Sedella isn’t somewhere you stumble across by accident.

It’s a small white village set high in the mountains of southern Spain, and you really have to want to go there, or know about it.

That’s exactly what we like about it.

We’d stayed in Sedella before when visiting family who moved to the area, and loved how quiet and tucked away it felt. So on this trip, as part of our road trip through Portugal and Spain, we came back for a short 2-day stay to visit family and see if Sedella still had that same peaceful charm.

There’s no rush, no crowds, no big attractions pulling people in. It’s just a calm, traditional village surrounded by incredible scenery.

Although saying that, it’s surprisingly host to some very popular fiestas throughout the year, which draw crowds from Málaga and nearby villages. But outside of those times, it’s incredibly quiet.

You can wander through the maze of narrow streets and barely see another soul.

On our first visit, that slower pace really stood out to us. And although the mountain scenery appeals to us as we love hiking, the quiet maze-like streets of Sedella themselves are fun to walk through with an authentic Spanish vibe.

What Sedella is like in April

April in Sedella felt very much like spring in the mountains.

The last time we visited in February, the weather had been surprisingly warm.

This time, it was a bit different.

It was warm when the sun came out, but much windier than before, enough to give us goosebumps at times.

It wasn’t freezing, but it also wasn’t guaranteed sunshine and warmth all day.

We had a mix of cloud, brighter moments, and cooler air, especially in the mornings and evenings.  First thing and last, when outdoors, we wore long sleeves and long trousers to stop the chill.  But in the day, in the sun, when the wind stopped, it felt comparable to a British summer day!

Not much had changed overall, though, everything was just how we remembered it.  Peaceful and quiet.  Even though it was further into spring than our last visit.  

We felt like the only tourists in the village, and news quickly spread about who we were!  It is only a small place, and although the hosts of our accommodation didn’t know my family member, they soon found out their name though from other villagers, as news of family visitors spread through the village!

The only real difference we noticed was in the landscape. The pink almond blossom we’d seen on a February visit had now turned to leaves, and you could see the almonds starting to grow.

On the drive into Sedella, we also noticed something completely new.

A reservoir that looked like a huge mountain lake, full of bright blue water. It honestly looked so fresh and inviting. Our son exclaimed he wanted to jump right in and swim!

We later found out it hadn’t been filled like that for years, and many people in the village who had only lived there a few years had never seen it full before.

It made the whole area feel even more alive and added to the amazing mountainous landscape. 

Where we stayed: Casa Wenne

We stayed in a self-catering apartment just on the outskirts of Sedella at Casa Wenne, and it was a great base for our short stay.

The apartment had plenty of space for us as a family, with amazing views out across the mountains, exactly what you want in a location like this.

There’s also a really attractive pool, which would be perfect in warmer months or if you were staying longer. It looked so inviting, but with the cooler April weather, and as we were not here for very long, it wasn’t quite the time for a swim.

The hosts were lovely and welcoming, and it’s definitely somewhere we’d recommend if you’re planning a stay in the area. You can check it out here: https://www.casawenne.com/

What we did over a quick 2-day stop in Sedella

Day 1

We kept the first day fairly relaxed.

We went for a walk to the Roman bridge in Sedella, which is a nice, easy route and a good way to get out into the surrounding countryside.

From there, we walked back into Sedella and up to the old mill, taking our time and enjoying the quiet surroundings.  From here, you can look back out across the mountain views from Sedella and see the sea in Malaga.

It’s one of those places where the walking itself is the main activity, and it’s perfect for those who love mountains and natural landscapes.

No crowds, no noise, just open space and views.

We spent a relaxed afternoon catching up with family before settling into the evening.

Later on, we spent the late afternoon and evening remote working, as work doesn’t stop for us on weekdays, even when away. Our accommodation provided us with scenic views across the mountains.

Day 2

The second day was a mix of work and exploring.

We worked in the morning this day, then took a short drive and headed out for a walk from nearby Canillas de Aceituno into the mountains late morning.

The walk took us through open mountain landscapes, with incredible views and that same quiet, untouched feeling you get around this part of Spain.  From here, we could see the “lake” we had passed before.

We walked for a couple of hours, stopping often just to take it all in and admire the views.

It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a plan, you just follow the path and see where it takes you.

Later in the afternoon, we spent more time relaxing, visiting family and enjoying the slower pace before the next leg of our trip and a long drive to Segovia the following morning, the final stop on our family road trip to Europe!

Is Sedella worth visiting?

Yes, but it depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want busy attractions, nightlife, or lots going on, this isn’t the place.

But if you want:

• Peace and quiet
• Beautiful mountain scenery
• Walking and nature
• A slower pace of travel
• An authentic Spanish village

Then Sedella is perfect.

It works especially well as part of a road trip, giving you a complete change of pace from coastal locations and somewhere to properly switch off.

If you love hiking and mountains, then it’s perfect.

Tips for visiting Sedella

Sedella is peaceful, scenic, picturesque, and feels completely removed from the busier parts of southern Spain.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Expect cooler and windier conditions than the coast out of season, though you may be lucky and get lovely warm weather and sunshine!
• Bring layers, especially in spring, just in case.
• Be prepared for a very quiet village outside of fiesta times. In February, only the one village shop was open, but when we visited in April, some of the bars were also open. 
• Plan for hikes and walks to explore Sedella streets and the stunning surrounding mountains.
• Combine it with other nearby “white villages” like Canillas de Aceituno and Competa.

Sedella in Spain is a quiet mountain village perfect for a peaceful break, especially in spring, offering scenic walks, fresh air and a slower pace away from busy tourist areas.