The White Towns of Andalusia, Spain

This past winter while we were RVing in Spain we came across many towns and villages that were all painted white, they are known as "White Towns". These towns are mostly found in the region of Andalusia in the southern portion of Spain and they are usually found in the mountains.

I can't really find any conclusive reason as to why they are painted white, I have seen reference to the white wash that they use as having antibacterial properties to it, so perhaps it is to stop the growth of mold or mildew on the outsides of the buildings. There is talk that when the Christian uprising began, the Moors left their homes and moved to the mountains where they built fortress like walls and painted the houses within white but this theory isn't conclusive. Another theory, is that the limestone used had a chemical property causing them to turn white. Whatever the reason is or was, most now have a political mandate to remain painted white as a tourist attraction, and we have to say it works because it is so inviting to see these white towns way up on a hill in the distance.

We were lucky to have been able to visit many of these towns over a two month period and each and every one of them were different.

One of the first ones that we came across was Zuheros.

Zuheros

This was our first view of the town from the road. After seeing it we knew we had to go and visit it.

Ruth high on a hiking trail looking back at Zuheros.

Casares

Most of these "White Towns" have wonderful cobbled and narrow streets.

The town of Vejer de la Frontera high on the hill.

Beautiful fountain in the central plaza

Love the way they like to add a "ping" of colour

Zahara de la Sierra

Narrow cobbled street in Zahara de la Sierra

Setenil de las Bodegas

This town is built right into the rocks, they call them cave houses.

Even the road goes under the rocks.

Olvera

There are just too many to show you but you get the idea.

So if you are ever in the southern part of Spain, make sure you get out there and find some of these beautiful towns, you won't regret it, we promise you!

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