Frigiliana

A few kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea and at the foot of a Natural Park stands Frigiliana, the only town in the province of Malaga that was recognized in 2015 as one of the most beautiful in Spain. Despite being a recognized tourist destination, it still retains its authenticity as it is not overcrowded.

What is Frigiliana like?

To enter Frigiliana is to do it in a labyrinth of streets all sloping, with dazzling whitewashed houses that contrast with the reddish slate roofs and the blue of the sky. The pots that decorate the buildings with flowers such as jasmine, geranium or bougainvillea add an extra color to this beautiful scene.

The town is divided into two areas: the one of recent construction in the lower part and the oldest that we find as we go up its narrow, cobbled and steep streets. Strolling through its streets is quite an experience, as if it were a trip back in time. In addition, its views are spectacular being located three hundred meters above sea level. You will not be able to resist taking a photo album on a clear winter day, since you can see Nerja, its surroundings and even North Africa.

What to see in Frigiliana?

A visit to the city begins by entering the historic center, where you cannot drive by car except residents.

Frigiliana calls itself the town of the three cultures because at the end of the XNUMXth century Christians, Muslims and Jews coexisted here, which is collected in the Fountain of the Three Cultures and in other monuments such as the Adarve del Torreón vessel. To commemorate this fact, in Frigiliana the Festival of 3 Cultures is celebrated the last week of August and there is also a Plaza of the Three Cultures.

This episode in its history was so relevant that throughout the old town we can find twelve ceramic plates that narrate the uprising of the Moors and the last battles that took place in the area.

Some historical points of interest that you must visit in Frigiliana include the Old Fountain, the Church of San Antonio, the Real Exposito, the Chapel of Santo Cristo de la Caña, the Renaissance Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana or the so-called Balcony of the Mediterranean from where you can enjoy the views of the sea.

But there are many more areas of interest in this beautiful town. For example, the Casa Solariega de los Condes, dating from the late XNUMXth century, was built by the Manrique de Lara family. Also, the Casa del Apero from the early seventeenth century that now houses the Tourist Office.

The remains of the old Moorish castle in the upper part of the municipality are also worth visiting. Although not much remains of this fortress, the views are spectacular. Other very interesting places are the Municipal Library and the Historical Museum. It is worth visiting, being the first archaeological museum in the Axarquía.

Finally, the Torreón is located in the old Mudejar neighborhood, just off Calle Real. What was an old barn is now part of a house. To access the patio you have to go through an arch full of plants, signposted as El Torreón.

If the bohemian atmosphere attracts you, Frigiliana is your place because due to its unique atmosphere, numerous artists and photographers such as Arne Haugen Sørensen, Klaus Hinkel, Penelope Wurr and Miró Slavin have come here to unleash their creativity. Also, if you like art, there are regular exhibitions in the Casa del Apero and in private galleries, so you can get a nice memory of your visit.

Speaking of getting a souvenir from Frigiliana, don't miss the market that takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays! A perfect occasion to try the specialties of the area.

Nature in Frigiliana

Frigiliana is an ideal starting point for hiking the peaks of the Sierra Tejeda and exploring the surroundings of the Sierra Tejada Almijara Natural Park. You can also take an excursion along the Higuerón river, whose waters are calmer than the Chillar river in Nerja.

In summer, many locals and visitors go to the Pozo Batán pool to enjoy nature and some even to cool off despite the fact that swimming is not allowed.