Zuheros

Lovely Zuheros, one of Andalusia's beautiful white villages settled by the Moors, who inhabited this  region from the 8th to the 15th centuries. These pueblos blancos often sit high on the hillside tucked safely away from danger. The villages consist of narrow cobblestone roads winding between a string of connected homes and tiendas, all whitewashed with the same limestone paint. This paint is applied twice a year by the homeowners as per the law. It's bright and polished look gives these villages a stunning look contrasted against the surrounding land and often bright blue skies. It also keeps the homes and town cool when temperatures soar to over 100 on the summer months.

Zuheros is such a small and traditional pueblo there are no stores open on the weekend, which was unfortunate for us who landed there on a Saturday. It sits high upon the hillside, facing west affording incredible sunsets each night. One evening we walked up a nearby trail overlooking the town and another night we watched the sun slip away while sipping wine in the town plaza adjacent the castle. 

 The town sits next to a narrow & verdant valley where we ventured on a great day hike. On that trail we met a local man who explained that he hiked on this trail every Sunday, the only day he fully takes a break from working in the olive orchards below. At least that is what we think he said- we are still working on our Spanish comprehension & the astonishing Andalusian accent. 

Zuheros is pronounced Thu-eroths. 

Not the Spanish I learned in high school!

Wine while the kids play soccer in the town center

Early morning playtime beneath the castle walls

Twisting and turning around town in search of gardens & gatos.

Views from atop the castle turret

Olive trees for as far as the eyes can see

Siblings working things out

Crocuses in October

The steep road where I got to parallel park our manual transmission rental car 

The swinging bridge we walked across to bring our bags to our home.