
2. Vejer de la Frontera:
Vejer is a beautiful White town in Cadiz on top of a hill. It is one of the towns with the best views, throughout the village, of all of Andalusia. In fact, it is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain! The views and the local fresh food are incredible. This is why lonely planet, New York Times, BBC…, recommend visiting this beautiful white town in Cadiz province.
If you are interested in doing some culinary tours, or traditional and hiking tours around Vejer contact us. We are based here and can help you out designing your pefect day tour.
Vejer was used as a defensive outpost, at least since Phoenician times, when they used this location to defend their fishing ports against the Iberians. The architecture is very broad, from Roman, to medieval buildings, to having a great Moorish influence. One Moorish feature most of the old buildings have is internal patios.
Vejer has traditional windmills along the outskirts, you can still enter one at the Parque de los Molinos and learn how it looks from the inside. This is the perfect village to base yourself for a holiday in Cadiz, because El Palmar beach is only a 10 minute drive away. You can make the most of a trip balancing beach and beautiful village scenery in one go! If you want more information about Vejer, you can read more about it in our blog “Five things you must do in Vejer de la Frontera”.
3. Zahara de la Sierra:
The view of the white town of Zahara de la Sierra speaks for itself. It has one of the most picturesque views, making it one of the most beautiful white towns in Cadiz. If you arrive on a sunny day, the water of the lake is perfectly turquoise, standing out against the surrounding habitat. This village in Cadiz province is perfect if you want to get away from it all. There are nautical sports centers where you can rent boats to voyage across the lake. Or you can just relax at one of the local restaurants and just enjoy the view!
The 13th century castle at the top of the hill has witnessed a lot of history. Zahara’s castle was one of the main fortresses protecting Ronda and Malaga during the Christian reconquering. If you just want to visit Zahara you can see the best points in a couple hours. However, there are a lot of outdoor activities to do over longer periods such as hiking, birdwatching and cycling.
4. Arcos de la Frontera town of Cadiz
Arcos is a relatively larger than the others, on the top of a sloping hill, surrounded by steep cliffs. Two rivers naturally formed the cliffs alongside the hill, resulting in a dramatic landscape. There are beautiful views from the different viewpoints that are located around this old town. You can find many restaurants and bars throughout the town with great, local food.
You can mainly find a mixture of Roman and Moorish architecture, as it was the capital of the Taifa (a Moorish kingdom) with the same name, and Baroque architecture after the Christians reconquered it. You’ll also notice there are arches along many of the narrows streets throughout the village. The villagers built the arches following the 18th century earthquake, which damaged buildings in the area.
Most of the communities in this province were used originally during prehistoric times. Here you can see many caves, in one of which, “Cueva del Higueral de Valleja”, they found prehistoric burial remains and paintings. You’ll also find several churches throughout the village. Many of the villages that were founded on the frontier between the Moors and the Christians from the 12th to the 14th century, had the main mosque destroyed and a large church built on top.
5. Grazalema:
Grazalema is the last wonderful white town of our list. It is another impressive village, located in a valley where you can see the mountain system in the back. It was founded by the Romans, and held by the Moors, almost until the end of their time in the peninsula. If you are coming from “Arcos de la Frontera”, or “El Bosque”, you will have wonderful views along the route of the landscape and the most stunning villages in Cadiz.
A very interesting fact of this municipality is that the mountain system of Grazalema is the rainiest place in Spain. So if you come to visit remember to bring an umbrella just in case! Grazalema also has some great shops to try some local products. You can find local queserias (cheese shops) such as La Pastora or Las Hazuelas. Or try some of the local honey, produced in the wild!
Full day tours in Vejer de la Frontera and Cadiz province
If you have time and you are not only looking to sightsee the most beautiful white towns in Cadiz, but you are looking as well for culinary food tours in or from Vejer, and Sherry wine experiences then keep reading. Below you will find the great food tours we have in Vejer de la Frontera and throughout Cadiz province.
Sherry wine tours
Are you visiting Cadiz and you would you like to learn more about Spanish Sherry 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 gastronomic adventure, book with us. Sherry love is very contagious, surely you will also become one!
If you have your own transport we can accompany you while learning about Spanish Sherry wine. Enjoy the best Spanish Sherry bodega tours, local culture and traditions and the local gastronomy. In case you do not have a transport 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 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 organise a private Sherry tasting with gourmet local tapas for your group. We will go to your place and do a Sherry or Andalusian wine tasting for you privately. We focus on premium Sherries, VORS and premium Sherries, or Andalusian wines in case you do not like Sherry wine.
If you are thinking to travel to other parts of Cadiz, we are based in Vejer de la Frontera. Officially, Vejer is one of the most beautiful villages of Spain, you should come and meet us!
Cultural and culinary food tours
If you would like to visit some of the most beautiful white towns in Cadiz province, we can do a tour of the white villages 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 and recommend places to visit based on your interests. Come and join Explore la Tierra in Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain!
If you want to learn more about Vejer de la Frontera, its traditions and gastronomy book our Sherry & Tapas tour! Learn about Spanish sherry, wine tastings, and how to pair it with gourmet traditional food from the area. Taste different types of Sherry wines and local gourmet food like bluefin tuna, bull meat, salmorejo, eggplant with honey and pinenuts, etc. The tour includes 5 tapas and 5 wine/Sherries .
We also have a bluefin tuna tour that focuses on getting to know the tuna culture in Cadiz. You will learn the history of Bluefin tuna in this full day tour, since Phoenician times by going in a private boat ride to visit the Almadraba; visit a local food market; and taste different parts of bluefin tuna in all ways, salt-dried, grilled, raw.
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 leather international companies.
Contact us
To learn more about sherry, culture, and travel guides in Cadiz, please click the big blue button to read other blog posts. If you have any ideas and suggestions about the most beautiful white towns in Cadiz, 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.
