Whether you are visiting Andalucia for the first time or whether you’ve lived in Andalucia for years, chances are that you haven’t heard of the tiny village of Zuheros, reputedly Spain’s most beautiful village. You may well have visited many pueblos blancos (white towns) in Cádiz, Malaga, and Huelva provinces but I promise you, Zuheros will take your breath away. 

Are you searching for that perfect day trip from Cordoba, or that perfect day trip from Seville? Or are you on the hunt for the kind of place that most foreigners don’t know about, that place the locals know but don’t really want foreigners to visit? Well, my friend, whatever it is that you’re looking for, Zuheros may well be your answer.

Location Highlights: Why do People Visit Zuheros?

For a village with under 1000 inhabitants, there is easily enough to entertain visitors for at least a day. The people who do their research will never be disappointed by a day trip to Zuheros.

The most popular attractions in the beautiful village of Zuheros include the castle perched right above the village plaza, the incredible views from the mirador (viewpoint) on the cliffs above the village, the Cueva de los Murcielagos and Iberfauna, an animal reserve.

Zuheros is not only incredibly beautiful but it’s also the gateway to the Sierra Subbetica National Park and the town was declared an asset of cultural interest in 2003.

If you’ve been to either the Torcal de Antequera or Monfragüe National Park then you’ll LOVE Zuheros.

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Where is Zuheros?

Zuheros is located in the province of Córdoba in Andalucia, Southern Spain. It is just over an hour from Cordoba, just over two hours from Seville and ninety minutes from both Malaga and Granada so is a perfect day trip from any of these three popular tourist destinations. It is located on the edge of the Sierras Subbeticas, making it an especially wonderful location for people who want to get out and enjoy walking in nature. 

Really, to enjoy this area you need to have a car at your disposal; there is public transport between towns but if you don’t have a car then a tour is the best way to see the region as public transport is not frequent and won’t get you to viewpoints etc.

Check out this awesome-sounding Vespa tour that includes a visit to Zuheros.

The Subbetica is a district made up of fourteen towns in the south of Cordoba province. The park is a UNESCO Global Geopark and Natural park. Around fifteen million years ago there was a narrow stretch of sea between the Sierra Morena and the rising Cordillera Bética (loosely modern Andalucia), it connected the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Whales, sharks and other marine animals used this as a channel between the two bodies of water. About five million years ago, the land rose and this channel was transformed into the Guadalquivir River.

Brief history of Zuheros

Zuheros has been occupied since before history began. There is evidence of human occupation as early as the Neolithic period in the Cueva de los Murcielagos in the cliffs above Zuheros as well as later evidence of Roman occupation. The castle that currently dominates the village was built sometime between the 10th – 11th centuries, but it is thought that there was a Moorish castle built in the 9th century there first. Zuheros at this time was called Sujayra. In 1240 Castillian Fernando III conquered Zuheros, strengthening the border between Christian and Islamic Spain (this guy also conquered Alcala de Guadaira, a gorgeous small town near Seville that is home to the third biggest castle in the whole region).

What to do in Zuheros

As should be extremely clear by now, Zuheros is a very small place but it has a lot to do. I have split this section into activities in town and activities just outside town.

Activities in Zuheros

Castillo de Zuheros (Zuheros Castle)

Zuheros Castle is one of the town’s major draws. It dominates the small white village, standing as it does on one edge of the village square. Truthfully, it won’t take you long to look around the castle but the magnificent views over the surrounding countryside, the rocky cliffs of the sierras subbeticas and the olive groves are well worth the entrance fee.

Tickets are purchased in the archaeological museum (also on the square).

Archaeological Museum

This small museum on the square also won’t take up much of your time but since you have to go in here to buy castle tickets, take a quick look around as the outline of the area’s long history is interesting. 

TOP TIP: If you’re planning on visiting the Cueva de los Murcielagos then you can book tickets for that here too.

Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

A very pretty sixteenth-century church that is thought to have begun life as a mosque. It is located on Plaza de la Paz, right next to the castle. Its clock tower was once a minaret.

Museo de Costumbres y Artes

At the other end of the village is this impressive museum dedicated to the history of life in the region. I didn’t have time to go in but the reviews I read are really glowing and I will absolutely be returning to visit it.

Walk Around Zuheros

Enjoy the architecture of this traditional pueblo blanco as you try to get lost in the tiny town. On top of the tourist information is another small mirador (viewpoint). The main square, Plaza de la Paz has great views and there’s even a playground just below.

⭐️ There are a myriad of excellent reasons to visit Spain, keep reading to learn more about this magnificent country ⭐️

Periurbano Park 

Around the lower edge of the village is the Parque Periurbano, which makes for a nice stroll if you have the time. We loved the walk because we had spotted a natural opening in the rock and this gave us the opportunity to get close to it. There is actually a small hanging bridge here that is a lot of fun, too.

 

Activities Just Outside Zuheros

You can probably tell that I love Zuheros and that I loved exploring around the little town but even more than the urban activities, I was absolutely smitten by the nature surrounding this town on the edge of a national park. Even the approach to Zuheros took my breath away, so magnificently located at the base of truly imposing cliffs is it. I could have spent days, maybe even weeks exploring this part of Andalucia.

Cueva de los Murciélagos

This cave, fifteen minutes or so above Zuheros, is an interesting place to visit for sure. Apparently, this cave system has never technically been discovered because it’s been known to humans for as long as humans have been in the area. Its entrance isn’t hidden, in fact, it’s really kind of a door in the cliffs. Ancient remains and Neolithic cave paintings have been found in the cave. 

To visit you must book in advance. This can be done in the archaeological museum in Zuheros or by phone. On local holidays the tours can fill up so be sure to book. 

The cave can only be visited with an official tour guide and I honestly don’t know if it’s possible to do the tour in English. We were asked if we spoke Spanish, which suggests there might be an opportunity for English if you don’t speak Spanish. There are a lot of steps but since the temperature remains a steady temperature year-round (12C I believe, it doesn’t feel too hard if you’re relatively fit). Note that it is not permitted to take photos in the cave at all.

There is a carpark on the side of the road next to the ticket office. You’ll need to show your tickets here and pay (previously you had just reserved your spot) and then walk five minutes up the road to the cave entrance. 

We arrived early to check in for our tour and really enjoyed flying our kite, running around, and climbing on the rocks on the fields by the carpark. Wow, just wow. We could even see the snowcapped mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the distance. 

We did enjoy the cave visit but felt that Aracena’s cave system was more striking. If you enjoy caves, be sure to visit Gibraltar’s interesting cave, St Michael’s Cave when you go.

Iberfauna – Animal Reserve

Halfway between Zuheros and the cave is Iberfauna, an animal refuge that can be visited only on a guided tour.  Here you can learn about an interesting variety of animals from the peninsula that have been rescued by the owners of the sanctuary including lynxes, Iberian wolves, wild cats and more. 

Note: this tour also must be booked in advance by email or phone. (we were lucky and showed up just as a tour with space on it was about to begin but I don’t recommend counting on this). Nearby Antequera also has a wolf sanctuary you can visit.

Mirador de la Atalaya

This three-level lookout point offers up views that will blow your mind. Located at a curve in the road it may not look like a great idea to stop here but let me assure you that it is. 

Quesería los Balancheres

Just below Zuheros is this well-renowned cheese factory, shop and restaurant. The factory can be toured if booked in advance. 

Want to Trek Around Zuheros? 

There are multiple walking opportunities around Zuheros and in the Parque Natural de las Sierra Subbeticas. Some of these walks require checking in first with the park authorities (a formality but it is required) and others don’t. Please be sure to check before you walk. The best way to find fun walks is to search for the walker symbol (a little walking person) on Google Maps and read reviews. You can also search google for sites about senderismo (walking/hiking) in the region.

Vía Verde 

If you don’t want anything too strenuous, walk the Vía Verde for a while. The vía verde is a network of over 2000 km of converted railway lines across Spain, 500km of which is stretched across Andalucia. There is a nice section just outside Zuheros.

Río Bailán and Other Walking Options

If you don’t want to take an official walk then the Cañon del río Bailón is a fun place to climb and explore. We spent a good few hours clambering around on rocks here. Also from this starting point are walks along paths that are well signposted.

Zuheros the Details

Where to Stay When Visiting Zuheros

We stayed in Los Castillarejos, just outside of Zuheros and it is highly recommended both for the views and the comfort of the room. Each room has a well-stocked kitchenette that is better equipped than many Airbnbs. Another popular option is Hacienda Minerva.

If you just want to visit for the day then there are plenty of great hotel options in Seville, Malaga, Jaen, and Córdoba.

Where to Eat in Zuheros

Zuheros is a very small town but there are great options for food. 

Asador Restaurante Los Palancos is a truly fabulous restaurant on the plaza right by the castle serving hearty plates of delicious food. 

Top Tip: if you arrive early, go and book a table because this place can fill up fast if you’re visiting at the weekend or over a Spanish holiday. 

El Rincón del Paseo – this is more of a kiosk serving good food. We didn’t eat here but it gets rave reviews on google and was certainly full of happy-looking people when we were in town. 

What to do Near Zuheros

Of course, Zuheros is famous for being the gateway to the Subbeticas National Park so its main draw is its rugged natural beauty and the opportunity to walk. Luque and Doña Mencia are nearby small towns that are interesting to walk around. Antequera is another gorgeous small town just an hour away. Granada, Jaen, Córdoba and Malaga are all within ninety minutes of Zuheros and Ronda and Seville are both a short two-hour drive away. 

Zuheros FAQ

Is Zuheros a good day trip or somewhere to stay? 

Personally, I loved being able to stay in Zuheros because I love being in the countryside. I got to see the sun set and rise over the gorgeous cliffs and relished being able to spend two full days in nature. It’s an easy day trip from bigger cities like Cordoba, Granada, Malaga and Jaen though.

Is there parking in Zuheros?

As you approach Zuheros from Córdoba there is free parking in three close but separate areas along Calle Barrera. There is also parking under the castle. 

What’s the best time of year to visit Zuheros?

There really is no bad time of year to visit Zuheros in my opinion. Just come prepared. In summer the highs are around 33C (92F) and in winter lows can reach -1C (30F). We visited in late February and we were warm in the sun but chilly in the shade. 

Is there an ATM in Zuheros?

Yes, there is one ATM in Zuheros. If it isn’t working then Luque also has ATMs.

Is there a supermarket in Zuheros?

Yes, Autoservicio Luna is in Zuheros but Luque has a Supermercado Iberplus, which is a better-stocked option. 

How high above sea level is Zuheros?

Zuheros is 656m above sea level. No worries about altitude sickness but remember the sun may hit harder here.

Does Zuheros have a feria?

It has a CHEESE FESTIVAL!!!! In September. 

Do they speak English in Zuheros?

No more or less than any other small town in Spain. You’ll be fine as long as you make an effort to communicate. Spanish people generally do speak some English but can be shy to use it.  

Have I convinced you that you utterly must visit Zuheros? Let me know below if you think you’ll visit this year or if you’ve already been.