SPAIN: White Villages of Andalusia

As we drove through Andalusia in southern Spain we saw cute white villages nestled in the hills and steep mountains.

The white villages are known as pueblos blancos. 

(I am linguistically challenged, but even I can translate that!)

They look very pretty, but they are more than just pretty.

Most of these villages developed during the centuries of Islamic rule in Al-Andalus.

The white villages were planned strategically.

Many of the villages occupy hilltops or ridgelines. These hilltop locations were a result of centuries of defensive planning. They were to protect themselves during periods of conflict.

Economically, the white villages were traditionally supported by agriculture and herding (olive groves, avocados, oranges and goats.) 

The hilltops also allowed residents to monitor their surrounding farmland. 

Many of these villages were formed during Moorish rule and their street patterns still show Islamic influence.

The villages’ narrow, twisting streets were strategic because they made villages harder to attack and easier to defend. Tight turns and irregular layouts slowed invading forces, prevented cavalry and large groups from moving quickly, limited sightlines and allowed residents to block or defend streets from above.

The narrow alleys and enclosed spaces were also designed to provide shade and privacy.

Daily life centered on small plazas, local markets, and seasonal festivals tied to religious and agricultural calendars.

The white exteriors are created by coating stone or brick walls with limewash (lime mixed with water.) Andalusia has hot, dry summers. The white reflects sunlight, cools interiors, and protects walls, making it well suited to the climate. The limewash also helps with sanitation. Generally they are repainted every year. 

The white villagers are super cute on bright sunny days with blue skies. But, the Rain Gods were not always on our side. 

Many thanks to Richard and Hanna for flying in from London to explore with us.

We still had fun, so maybe sunny days and blue skies are overrated.