Pueblos Blancos de Cádiz, beyond the beaches

A pretty village that is the gateway to the White Villages from Cádiz. It has a web of labyrinthine streets where you’ll find cool little shops selling a little bit of everything. The best thing is to lose yourself among them as you explore at a laid back pace.

• Don’t forget to stop by the plaza. There is an observation point that is known as el Balcón del Coño because that is the Spanish, very non-politically correct word that comes out of your mouth when you look down at the precipice.

These salt mines have been producing salt since Roman times. It is best to call in advance to arrange your visit.

• Did you know that salt can also be produced in a rural setting, far from the sea?

A peaceful, completely flat, approximately five km walk along the river trail that starts from El Bosque and leads to Benamahoma.

• Ideal for working up an appetite before dinner. You do not need to complete the entire trail.

An average price restaurant where you can enjoy your first taste of traditional Andalusian cuisine.

• Ask for their recommendations – they have never failed to surprise us. 100% Andalusian wine menu.

A hike up to Ubrique which follows a Roman road. Don’t go there thinking you’ll barely see a couple of stones; the road is very well preserved and you can even see the ancient sewer system.

• It is better to walk downhill from Benaocaz and take a taxi at Ubrique to pick up your car.

This fascinating leather museum offers you the chance to see many artifacts related to the world of leather. From small mallets donated by retired leather artisans to the world’s largest leather portfolio.

• The best thing about the museum is meeting Maribel, the woman who for years has been collecting all of the museum’s pieces. If you ask her something, you're sure to enjoy a good chat with her. She’s eager to share how she has achieved everything she has after many years of struggle.

Don’t hesitate to take a stroll through the historic center of Ubrique, the perfect example of a white Andalusian village. During your walk, you can enjoy some tapas or sit down and eat in a restaurant.

• The last time we went, we ate our fill of tapas in the Plaza de la Verdura.

Villaluenga del Rosario is the highest town in the province of Cádiz and one of the most underpopulated. What stands out most in this town is its curious bullring.

• The cheeses of Villaluenga del Rosario also enjoy well-deserved fame. Pay a visit to one of the local cheese shops. The best souvenirs you can get.

Since the town is literally perched on a ravine, the view from Grazalema is beautiful. You don’t need much more than an hour to visit Grazalema, but if you want to enjoy a walk from the center of the town, there are several hiking routes, suitable for all skill levels.

• There is a microclimate in Grazalema that makes it the place in Spain which receives the most rainfall year after year.

What we like most about Zahara is the view of the marsh. There is also a hiking trail practically in the center of the town, which is very photogenic.

If the day is hot, fill up your bottle of water before walking up to the castle. Don’t miss out on a visit to the La Villa neighborhood or the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios.

• This town is off the beaten track and tends to be quiet. Maybe that’s why it’s one of my favorites.

Setenil de las Bodegas is a town where several streets are literally built under a rock. Declared one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, it is undoubtedly a highlight on the White Villages of Cádiz route.

• It tends to be busy, so leave it for late in the day (at noon it tends to be overcrowded).