A White Pueblos Tour of Classic Andalusia

For the lucky few with a holiday home in Marbella at the Costa del Sol autumn is a fantastic time to come for an extended visit at the Costa del Sol. Autumn is the perfect time for a brief 3 or 4 day trip into classic Andalusia.

Take in the white pueblos of traditional hillside villages, see the stunning Moorish and Renaissance architecture of Ronda, one of the loveliest historic towns within easy driving distance of Marbella, or travel further afield to go hiking in the wonderful Parque Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema. If you've got time to spare, carry on from Grazalema towards the charming town of Arcos de la Frontera, another classic example of a fortified hill town.

Things to do and see in Arcos de la Frontera

Brimming with examples of Gothic, Mudéjar and Renaissance architecture, Arcos de la Frontera makes for a great final destination on a 3 to 4 day tour. The town boasts a splendid Friday market, an enormous hilltop castle affording stunning panoramic views over the pueblo blancos that are seemingly glued to a sheer cliff overlooking the valley of the Guadalete river.

Probably founded by ancient Iberians, Arcos de la Frontera was already a thriving settlement during Roman times, but rose to even greater importance during the Moorish occupation of Andalusia. The North African Arabs built a labyrinthine medieval quarter that winds its way all the way up to the castle. Follow narrow cobbled streets just wide enough to admit a donkey and its human.

Start your walking tour at the charming Plaza del Cabildo, the main square of the old town. Just follow signposting for the parador and that will lead you this square. Here you'll find the gorgeous 11th-century castle, originally constructed by the Moors and later remodelled and rebuilt after the Christian re-conquest.

On another side of this square stands the imposing Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Asuncion, a church with lovely choir stalls and altar piece. Originally constructed in the 13th century, the church has undergone many transformations in the intervening centuries, now sporting an eclectic range of late Gothic and Mudéjar architectural styles.

The fourth side of the square shows off Mother Nature at her most awe-inspiring. Here the New Rock (peña nueva), a sheer rock face, plunges straight down to the river valley below. For those with a head for heights it's a thrill to peer down and enjoy the sweeping views across the valley and the rolling pine-covered hills beyond.

Not to be missed are also the Galeria de Arte Arx-Arcis on Calle Marqués de Torresoto near the Plaza Boticos, a great little arts and crafts museum and shop housed in a maze of a building. Don't leave out a visit to the Gothic Iglesia de San Pedro - built between the 16th and 18th centuries. It boasts a squat tower from where visitors can enjoy fantastic views across the Guadalete river bed and valley.

Fine views can also be enjoyed from the Mirador de Abades on Calle Abades, and the two palaces on the Calle Almirante, where the Casa Palacio de Cuneca stands on the left and the gorgeous 17th-century Antigua Casa Palacio del Marqués de Torresoto, now converted into a hotel, stands on the right. This ornately decorated Renaissance palace boasts lovely interior patios. Why not stop for a meal or refreshments here and admire the richly decorated interiors?

Parking can be a little challenging in Arcos de la Frontera. It's best to park in the New Town and stroll into the Old Town on foot.

Classic Andalusia on your Doorstep

Other lovely white-washed towns include Ronda and Ubrique in the Serrania de Ronda Mountains, an ancient settlement that dates back to Palaeolithic times and the charming village of El Bosque near Villamartin, dominated by 18th century buildings rather than pueblos blancos.

For those who wish to retire to Malaga, Marbella or Benehavis at the Costa del Sol such delightful tours are one of many things to look forward to. With a retirement home in Marbella residents are within an hour's drive of classic Andalusia and its delightful white-washed hill towns.