Frigiliana: A Fresh Look at Southern Spain
Published: 18 Jul, 2019

Holiday in Southern Spain

Perched on a mountain range, this idyllic town in Southern Spain made up of whitewashed venues and narrow, winding, cobbled lanes, is nothing short of stunning. It’s best explored by foot to discover the town’s historic secrets and utter beauty. It was voted the prettiest village in Andalucia by the Spanish tourism authority and it’s not hard to see why: nature dominates the old village with colourful plants and trees bringing the white buildings to life.

The village is packed with history and valuable sights worth seeing. The hill El Feurte overlooks the village and in 1569 was the scene of the battle and defeat of the Axarquia Moors in the famous rebellion. While a quaint and secluded village, there is still much to do: The Church of San Antonio is a large attraction in Frigiliana, built in the 17th Century and modernised in the 18th Century, is atmospheric and peaceful. The Castle of Lizar offers amazing views at the end of a short hike up a hill, featuring both the castle and multiple donkeys at the top. The Old Fountain and El Ingenio – an old sugar-cane factory where sugar cane is still sold locally are two more favourable attractions in the city.

The village embraces its local community spirit, selling its locally produced wine from the Muscatel grape, locally produced pottery and ceramics with Frigliana’s distinctive Arab design, and selling its tasty local food. Frigiliana’s cuisine includes potages (cabbage, fennel or cod stew with tortilla and honey), Migas (a breadcrumb and corn base with fish, vegetables or chorizo) and various pastries made with cane honey. The village has many cafes for cheap eats, with a particularly popular location being number one ranked in Frigiliana: La Tienda; tucked away beside the church and described as a ‘must visit’. For more fine dining, these restaurants are located just outside the centre of Frigiliana and restaurant ’34’ is voted one of the most popular. Stunning views from the terrace if booked in advance with a romantic setting, live flamenco music and food well worth every euro.

Frigiliana’s shops can accommodate your needs during your stay with two good butchers in the village with a range of pork and chicken, multiple bakeries for your bread and pastry needs and weekly markets on Thursdays ranging from fresh fruit and veg to clothes and accessories. Larger supermarkets are also accessible in the larger town of Nerja, just a 20-minute drive away. Nerja is also accessible by bus, costing one euro each way. Nerja is also host to a range of beautiful beaches and caves.

Frigiliana has everything you’d need for the perfect paradise get away from the history to the cuisine, what more could you ask for?