Andalucía keeps in its extension landscapes, beaches unique towns and villages and monuments of extraordinary beauty. Some enjoy the fame they deserve, many retain the wow factor despite being on the guidebook podiums, and others remain closely guarded secrets.
The splendor of this land does not take the traveler unawares and synthesizes gastronomy, nature and heritage in each of its destinations. In this case, far from being rural mirages, we compile 5 unique jewels, Andalusian villages that seem to be taken (some literally) from a fairy tale.
1. Soportújar (Granada)
The Alpujarras of Granada have more than one charming village perched in the mountains. Beyond Trevélez, Lanjarón or Pampaneira, the mighty Soportújar stands out.
Possibly one of the most unique villages in Andalusia, also known as the village of witches. Its whitewashed houses are huddled on this mountainside that once housed a farmhouse and that in winter bathes everything in snow.
In addition to the legend, people from the north settled in this land and brought with them covens and pagan customs. In fact, after the expulsion of the Moors, the Zone was repopulated with families mainly from Galicia, whose roots have been preserved to this day.
Thus, Soportújar wears its best clothes all year round and greets the traveler with a witch of enormous dimensions: Baba Yagá. Viewpoints the visitor will find caves, bends, enchanted bridges and alleys in which to enter with the certainty that slopes, hillsides and, thank goodness, high doses of mountain beauty await the visitor.
Cauldrons, dragonflies and a good assortment of sculptures occupy emblematic places in this snowy corner of the province of Granada. A town that will enchant you with its history, its beauty and its particular celebrations around witchcraft. In such a case, Halloween, Halloween, Halloween Night or the Bewitching Fair are not to be missed.
2. Zuheros (Córdoba)
It is thought that the first settlers of Zuheros, the Banu Himsi, arrived in these lands towards the end of the 9th century.
This group of Muslims would settle in an area of crags called “Sujayra” (and that give name to the village) and on one of the cliffs built the imposing castle that presides over Zuheros. From the heights of the castle the panoramic view of the surroundings is extraordinary.
Zuheros is wrapped in an ocean of olive trees and governs the Subbetica from the huge rock on which it is situated. Its streets are labyrinths of lime that hide small squares, bends and viewpoints of great beauty.
It is not surprising that its historic center has been designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest and Zuheros is considered one of the most beautiful (and unique) villages in Spain.
It is also a lung-proof village, its steep cobbled slopes and a handful of streets make up the Zuheros plan, marked by the aroma of oil, cheese and jasmine.
Lose yourself in its winding streets, discover its church, the charm of the archaeological museum and the museum of popular arts and customs and climb the castle tower. Another of the gifts of Zuheros are its viewpoints, those of the Villa and Escominillas, contemplative sanctuaries where time seems to stand still.
3. Osuna (Seville)
Osuna is not lacking in attractions or popularity. Although this Sevillian municipality has earned by force the international recognition for its participation in Game of Thrones, its tourist offer goes beyond that.
It is difficult to get rid of the landmarks that mark the fame, but Osuna did not need a blockbuster to beautify this small Sevillian town. The upper part of the municipality has more than 3,000 years of history through which different civilizations have passed.
On the most incipient slope of the municipality are its three most representative monuments: the Convent of the Incarnation, the University of the Immaculate Conception and the spectacular Collegiate Church.
Although they constitute great heritage jewels, what makes Osuna one of the most unique towns in Andalusia is the Coto de las Canteras. A journey into the past through this quarry, which safeguards gardens, stone sculptures and monumental works sculpted by Francisco Valdivia.
4. Júzcar (Málaga)
Recognizing Júzcar is not a prodigious task; the blue color presides over every corner of this municipality that can be guessed among the hills. The iconic town of Malaga hosted the world premiere of the movie “The Smurfs”.
For the occasion, it was decided to paint the entire municipality in blue, making it a phenomenon of rural tourism. The well-known Smurf village, located in the Genal Valley, preserves this characteristic tone that is worth coming to admire.
5. Setenil de las Bodegas (Cádiz)
The slopes of the Guadalporcún river have made possible the creation of one of the most genuine villages of the Sierra de Cádiz. In the interior of the province of Cádiz, is Setenil de las Bodegas, a surprising prehistoric enclave that hides more than one wonder.
The peculiarity of this white village is its landscape configuration. The houses are hollowed out between the rocky ledges and the town is arranged in the middle of a labyrinth of stone and lime, an urban redoubt fruit of geology and imposing architecture.
6. Paraúta and The Enchanted Forest
The Sierra de las Nieves, in the province of Malaga, is home to Paraúta, a white and mountainous oasis two hours from Seville, already included among the Pueblos Bonitos de España. It retains its Andalusian layout marked by narrow cobblestone streets, flowers and orchards.
The Enchanted Forest is one of its greatest charms, which will captivate the little ones to explore it. Its gastronomy is also nourished by this season with endogenous products such as honey or chestnuts.