Think Andalucía’s Moorish history is all palaces and big cities? Think again. These 7 under-the-radar villages are steeped in Al-Andalus charm—and you might just have them all to yourself.
By Liza S. | Updated 15 Apr 2025 | Andalucia | Places To Go |
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When people think of Moorish Spain, they usually picture the Alhambra, the Mezquita, or the Real Alcázar. And fair enough—they’re jaw-dropping. But Andalucía’s Moorish history isn’t limited to grand palaces and tourist-packed cities. It’s also alive in the quiet corners, hilltop villages, and whitewashed streets that most travellers zip right past.
Tucked into mountainsides, valleys, and olive-covered hills, these Spanish villages still carry the traces of Al-Andalus—from ancient fortresses to mosque-turned-churches, Arabic place names to winding, maze-like streets.
Best of all? No tour buses in sight!
They may not be famous, but they’re full of soul, stories, and surprisingly stunning views.
So if you’re the kind of traveller who wants to dig deeper, slow down, and soak up the atmosphere of Andalucía’s Moorish roots—minus the crowds, then this is for you.
Here are 7 Moorish white villages worth veering off the tourist trail for. (Just don’t tell everyone, yeah?)
Here’s an overview of the best Moorish pueblos blancos in Andalucia:
Read on to learn more about each Moorish village and why it’s worth visiting!
Perched dramatically above a gorge, Alhama de Granada is the kind of place that makes you gasp a little when you first see it.
The Moors certainly thought it was worth fighting for—they built a fortified town around its natural thermal springs, and the Arabic name Al-hamma literally means “hot baths.” While the spa culture here has been reinvented for modern visitors, the Moorish ruins of the original hammam still exist, hidden in a small corner of town.
The historic centre is a delight to wander, with narrow streets, beautiful churches layered over former mosques, and gorgeous views of the Tajo gorge.
Alhama isn’t flashy, but it’s steeped in atmosphere and perfect for those who love history with a side of serenity.
How to Get There: From Granada city, it’s about a 1-hour drive through beautiful countryside. There are buses run by ALSA that will get you there but they’re limited—a rental car is your best bet, especially if you want to explore nearby villages or the Sierras.
High in the hills of the Axarquía region, Comares feels like it’s sitting on the edge of the world.
With its steep, winding streets, arches, and spectacular views over olive groves and distant mountains, this village still echoes its Moorish past in both name and layout. It was once an important fortress town under Muslim rule, and you can still see the remnants of the old defensive walls and towers, plus Arabic-style ceramic tiles marking historic sites throughout the village.
Comares has managed to stay blissfully off the radar, despite its beauty. It’s peaceful, a bit remote, and perfect for a slow wander followed by a long lunch with a view.
For adventurous types, there’s even a via ferrata climbing route built into the cliffs below.
History and adrenaline, anyone?
How to Get There: Comares is about a 1.5-hour drive from Málaga through scenic mountain roads. There is no direct public transport, so a car is essential. Combine it with a visit to nearby white villages like Colmenar or Periana for a rural day trip.
Learn more about Comares
Photo courtesy of Ayuntamiento de Castro del Rio
Tucked along the banks of the Guadajoz River, Castro del Río is a small town with deep Moorish roots and a distinctly mellow vibe.
Under Muslim rule, it flourished as an agricultural and defensive outpost, and its historic quarter still follows the original Islamic street layout—a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleys and whitewashed houses that feel lost in time.
Look out for the remains of the old Moorish wall and the 12th-century tower that now forms part of the town’s castle. Even the name has Arabic origins, and the town’s identity is still shaped by its past.
It’s also famous for its olive oil and traditional woodcarving, so bring a bottle (or two) home.
How to Get There: Castro del Río is 40 minutes by car from Córdoba. There’s also a direct bus from Córdoba that takes just over an hour. It’s doable as a half-day trip, but if you linger, you’ll find it’s worth staying a little longer.
Tiny, tranquil, and tucked into the Sierra de Aracena, Almonaster la Real punches well above its weight when it comes to history.
Its biggest surprise? A 10th-century rural mosque—one of the only surviving examples in Spain outside major cities.
Situated dramatically on a hilltop, the mosque blends seamlessly with a later Christian chapel and a castle ruin, offering panoramic views over forests and red-tiled rooftops. It’s a beautiful example of the layering of cultures that defines so much of Andalucía.
The rest of the village is no less charming—cobbled streets, fountains, and a sleepy rhythm of life that feels a world away from the tourist trail.
It’s a fantastic spot for slow travel, hiking, and long, lazy meals in leafy courtyards.
How to Get There: Almonaster is about 1.5 hours by car from Seville, deep in the hills of northern Huelva. A car is essential, and you can also explore more of the Aracena region while you’re here.
Learn more about Almonaster la Real
Overshadowed by the nearby beach resorts, Vélez-Málaga often gets overlooked—and that’s a shame.
This lively inland town has strong Moorish roots, once serving as a key administrative centre during the Nasrid period. The castle on the hill, originally built by the Moors, still overlooks the town, and the historic centre follows an Arabic-style layout with meandering alleys, whitewashed homes, and unexpected viewpoints.
What makes Vélez special is how lived-in and local it feels—you’re not in a museum piece, but a town that blends history and everyday life.
There's also a growing arts scene, a handful of great tapas bars, and a peaceful air that feels miles away from the Costa del Sol crowds—even though you’re only 15 minutes inland.
How to Get There: It’s just a 40-minute drive from Málaga city, and there are regular buses from Málaga and Nerja. That makes it one of the few places on this list that’s very doable without a car—perfect for a day trip that most people never think to take.
If you’re looking for Moorish heritage without the crowds, Purchena is a hidden delight.
Tucked into the Almanzora Valley, this quiet village was once a Nasrid frontier town, and traces of that era still linger. You can see remnants of the original city walls, old defensive towers, and the site of the Alcazaba, which once protected the village from Christian raids during the Reconquista.
The narrow streets, sloped stone pathways, and terraced layout of the village reflect a clear Islamic urban imprint.
Purchena also celebrates its Moorish past through its Festival de Moros y Cristianos, one of the oldest in Spain.
It’s not a flashy destination, but for travellers who love quiet history and mountain scenery, it’s a rewarding stop.
How to Get There: Purchena is about a 1.5-hour drive from Almería city. There are limited bus services, but they’re not frequent—a car is strongly recommended to reach the village and explore the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Montefrío looks like it was plucked from a movie set—a whitewashed village spilling across a valley, crowned by a church perched dramatically atop a craggy rock.
But before the church came the Moors.
This cliff was once the site of a Nasrid fortress, guarding the frontier between Muslim and Christian kingdoms. Though the castle is now in ruins, you can still explore the remains, and the panoramic view from the top is unforgettable.
The town’s street layout still reflects its Moorish origins, with winding alleys, sudden staircases, and hidden corners.
It’s no wonder National Geographic once called Montefrío one of the top villages with a view. It’s photogenic, atmospheric, and still blissfully uncrowded outside of weekends.
How to Get There: Montefrío is a 1-hour drive from Granada city through scenic olive groves. There’s no direct train, and buses are infrequent, so a car is the best way to get there—and to stop for photos along the way (you’ll want to).
Want some ideas on how best to visit these Moorish hidden gems in Andalucia? Here are 2 routes that you can take with a car.
A perfect loop for those wanting dramatic views, fortress ruins, and a lot of Moorish atmosphere in one day.
This is a scenic mountain route through the Axarquía region, combining history, culture, and classic white village charm—all in a relaxed half-day or full-day trip from Málaga.
It’s easy to be dazzled by the big names—Granada, Córdoba, Seville—but if you really want to feel the pulse of Moorish Andalucía, head for the hills, the valleys, and the villages that time (and tourism) forgot.
These quiet corners still hum with the legacy of Al-Andalus, not behind glass in a museum, but in winding alleyways, fortress ruins, and local legends.
So grab your map (or better yet, lose it), hit the road, and discover the other side of Andalucía’s Moorish story—the one without queues, crowds, or selfie sticks.
Who knows? You might just find your new favourite place... and not want to tell anyone about it.
Buen viaje!
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Interested in learning more about Moorish Andalucia? Check out these articles on the history of the Moors in southern Spain
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