A little town in Spain is as pretty as Mykonos, but it goes under the radar of tourists. Frigliana, a town in Andalusian Spain, is just half an hour away from the popular tourist spot of Malaga, but not many people think to visit this unique little place.
It has been named as one of National Geographic’s list of the 100 most beautiful pueblos in Spain and was also voted the “prettiest village in Andalucia” by the Spanish Tourist Board. In 1982, it was even named the most beautiful town in Spain. The town is much loved by locals and is increasingly popular with tourists as it offers a one-of-a-kind experience to see a quiet and historical part of Spain. Frigiliana is adorned with white buildings and cobbled lanes, giving it a stand-out look. The Moorish Old Town is a notable area to visit – its quaint streets are lined with an exciting array of shops and cafes, making it the perfect place to stop for a rest while you’re exploring. National Geographic wrote of Frigliana: “Its old quarter invites you to stroll through streets with whitewashed walls adorned with flower pots, while you discover stairways, passageways and hidden courtyards, and corners with tiles that tell stories and local legends.” The Parroquia de San Antonio de Padua, a church right at the heart of the village, is free to enter and guests are encouraged to explore the beautiful interior.
Frigiliana has an excellent variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. The local cuisine is based on fresh local produce, including seafood, cane honey, and sweet wines. In particular, deep-fried fresh fish and traditional bread rolls (molletes) are classics in the wider Malaga region.
Dating from the 17th century, the building that is home to the Archaeological Museum of Frigiliana is a piece of art in itself. The archaeological marvels here are displayed in a chronological order – from the Neolithic age to the modern day – which makes it easy for visitors to understand the historical value of the exhibition.
At the botanic gardens of Santa Fiora, visitors can learn about how local vegetation has been used for various purposes throughout Frigiliana’s history, including commerce, medicine, basketry and perfume making.
Located on the slopes of Sierra Almijara, it offers one of the most beautiful views of the Costa del Sol. From the town, you’ll be able to see the surrounding countryside and, as it is a hilly area, from some places you can even catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the best viewpoints in the city is Mirador de Castillo de Frigiliana, the remains of an old castle. Situated at a high point, the views from its top are rewarding if you want to make the journey up.
One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “If you want the best of the village, just follow the signs to El Castillo. It winds up the narrow streets and steps and then passes a lovely garden with several unusual trees overhanging the path, and a range of striking sculptures. After that, there are steps to reach the top of the old fort which has wonderful views.”
Fantastic hikes are all offered by the Natural Park of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama. The peaks of Maroma are over 2,000 metres high, with easier hikes in the valleys also available.
The Caves of Nerja are also a must-see for locals and visitors alike. Thanks to their incredible acoustics, they are the site of the annual Festival of Music and Dance in July.
Beachgoers are spoilt for choice in Frigilaia, with plenty of sandy beaches to pick from, while also being a pleasant distance from the business of the busy coastal resorts. This includes Burriana in Nerja, Calaceite in Torrox and the off-the-beaten-path beaches in the Maro cliffs natural area.
