Their whitewashed houses, defensive walls, and maze of cobbled streets are from a bygone era. These white towns (pueblos blancos) date back to the time of Al-Andalus, the Moorish occupation of Spain. At that time, they flourished as important fortified towns and commercial centers. Situated on hilltops, they were strategic targets throughout the centuries.
Whitewashed houses
defensive walls,
cobbled streets
Their names typically end in “de la Frontera”, indicating their location on the border between Christian and Moorish territories during the Reconquista. Many of the white towns have a rich cultural calendar. Examples include annual events such as the Holy Week processions (Semana Santa), the Spring Fair (Feria de Primavera), and the Living Nativity (Belén Viviente) during Advent. They often have a lively gastronomic scene, with traditional taverns, tapas bars, Moroccan restaurants and other local specialties.
