We believe that Andalusia is one of the most colourful and distinct regions of Spain, and that there’s much more to Costa del Sol than just beaches. So, dust off the sand and explore some of the beautiful Andalusia’s white villages in Málaga province.
What do all these villages have in common? A maze of whitewashed houses, orange and red roof tiles, green mountain shrubbery, and the blue of the Mediterranean sky.
With FlyDirect’s hotels & resorts conveniently located along the coastline to Málaga (Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona), a visit to one of these charming towns makes for the perfect day trip.
Below are our Top 3 Pueblos Blancos that you must visit while holidaying in Costa del Sol. Our picks are based on the team travel advisors’ opinions, however feel free to share with us if you’ve visited different ones.
Mijas
Enjoying a privileged geographical location between the sea and the mountains, and tucked away atop the mountain range from which the village took its name, you’ll find charming Mijas overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
To discover it, the best way is to wander through its steep streets and meander down alleys and narrow side streets. Mijas, which dates back to the Bronze Age and has been inhabited by the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Moors, and the Christians, has a unique blend of architectural styles that showcase its history.
During your visit don’t miss out the oval bullring, the sanctuary Virgen de la Peña, and the ancient Moorish wall with its splendid gardens and balconies offering visitors stunning views. The Miniatures Museum, Folk Museum, and CAC Mijas are also worth a visit.
Along the way, you’ll find loads of bars, restaurants and coffee shops to relish some authentic Spanish tapas and a nice cold beer. Prepare to be amazed by vertical topography of this place when you witness the establishments stacked on top of each other.
Mijas (Málaga)
Oval bullring, Virgen de la Peña Chapel – Miniatures Museum – Traditional whitewashed houses
Frigiliana
This picturesque village can be found amid the Sierras de Almijara, Tejeda, and Alhama Natural Park. The charm of its white-washed houses, built along winding and narrow cobblestone streets, makes Frigiliana the place to be if you’d like to get away from the coast’s hustle for a day.
The town is divided into two different sections: the older Morisco-Mudéjar neighbourhood or upper section, and the newer or lower section. As many other Andalusia’s white villages, it has Roman origins but its urban design is product of the Muslim occupation.
Rambling about aimlessly is like being transported back in time to an era that looks and feels when Moorish kingdoms used to rule and the Reconquista took place. Twisting and turning alleys, each of which has secrets waiting to be discovered.
The historic quarter is packed with award-winning examples of Mudéjar architecture, including El Ingenio (the last operating syrup factory in Europe), the old fountain, the chapel of Ecce Homo, the Real Pósitos (ancient silo) and El Torreon, among others.
Did you know that the famous cane syrup is produced at El Ingenio factory in Frigiliana? While visiting try fried eggplants slices with a delicious drizzled of cane syrup. You’ll want to lick your fingers.
Frigiliana (Málaga)
El Ingenio – Historic quartier – Fuente Vieja – Botanic Garden of Santa Fiora
El Borge
Surrounded by vineyards and traditional farmhouses, El Borge is the ultimate ‘raisin capital’. Located on the border between the region of Axarquía and Montes de Málaga, the municipality has a rural landscape that has withstood the test of time.
The vibrant flowers that embellish the windows and balconies of the white-washed homes in the Arab-rooted settlement are simply stunning. Also, El Borge is an amazing spot to learn about the fascinating past of the Spanish bandits.
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in this charming little town. Take a stroll through the charming narrow streets and marvel at how the local architecture has ingeniously adapted to the rugged mountainous landscape. Don’t miss out on visiting The Rosario church, The Vintage Fountain and The House of El Bizco (one of the most famous bandits of the 19th century) among other sites.
If you’re ever in El Borge, you have to try their signature Muscat wine! Raisins reign over El Borge’s culinary scene, so it comes as no surprise that its Muscat wine is the top town’s signature offering. This delightful treat is the ultimate pairing for classic dishes like ajoblanco, gazpacho, and cod omelettes with molasses, among others.
El Borge (Málaga)
The Rosario Church – The Vintage Fountain – The House of El Bizco – G. Perez Street
FlyDirect operates direct flights from Jersey and the Isle of Man to Malaga weekly in Spring & Autumn. Stays of 7 or 14 nights are available and flights can be booked alone or as part of a full package holiday on our website.