Andalusia off the beaten track : 18 gems

In this article, you’ll find essential information for discovering wonderful sites along this off-the-beaten-track Andalusia route:

• A Few Words About Andalusia
• 18 Authentic Places Off the Most Touristy Routes
• A Map of Andalusia Off the Beaten Track
• Some Useful Links
• The Latest Articles on Authentic Andalusia

A Few Words About Andalusia

Andalusia is the southernmost region of Spain. Its history and geography are extraordinary, offering a multitude of sites to discover.

But this time, we’re leaving aside the most unusual places in Andalusia and also the route of the most beautiful white villages. We’re off to discover an off-the-beaten-track Andalusia that will hold some wonderful surprises and wonders for us to explore.

– two are listed as World Heritage Sites

– one is listed among the most beautiful villages in Spain

– and another is on National Geographic’s list as one of the villages with the most beautiful views in the world.

18 Authentic Places in Andalusia Off the Beaten Track

1 – Comares

2 – Salares

3 – Competa

4 – Sayalonga

5 – Canillas de Aceituno

6 – La Isleta del Moro

7 – Canjayar

8 – Niebla

9 – Arcos de la Frontera

10 – Medina Sidonia

11 – Olvera

12 – Montefrio

13 – Los Guajares

14 – Alhama de Granada

15 – Iznajar

16 – zuheros

17 – Baeza

18 – Ubeda

Note: Each site is briefly presented. If you would like to learn more, simply click on the dedicated link to discover all the information and photos.

1 – Comares

Comares is a typical and authentic white village. Its position atop a mountain has undoubtedly helped preserve it as it is.

The 360-degree view of the sea and the Montes de Málaga offers breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

A visit to Comares is a guarantee of discovering a marvelous white Andalusian village.

2 – Salares

Salares is a marvelous little white village, nicknamed “pueblo andalusí”.

It must be said that it has preserved almost intact the layout of its narrow streets, just as they were under Al-Andalus.

Its church, built on the site of the old mosque, is a must-see. Especially its bell tower, which is the exact same as the old minaret.

A visit to Salares is a journey in itself.

3 – Competa

Competa is a white village that offers travelers incredible aesthetics.

It has preserved its heritage through its narrow streets and its architecture in general.

August 15th is celebrated as the Night of Wine, a wonderful festival.

Visiting Competa requires a bit of effort because the village is perched on a mountainside, but it’s always rewarding.

4 – Sayalonga

This is a small village that is rarely talked about. Yet Sayalonga, where the food is excellent, offers two little treasures.

• The narrowest alley in Axarquía:

• An octagonal cemetery, built by the Knights Templar, unique in Spain.

Note: The Morisco Museum also reveals many aspects of the history of this region under Al-Andalus.

If you’re coming from the coast, it’s easy to stop to visit Sayalonga before exploring Competa.

5 – Canillas de Aceituno

This is another white village to discover. This village was renowned for its silk production during Al-Andalus. Its name derives from this activity. At the time, silk was mainly green and was called azeytuni.

An unusual fact: in the village, you’ll see the Casa de los Diezmos, which was the tax office during the reign of Al-Andalus. It was here that producers of mulberry leaves (to feed the silkworms) came to pay taxes on their production.

It’s also a great stop for hiking enthusiasts. Indeed, starting from the town hall, there’s a magnificent hike that will take you across the fourth longest suspension bridge in Spain to cross a beautiful canyon.

Canillas de Aceituno will leave you with a wonderful memory.

6 – Isleta del Moro

La Isleta del Moro offers a picture-postcard landscape in a secluded location.

I fell under its spell immediately; it was a true love at first sight. Locally nicknamed ‘La Pequeña Mykonos,’ it offers a magnificent stopover for travel lovers.

Its small peninsula-like appearance, with its two rocks jutting out into the sea, is a constant invitation to travel.

This small town of just over 170 inhabitants owes its name to the fact that it was a refuge for pirates from the Barbary Coast, that is, the Berber coast of North Africa.

Be careful, visiting Isleta del Moro is dangerous for those who like to isolate themselves from the hustle and bustle of the world. It’s indeed difficult to leave :).

7 – Canjayar

This is a village in the Almerian Alpujarra that will not leave you indifferent.

Here too, we find ourselves somewhat removed from time, immersed in the typical features of this somewhat forgotten region.

This village is also very old. The town was first mentioned by the Arab geographer Al-Udri. In his writings, around the year 1040, the village is mentioned under the name Qansayar. Finally, the surrounding area is also sublime.

A visit to Canjayar and the surrounding landscapes is truly enchanting. Generally speaking, all the villages of the Alpujarra Almeriense are worth visiting for lovers of off-the-beaten-track Andalusia.

8 – Niebla

Niebla is one of the most surprising little towns in existence.

It is reached by taking a bridge that crosses the famous Rio Tinto river. Then, to enter the historic center, we must pass through one of the four gates in the 2 km wall that surrounds the town.

On site, observing the wall, it’s difficult to know exactly where you are.

Visiting Niebla allows you to discover another side of Andalusia, far from the big cities and mass tourism.

9 – Arcos de la Frontera

Arcos de la Frontera is considered the gateway to the White Villages Route in the province of Cádiz.

Personally, it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing white village, but it is the most typical and authentic.

It’s actually quite unsettling when you walk through Arcos (Medina Ar-Kosh in Al-Andalus); you often wonder which side of the Mediterranean you’re on!

The historic center is quite exceptional in its richness.

A visit to Arcos de la Frontera is once again a beautiful journey in itself.

10 – Medina Sidonia

This is a beautiful white village, specializing in some delicious sweets.

And since we’re in the province of Cádiz, you’ll find the kindness and smiles of the locals part of your day.

In addition, you’ll discover incredible Roman ruins, cesspools, and a perfectly preserved “piece” of the Via Romana (under a 3-story house).

A visit to Medina Sidonia is a joyful experience of history, beauty, and local delicacies to savor.

11 – Olvera

Olvera is a typical Andalusian white village.

Its location is ideal for excursions. There are also three of the most beautiful villages in Spain nearby (Zahara, Grazalema, and Setenil de las Bodegas).

The castle overlooking the village offers a spectacular view.

It would be a shame to miss a visit to Olvera.

12 – Montefrio

Here’s another wonderful village to visit. I know, I say it a lot, but it’s true 🙂.

This village was resurrected a few years ago when National Geographic published an article stating that Montefrio is “one of the 10 towns with the best views in the world.”

It’s true that the view is breathtaking. And, to add to the beauty of the place, Montefrio also has the nickname “the last frontier of Al-Andalus.” You’ll understand everything there.

Several places to visit in Montefrio are definitely worth a visit. Its curious round church, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, is a fine example.

13 – Los Guajares

When we talk about Los Guajares, we’re talking about three small and wonderful villages not far from the coast, on the Costa Tropical. They are Guájar Fondón, Guájar Faraguït, and Guájar Alto.

These villages were among my favorites for 2024. A must-see for all lovers of typical and authentic villages.

Another advantage is that the Costa Tropical is not far away (Salobreña and Almuñecar).

Visiting Los Guajares is like immersing yourself in truly authentic Andalusia.

14 – Alhama de granada

Alhama de Granada is a small, absolutely magnificent town of 5,000 inhabitants, steeped in history and boasting a spectacular natural setting.

This town is well worth exploring. The Arabs gave it its name, Alhama (from “Al hammam,” meaning hot spring) due to the presence of thermal springs.

However, these thermal springs have been known since Roman times.

There is a river that runs through the Alhama de Granada gorge (the village is at the top, on the edge of this canyon), which is also a beautiful hiking spot. This walk leads to the thermal baths. During this hike, you cross a Roman bridge dating back to the 1st century AD.

15 – Iznajar

The name Iznajar comes from the Arabic حصن اشر “Ḥiṣn ʿAšar,” which means “happy castle.”

The historic center is an aesthetic gem, with the famous castle at the top, which is also worth a visit.

This is a place unanimously acclaimed for its beauty.

In addition, the surrounding landscapes are marvelous, and below lies the largest reservoir in Andalusia. Its dimensions are impressive, as there are 100 km of shoreline. It’s worth noting that there is a beach right next to the village, which offers a great alternative to a coastal vacation.

A visit to Iznajar will leave you with wonderful memories and beautiful photos. 🙂

16 – zuheros

Zuheros is the only village in the province of Córdoba to be included in the network of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain.

This beautiful white village in Andalusia is a little marvel.

Don’t forget to visit the bats cave. In addition to the bats you encounter, it feels like you’re descending into the bowels of the earth.

The local cuisine (cheese and olive oil) is among the most renowned in the province.

Visiting Zuheros, surrounded by a sea of ​​olive trees, is a truly wonderful getaway.

17 – Baeza

Baeza, along with Ubeda and Córdoba, is one of the three Andalusian cities listed as World Heritage Sites.

Its Renaissance-style historic center and cathedral are marvels to be discovered.

Visiting Baeza is a true joy. To immerse yourself in the city even more, I recommend strolling through the historic center at night.

18 – Ubeda

This city, Ubeda, offers so many Renaissance monuments to see that it feels like an open-air museum.

You’ll remember it as a city of great beauty. Don’t miss the Water Synagogue, discovered only a few years ago.

Ubeda can be the ideal place to spend a few days, with a trip to Jaén and another to Baeza.

On the spot, you already have many places to visit in Ubeda.

Map of Andalusia off the beaten track

Note: To see all the villages, you need to zoom out the map 🙂 . You can do this by clicking on the “-” symbol.

Full screen map

Some useful links for coming and staying in Andalucia for a few days

Staying on the Costa del Sol? Explore Andalucia with day trips  from Malaga (Torremolinos, Estepona, Benalmadena).

If you’re planning to visit Andalucia, including Seville, you can explore Seville on a private guided tour.

Discover an unusual Andalusia with 15 Very Surprising Places.

Easy and economical bookings

• hire car

The latest articles on Andalucia