Enjoy autumn in Andalusia by visiting white towns like Ronda, Grazalema, Mojácar, Frigiliana, Vejer de la Frontera, Zuheros, Arcos de la Frontera and Cazorla. Narrow whitewashed streets, breathtaking viewpoints, local food, nature and lots and lots of art.
If there's a season when Andalusia becomes even more beautiful, it has to be autumn. The sun continues to warm without scorching you, the colours change gracefully and the air smells of wet earth, grass and jasmine, but also of rebujitos, delicious fried food and freshly made churros. It's the perfect time to explore the famous white towns, those gems perched atop hills and mountains with fairy-tale whitewashed houses and narrow streets that practically beg you to take a leisurely stroll.
You can start the route wherever you like and let the days roll gently by while you enjoy the perfect weather that the Andalusian autumn offers. Shall we begin? We're heading first to Seville airport, where on landing you can rent a car to explore endless roads at your own pace!
Ronda (Málaga)
The classic of classics. The New Bridge over the Tajo de Ronda, the gorge over which the city is located, will leave you speechless and your legs trembling (if you look down for too long). Don't miss the Ronda bullring, one of the oldest in Spain, and take a stroll through the Arab Baths, a thermal complex from the Muslim era dating back to the 13th century. They're the perfect place to start soaking up something that never fails to impress visitors to Andalusia: a rich Arab past that can still be felt everywhere you go.
Tip: If you want to continue the route, Setenil de las Bodegas, just half an hour away by car, will surprise you with its houses embedded in the rocks.
Grazalema (Cádiz)
Located in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Nature Park, this small town is ideal for watching the forests turn ochre and golden. The cobbled streets, squares lined with orange trees and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Aurora are perfect postcards of a place you won't want to leave. Do you never leave home without your hiking boots? You can put them on now, because the scenery around Grazalema is absolutely stunning.
Tip: Take a walk through the Pinsapar, a forest of fir trees unique in Europe that will make you feel like you're in another world.
Mojácar (Almería)
As you get closer to Mojácar, you'll feel like an outsider in a Sergio Leone western. The steep narrow streets, the whitewashed old town, the sunny squares and the flowers hanging from every corner will make you feel like you've travelled back in time. Don't miss the Mirador de la Plaza Nueva, where the views of the sea and the surrounding hills are simply picture-perfect.
Take advantage of being in southern Andalusia to go down to the golden sand beach and enjoy the cool autumn breeze as the sun caresses your skin. And if you fancy something to eat, the beach bars are still going strong and offering the finest fried fish.
Tip: Very close by is the Hortichuelas Nature Park, in Cabo de Gata, perfect for stretching your legs and breathing fresh air.
Cazorla (Jaén)
Gateway to the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Nature Park where the autumn colours unfold like a canvas before your eyes. Yedra Castle dominates the town, while the narrow streets in the old quarter invite you to explore. If you're a fan of olive oil, you're in the land of the finest in the world, so take the opportunity to get some good bread and dip it in like there's no tomorrow.
Tip: Hike a section of the River Cerezuelo Trail inside the Nature Park. Waterfalls, autumn vegetation and the possibility of seeing deer or wild boar make it an ideal plan for a quiet day.
Arcos de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Arcos de la Frontera is one of the most spectacular white towns in Andalusia, with stunning views from the Mirador del Abanico of the River Guadalete winding its way between the surrounding hills. The steep, cobbled streets look like something out of a painting, with white houses literally hanging off the cliff. Stroll at your leisure and discover hidden squares, stately homes and churches like the basilica of Santa Maria, with its grand Baroque facade. The ancient walls, very well preserved, offer stunning views of the Cádiz countryside.
Tip: If you fancy adding a bit of nature to the mix, El Bosque, in the same mountain range, is less than half an hour away by car and offers spectacular hiking trails.
Zuheros (Córdoba)
With its medieval castle watching over the valley, this small town is a dream for photography enthusiasts. Don't miss Bat Cave with its stalactites and paintings on the walls, and stroll along the Mirador del Castillo for a view of the valley surrounded by olive groves and mountains. A great way to combine history, nature and the chance to take some stunning photos.
Tip: If you want to extend your afternoon, the Sierras Subbéticas Nature Park is a short drive away and worth the detour.
Vejer de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Vejer de la Frontera is a town that seems frozen in time: white walls, towers that watch over the hills and steep streets to explore at your leisure. Climb up to the Vejer Castle and enjoy the magnificent views of the white rooftops and the Cádiz countryside. Stroll through Plaza de España and surrender to the little craft shops, cafes and tapas bars that call out to you by name.
Tip: If you want to see the sea, in just 15 minutes by car you'll reach El Palmar, an endless beach of fine sand where autumn still offers the chance for sunset walks and even surfing.
Frigiliana (Málaga)
Declared one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, Frigiliana offers a collection of whitewashed houses, flower-bedecked balconies and fairy-tale wall tiles. Every corner deserves a photo: stroll through the Moorish quarter and climb up to Lizar Castle where the views of the valley and the Mediterranean will take your breath away. If you're interested in art, the church of San Antonio is a must-see.
Tip: If you're up for venturing a bit further, the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Nature Park is just a stone's throw away.
Autumn in Andalusia is ideal for exploring white towns, enjoying magnificent views and discovering irresistible flavours. Get your hiking boots, camera and appetite ready for a gorgeous autumn experience!
