A day plan by car

The white villages: Arcos, Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema

A day of mountain scenery and white villages with Andalusi names; most beautiful in spring and autumn. Full day, ~11 hours.

Drawn by Dr. Abdulmajeed Al-Mudarra

Mountain roads are narrow and winding; start heading back before sunset. The climb to the Zahara castle is hard for older people and in the heat.

08:30
Drive
Drive to Arcos de la Frontera
Sevilla → Arcos de la Frontera
About 75 minutes (~90 km). Via A-4 and A-382; park below the old town.
09:45
Walk
Arcos: the clifftop viewpoint and old town
Mirador de la Peña Nueva (Arcos)
The town sits on a cliff above the Guadalete river; climb to the Plaza del Cabildo and the viewpoint. 1.5 hours.
11:15
Drive
Drive to Zahara de la Sierra
Arcos de la Frontera → Zahara de la Sierra
About 50 minutes (~50 km).
12:10
Walk
Castillo de Zahara de la Sierra
Castillo de Zahara de la Sierra
A Nasrid tower above a turquoise lake; a 20–25 minute climb up a steep path. 1.5 hours including the town.
13:40
Drive
Drive to Grazalema
Zahara de la Sierra → Grazalema
About 30 minutes (~17 km). Via the Puerto de las Palomas pass (1357 m) with a lovely view.
14:15
Meal
Patio de San Diego restaurant (Grazalema) (outside the list)
Restaurante Patio de San Diego
Local mountain cooking (4.7 from ~800 reviews), open daily for lunch. 1 hour 15 minutes.
15:45
Walk
Grazalema village
Plaza de España de Grazalema
The rainiest village in Spain, with white houses and red roofs; a 1-hour stroll.
17:00
Drive
Drive to Sevilla
Grazalema → Sevilla
About 110 minutes (~130 km). Via El Bosque and Arcos.