When walking through Frigiliana, the comparison with Mijas is easily made. This village is also characterized by white houses and blue accents. However, Frigiliana is just a bit lovelier, partly due to the beautiful cobbled streets. A must-see if you are spending your holiday in Andalusia!
Frigiliana at a glance
Andalusia is home to a wide variety of white villages. Ronda is very well-known, and Mijas is also popular among many travelers. Frigiliana is much less known, and perhaps that is precisely its charm. Let's just hope we don't put an end to that with this article…
Frigiliana – which lies just 7 km north of the famous seaside resort of Nerja as the crow flies – has been named the most beautiful village in Andalusia, and even in Spain, multiple times. Furthermore, it is one of the best-preserved Moorish villages in the Spanish region; it dates back to the 18th century. The lower and upper parts of the village together form a large labyrinth of partly car-free streets with whitewashed houses and pastel-colored doors. If you are lucky, there might even be a bag of fresh bread hanging on it to complete the picture. Add the red slate roofs and the clear blue sky to that, and you have the image. It sounds fantastic in writing, but in real life, it makes an even greater impression.
What shouldn't you miss in Frigiliana?
The most beautiful part of Frigiliana is undoubtedly the upper section, Morisco-Mudéjar. You have to do a bit of a climb to get there, but it is well worth it! For from the highest point, which lies more than 300 m above sea level, you have a fantastic view over the town and the surrounding area. And that is not the only advantage of the upper section. It is also the most beautiful part due to the many Moorish influences you will find there.
Strolling is the best way to explore! Without a map. Because then you will be completely surprised around every corner by yet another fine and charming piece of Frigiliana. Of course, you can also turn on Google Maps or grab an old-fashioned map and plot a route.
In any case, be sure to mark Fuente Vieja (the old fountain), the San Antonoio church, the Santo Cristo de la Caña chapel, the Santa Flora botanical garden, and the Palacio Renacentista de los Condes de Frigiliana. The remains of the old Moorish castle at the top of the village are also worth a visit.
And pay a visit to El Torreón, near Calle Real. At this former granary, you will find a beautiful patio. And did you know that you can find 12 ceramic slabs scattered throughout the old part? They tell the story of the Moorish uprising.
Practical tips!
All that strolling can make you quite thirsty and hungry. Fortunately, Frigiliana offers a wide range of restaurants and bars. Quite a few offer a rooftop terrace with a view of the village and/or the valley. The Garden Restaurant (Calla Santo Cristo) is highly recommended. Enjoy daily fresh tapas and Mediterranean specialties. Extra tip: for a pastry in the morning, head to La Tienda (Calle de la Iglesia 7).
The best place to park is the parking garage at the entrance to the village. Try to stay out of the village center; parking is impossible there and many streets are car-free. As a result, they are not even accessible to non-permit holders.
Are you traveling to Frigiliana by rental car? We recommend going early in the morning. Not only is the climb to the higher part much more pleasant then than during the hottest part of the day, but fewer tourist buses have also arrived.
Things to do & see in the area!
About 7 km above Frigiliana, you will find the 17th-century El Acebuchal. Although part of the hamlet (because yes, it is that small) has since been extensively renovated, you can still find remnants from the Iberian era there. We are talking about as far back as 1,000 BC.
If you have time to spare, head down to the seaside town of Nerja. In this historically fishing village (one of the oldest on the Costa del Sol, incidentally), you will also find the narrow streets with white houses so typical of Andalusia. What sets Nerja apart from the other villages? The Balcón de Europa! From this promenade, you have a fantastic view of the coastline.
For active holidaymakers, we have a completely different option! Frigiliana is built against the hill of El Fuerte. You can reach the summit of this mountain, which lies at an altitude of approximately 950 meters, via a hiking trail about 7 km long. Choose a day that isn't too hot, put on your hiking boots, and you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the white villages and the coastline.
Hiking is also possible in the Sierras de Almijara, Tejeda y Almaha Natural Park. Frigiliana is part of this nature park covering more than 40,000 hectares.
A day trip to Frigiliana sounds appealing to you? We recommend staying in Nerja (for a beach holiday), as it is the closest. City trippers can use Málaga as a base. From there, you can also visit many other white villages.
