The gorgeous little ‘Smurf’ village in Spain that’s entirely blue

Nestled in the picturesque Valle del Genal in the Serrania de Ronda, Juzcar is a small Spanish village with an extraordinary story.

Known as the world’s first ‘Smurf Village,’ Juzcar has embraced its striking blue appearance since June 2011, drawing tourists from around the globe and breathing new life into its local economy.

Before its transformation, Juzcar was a quiet destination known for rural tourism, hiking, and outdoor activities such as climbing and canyoning.

Its surrounding natural beauty attracted weekend adventurers, but the village itself remained relatively unknown. This all changed when Sony Pictures chose Juzcar to promote the release of The Smurfs 3D film.

To celebrate the movie, every building in the village, including the church, town hall, and even the cemetery, was painted a vibrant shade of blue, turning the village into a real-life Smurf setting.

While the initial plan was to repaint the buildings white after the promotional period ended, the residents of Juzcar saw an opportunity. Tourism surged, with the village welcoming an average of 250 visitors daily, a staggering increase from its previous modest numbers.

Recognising the economic benefits, residents voted overwhelmingly to keep the village blue, transforming it into a permanent tourist attraction. The influx of tourists led to the creation of eight new businesses, including guesthouses, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Public services were expanded, and new parking facilities were introduced to accommodate the growing number of visitors. However, the village’s newfound identity faced challenges.

In 2017, the heirs of Belgian artist Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo, who created the Smurfs, demanded royalties amounting to 12% of all Smurf-related income. Unable to reach an agreement, Juzcar was forced to relinquish its official title as the ‘Smurf Village.’

Despite this setback, the village retained its blue colour and rebranded itself as ‘La Aldea Azul’ or ‘The Blue Village.’ Smurf references were removed, but remnants of its cinematic past remain, including a seven-foot plastic Smurf statue that villagers humorously invite Sony to reclaim.

Today, Juzcar offers more than just its striking blue buildings. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities such as zip-lining, climbing walls and an adventure route through the village.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, an explorer’s walking route showcases the village’s natural beauty, winding through the lush landscapes of the Genal river marshland.

Historic landmarks such as the 16th-century Church of Santa Catalina, the Cave of the Moors and the ruins of an 18th-century tinplate factory provide glimpses into the village’s rich past, including its brief industrial boom when Swiss and German technicians taught locals the art of tinplate manufacturing.

Visitors can also indulge in Juzcar’s traditional gastronomy, featuring local delicacies such as soups, cooked chestnuts and wine bread, all made with authentic regional ingredients. Handcrafted espadrilles, straw jugs and cork objects offer unique souvenirs that reflect the village’s artisanal heritage.

Juzcar’s vibrant transformation continues to attract tourists from all corners of the world, solidifying its place as a unique and charming destination in Andalusia.

Located just 71 miles from Malaga, the village is easily accessible and remains a testament to how creativity and community spirit can turn a small rural village into an international tourist attraction.