Mama MálagaPostsCosta del Sol5 beautiful white villages of the Costa del Sol

5 beautiful white villages of the Costa del Sol

January 17, 2025

White villages - an alley in Mijas Pueblo

Table of Contents

The Spanish white villages (Pueblos Blancos) are worldwide famous and part of Spain’s heritage. They are dreamy places where time seems to have stopped, preserving idyllic views and scenes of a much slower pace of life. Picture cobblestone streets and white houses framed by beautiful bougainvilleas, the sound of a guitar playing somewhere beyond the endless horizon and a nice square from where to absorb the environment while watching the soft movement of the village.

Visiting one of the Pueblos Blancos of the Costa del Sol is a must to immerse yourself in the Spanish lifestyle. The white villages may give the impression to be completely apart from Málaga’s busy life, but on a deep layer, villages and large cities in Spain are closely related – both by family and economic ties. The Pueblos are where Spaniards that live in big cities go back to on holidays, and the place many of them call ‘home’. Visiting the white villages is a unique experience about finding the origins of what it means to be Spanish.

These are the white villages we will see in this post: Casares, Ojén, Mijas Pueblo, Benalmadena Pueblo and Frigiliana, all marked in the map below. They can be visited on a day trip or for a few days’ time – as long as you need to recharge. I’m sure you’ll love the experience!

Casares

Casares is a dramatic hillside village known for its steep streets and clusters of whitewashed houses that seem to defy gravity. Its origins are believed to date back to Roman times when Julius Caesar reportedly visited the area to benefit from its sulfurous baths. The village’s name is said to derive from the Roman general, and the nearby Roman baths still stand as a testament to this history.

Later, under Moorish rule, Casares became an important military and administrative center due to its fortified position and proximity to the coast. The Moors fortified Casares, adding a castle that still stands today and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside – on top of being part of the view itself.

Casares is also a hub for nature enthusiasts, with numerous hiking trails offering visitors the chance to explore the rugged landscape of the Sierra Crestellina Natural Park. The village’s local eateries serve traditional Andalusian dishes, making it an excellent spot to experience regional cuisine in a serene setting.

How to go and where to stay in Casares

Casares is easily achievable from Estepona: take bus line L-77 both ways. Check the times, though; this bus line just runs twice a day. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Roman baths or to enjoy a quiet afternoon in the village square, where you can sip on locally made wine and watch the pace of life unfold. Choose below where to stay in Casares:

Ojén

Ojén is a charming village in the mountains just inland from Marbella that feels a world away from the bustling Costa del Sol. Its history is deeply connected to its natural surroundings, with evidence of prehistoric habitation in nearby caves. During the Moorish period, Ojén became known for its production of aguardiente, an anise-flavored spirit that is still celebrated today. The village’s location made it an ideal refuge during times of conflict, and its name is believed to derive from the Arabic word “Hoxan,” meaning “rough terrain.”

A visit to Ojén offers a blend of history and natural beauty. The village is home to the Museo del Molino, which highlights traditional olive oil production, and to the Cueva de las Columnas and Cueva de las Campanas, prehistoric groups of caves with fascinating rock formations. They are open to visitors!

Nature lovers will appreciate the trails that are part of the Sierra de las Nieves, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Ojén’s central square is a perfect spot to relax and sample local delicacies, such as the region’s famous cured meats and cheeses.

How to go and where to stay in Ojén

Visiting Ojén is very easy from Marbella. The village is accessible by local buses (lines L-80 and L-82) departing from Marbella’s bus station several times a day. The trip takes only 20 minutes! You can explore more of Ojén staying for a few days; pick your place below: 😉

Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo is one of the most iconic white villages on the Costa del Sol, high above the coast with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Its origins date back to ancient Iberian settlements, with later influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors, all of whom left their mark on its architecture and layout. The village’s strategic position made it a significant site during the Moorish period, and its narrow streets still reflect the town’s medieval past. After the Christian Reconquista in the 15th century, Mijas transformed into a tranquil farming community.

Today, it is a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring its history and traditional Andalusian culture. Walking through its narrow streets, you’ll find traditional whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies, and a sense of timelessness.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Mijas Pueblo’s rich heritage by visiting its landmarks, including the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, a chapel carved into the rock in the 17th century, the botanical route and the bullring, which is uniquely oval-shaped. The village is also known for its artisan workshops and the (small in itself) Museo de Miniaturas, which showcases an eclectic collection of tiny objects. To see more about this village, check our dedicated post, the beauty of Mijas Pueblo.

Visitors can see the donkey taxis, a nod to the village’s agricultural past, from when donkeys were the primary mode of transport for local farmers (but please don’t use them; there are serious concerns about how the donkeys are treated). The donkeys are, up to this day, the symbol of Mijas.

The village is a perfect spot for soaking in Andalusian culture, with artisan shops, tapas bars and panoramic viewpoints that make it worth a visit. You can spend lovely days in Mijas Pueblo, enjoying the view and the peace of this adorable village.

Mijas Pueblo, one of the white villages of the Costa del Sol

How to go and where to stay in Mijas pueblo

Mijas Pueblo is one of the easiest white villages to reach, as there are regular buses from Málaga (line M-112), Torremolinos and Benalmadena (lines M-112 and M-121) and especially, Fuengirola (M-122) several times per day. Click on the name of the line to see times and routes, and on the map below to choose your stay!

Benalmádena Pueblo

Benalmádena Pueblo, the oldest part of the modern municipality of Benalmádena, is a quaint village that retains much of its traditional Andalusian character. Its history stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of early settlements found in nearby caves. During the Moorish period, the village grew into a small but significant community, known for its agriculture and trade. Following the Reconquista, Benalmádena became a quiet, rural area until the 20th century, when tourism brought new life to the region.

The village’s key attractions include the Castillo de Colomares, a monument built in the 20th century to honor Christopher Columbus and his voyages, and the Benalmádena Stupa, a striking Buddhist temple offering panoramic views. Visitors can also wander through its narrow streets, discovering small plazas and hidden courtyards filled with flowers. Benalmádena Pueblo is a quieter alternative to the bustling coastal areas, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience. It is also home to Churros & You, that has the best churros on the planet.

Benalmádena Pueblo offers a peaceful contrast to the busy coastal areas of the Costa del Sol. This charming village is one of the three distinct areas that make up Benalmádena – the other two being Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Costa. I’ve dedicated a full post to discuss if it is worth visiting Benalmadena Pueblo (spoiler alert, it is)! The village is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with narrow streets, white houses, and colorful flowerpots adding to its charm.

How to go and where to stay in Benalmádena Pueblo

For those seeking both history and serenity, Benalmádena Pueblo is a must-visit. Getting there from Benalmadena is very easy with the with the bus lines M-103, M-112, M-121 and M-126. Some of these lines pass also in Malaga (M-126) and Torremolinos (M-112 and M-121). Check below great options of places to stay in Benalmadena Pueblo.

Frigiliana

Frigiliana is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages not only in the Costa, but in the whole Spain, with its roots stretching back to the Moorish era. The village’s historic quarter, known as the Barrio Mórisco, is a maze of steep, cobbled streets that preserve its medieval Islamic design.

After the fall of the Moors, Frigiliana became a center for sugarcane production, a tradition that continues to influence the village’s cultural identity. The annual Festival of Three Cultures, in the end of summer, celebrates the coexistence of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions that shaped its history.

Visitors can explore the village’s historic streets while learning about its past through the ceramic plaques that line the walls. The Museo Arqueológico de Frigiliana provides further insight into the area’s history, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric to modern times. The village is also known for its local specialties, including miel de caña (sugarcane honey), which can be sampled in many local shops. With its proximity to the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, Frigiliana is a great base for hiking and enjoying nature.

How to go and where to stay in Frigiliana

As far as I know, there is no direct connection by bus from Malaga to Frigiliana; the best way to go there would be either by car or with one of the many excursions that reach the village. If you are planning to stay, here are the best places:

Conclusion

Visiting the white villages of the Costa del Sol is a unique and remarkable experience that enhances your Costa del Sol holidays. If you are looking for the authentic and traditional Spain, or if you just want a relaxing experience surrounded by nature and beautiful landscapes, for hiking or for meditation, visiting a Pueblo Blanco is the right call. Be it as a day trip or for a longer stay, there is a Pueblo Blanco close to each of the main towns of the Costa del Sol. Come, relax and enjoy your time!