The "Pueblos Blancos," or White Villages of Andalucia.
Andalucia is re known for itīs Pueblos Blancos, or white villages.They are dotted all over Andalucia but perhaps the most famous and picturesque are to be found within easy striking distance of the Costa del Sol Most of them have a long and varied history with signs of both Roman and Moorish settlements. Many of them have been built on the sides of hills with spectacular views from the top for those energetic enough make the trip.On the whole it is best to park on the outskirts of the villages and explore on foot as they were definitely built in an age devoid of town planners and motorcars.
Casares is a quintessential white village clinging as it does to the sides of a steep hill with wonderful views of the Mediterranean, mountains and Gibraltar. It is topped by a Moorish Fort and an old church with the town spilling down the sides of the hill below. Many of the houses themselves are carved out of the rock that the town stands on, in fact Casa Margarita is a lovely example of onesuch traditional house. It is best to park outside the village as the streets are very narrow and twisty, designed for donkeys not cars, and then to take one of the many walkways down into the centre.The whole village is a maze of little streets where you can easily get lost but it is a very pleasant place to while away a few hours exploring, and trying to find your way out of! and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you refreshed. The main feria takes place on the first weekend of August with a smaller one on the weekend closest to 15th. September.
Gaucin Like much of Andalucia it has a stormy and fascinating history having been settled by the Romans and the Moors and used reguarly by brandy and tobaccoo smugglers. There is a magnificent old castle,Castillo de Aguila, which is open to visitors betwwen 11.00 and 2.00 and 5.00 and 7.00 p.m As with most of the white villages Gaucin is a maze ot twisting narrow streets and whitewashed houses.Until fairly recently most of these had no running water and only one light bulb however the 20th. centuary did finally arrive and although still retaining much of itīs original charm,Gaucin now boasts many beautifully restored village house which can be rented for a holiday with a real difference.One such lovely house is Casa Mirador. 
Jimena.Jimena is about 35kms. inland from San Roque and is a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of the coast.It is surrounded by some lovely and varied countryside, including Los Arcornocales National Park.Once again the town climbs up, or tumbles down, depending on your perspective,a large hill and is surmounted by a moorish castle built on Roman remains. The annual feria is held during the second week in August and the second week in July sees the annual Music Festival which features Classical,Jazz,Flamenco, Celtic and Ethnic music. There is a railway at Estacion de Jimena where you can take the trainfor a very scenic trip up to Ronda. Just outside the town of Jimena we have a lovely "Casa Rural" known as Cortijo RomanThis is an old Andalucian Farmhouse which has been converted into holiday accommodation in the form of four individual cottages. It is set in beautiful countryside with a large swimming pool and has been awarded the coverted "Casa Rural" classification by the Junta de Andalucia.Genalgaucil Genalgaucil is a quite delightful and traditional "pueblo blanco" set in some wonderful unpoilt mountain scenary in the heart of Andalucia. It is approached either from the A369 Gaucin to Ronda road, taking the Estepona road at Algotocin or the Jubrique road out of Estepona which runs up at the back of Mercadona. Then just beyond Jubrique you will find a left hand turn to Genalgaucil. It is a charming tucked away little place well worth the visit and full of Spanish rural charm. One of its most unusual features is the fact that every 2nd. year the local council sponser an" arte bienniel." They pay for artists to visit the village from all over Europe for a fortnight during which time they create original works of art which are then donated to Genalgaucil. Some of these are housed in the museum but many of them are dotted throughout the village and visitors can spend a fascinating few hours wandering around this peaceful village spotting them.If you wish to visit Genalgaucil then we have two lovely village house both of which you can take on a nightly or weekly basis. There is a 3 bedroomed one called Casa Blanca and a sweet little 1 bedroomed house called Casa Chica |
One of the amazing sculptures to be found in Genalgaucil, a man and suitcase waiting in the bus stop.
