For anyone visiting Granada, Montefrio is a must-visit destination. It’s an authentic white village located one hour’s drive outside Granada city. In 2016, National Geographic recognized the view of Montefrio village as one of the top ten most picturesque views of villages in the world. The traditional white houses that line its hills and its mediaeval sandstone church at the top of a very steep hill were what impressed National Geographic. 

Indeed, when you drive from Granada to Montefrio, the view of the Moorish castle, the white houses, and the round church is one that will prompt you to stop and take a photo. In the main square, you can absorb the lively atmosphere of the village, over a cold caña, a small beer, and complimentary tapas. Once refreshed, you will be ready to climb the steep hill to see the ruins of the Moorish castle that crowns the village and admire the stunning views of the surrounding olive hills and local architecture.  

The following post is an excerpt from a new book set in Granada province entitled The Crinkle Crankle Wall: Our First Year in Andalusia by Sabina Ostrowska. In this fragment, Sabina and her sister’s family, who are on holiday in Montefrio, climb up a steep hill to explore Montefrio’s Moorish past.