Three Andalucian towns have been officially recognised as ‘tourist municipalities’ by the Junta after meeting strict requirements linked to visitor numbers, infrastructure and planning.

Cortegana, Zuheros and Nigüelas were granted the status this week following approval by the Andalucian Government Council.

The designation is designed to recognise municipalities that can demonstrate significant tourism activity, quality planning and the ability to cater to holidaymakers.

The move comes as Andalucia continues to cement its position as one of Europe’s top destinations thanks to its mix of historic towns, natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

Authorities said all three municipalities successfully proved they met the legal criteria required under the regional decree governing tourist towns.

Cortegana, in Huelva province, submitted its application in October 2025 and was found to meet 15 of the 17 evaluation criteria, including visitor volume, tourism infrastructure and the existence of a Municipal Tourism Quality Plan.

Zuheros, one of Cordoba province’s best-known white villages, also satisfied 15 of the 17 criteria and received favourable reports from multiple regional tourism and local government bodies.

Meanwhile, Nigüelas, located on the edge of the Sierra Nevada in Granada province, was recognised after demonstrating sufficient tourist activity, suitable infrastructure and an active tourism plan.

The designation is expected to help the towns strengthen tourism-related public services, improve visitor management and integrate more closely into Andalucia’s wider tourism strategy.

For smaller municipalities like these, the recognition can prove significant – both economically and in terms of visibility – as they compete for visitors in one of Spain’s most tourism-dependent regions.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.