A complete guide to a day trip to Frigiliana – the prettiest village in Andalucia, Spain

Pretty in blue and white
Enhanced with blossoms of pink – dark and light.
With a trio of cultures along its cobblestoned lanes
This is Frigiliana – the prettiest village in Andalucia, Spain.

Discover how you can plan a day trip to Frigiliana village – one of the best places to visit in Andalucia. Get a list of the best things to do in Frigiliana along with my insider tips on how to get here, where to eat and more.

On my last day of the 3 days in Malaga, I discovered one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia. Frigiliana stole my heart with its fairytale settings. White buildings with blue windows and doors – framed by pretty flowers that further lined the cobblestone lanes of Frigiliana old town. All it took was a day trip to Frigiliana from Malaga for the tranquil charm to entrap me and lead me to proclaim this village as the best place to visit in Andalucia, Spain.

Frigiliana- the prettiest village in Andalucia, Spain
Frigiliana- the prettiest village in Andalucia, Spain

If you are planning a trip to Malaga or Granada, then Frigiliana is an easy day trip option to add to your itinerary. The time frame is good enough for you to cover all the best things to do in Frigiliana – and without any rush. That said, I would still not say no to spending one night here to experience the serenity of the place.

In this Frigiliana guide, I will cover all possible day trip options to this tiny hamlet. You will also, get a list of activities in Frigiliana that you can plan for as well as suggestions on the best places to eat. If you are tempted to stay over, I have a few suggestions for Frigiliana hotels. As always, you will be privy to my own experience here and tips that I have gathered thereof.

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Contents

About Frigiliana – one of the white villages in Andalucia

Where is Frigiliana in Spain?

Located in the Andalucia in South Spain, Frigiliana is a hill town, nestled at the foothills of Sierra Almijara. It is a part of the La Axarquina municipality of the Costa del Sol region (Spain’s Sunshine Coast). It is just 60 km from Malaga city and 11 km from Nerja. It is one of the many Pueblo Blancos or the white villages of Spain

History of Frigiliana

Frigiliana history goes back to the period of Phoenicians – that is 300 BC. The region then fell to the Rwasomans and finally was occupied by the Muslims in 711  CE, who came in with the Arab Caliphate rule of Cordoba and Granada. This was when the Moorish village thrived on the production of silk, sugarcane, grapes and figs.

The white village of Frigiliana - one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia
The white village of Frigiliana – one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia

The Moorish village continued its peaceful settlement till the time the Christian Kings took over. After the new rule, several Muslim residents converted to Christianity (some willing, some by force) and many were forced out of the village. There was a lot of repression and finally, fed up with the same, the Moriscos (Muslims converted to Christianity) rebelled against the new rule. A fierce Battle of Frigiliana took place in 1569.

Sadly, the battle did not end in the favor of the Moriscos. The small fortified castle in Frigiliana was destroyed. A large number of them perished and those who survived were forced to abandon the village. The land was redistributed among the Christians and the Jews of Spain.

Frigiliana has been declared as one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia
Frigiliana has been declared as one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia

The beautiful village came to ruins and was abandoned for a while. Then, slowly over time it revived – only to become the most beautiful places in Andalucia. In fact, this tiny whitewashed village has been widely acknowledged as the prettiest villages in Spain. Definitely – one of those hidden gems of Andalucia that I was glad I stumbled upon.

How to get to Frigiliana from Malaga?

Frigiliana is just 60 km from the capital city of Costa Del Sol – Malaga. This makes it a very popular day trip option from Malaga – which incidentally is also, the closest airport and railway station to Frigiliana. From Malaga, there are four ways to get to Frigiliana –

1) Self-Drive

If you have your own car, you can just head out to this pretty village on Highway A7. The drive is quite a scenic one and straightforward till you reach the Nerja exit. Here, you need to turn left to get to Frigiliana.

Self drive to Frigiliana from Malaga - the roads are great!
Self drive to Frigiliana from Malaga – the roads are great!

Frigiliana town has very narrow roads and almost no parking within. You will have to leave your vehicle in the parking bays located on the outskirts of the Old Town of Frigiliana.  There are two such Frigiliana parking options – Aparcamiento Cuesta Del Apero near a church and Aparcamiento Público. The first one is free and if you are visiting a weekday, you can most likely get a spot. The 2nd one charges €1.50 per hour.

In case, you do not have your car, you can rent one using Discover Cars – one of the highly rated car rental services across Europe.

2) By Bus

This is the most economical option. However, there is no direct Malaga to Frigiliana bus. If you are planning a Frigiliana day trip from Malaga by bus, then you will have to first get to Nerja.

Alsa has hourly departures from Malaga to Nerja and it costs around €5 per person. Once here, you just have to hop over to the local bus service from Nerja to Frigiliana. This is just a 15-minute journey and costs around €1.20 per person.

3) By Taxi

This is an expensive option but a comfortable one. You can book an Uber or any of the other radio taxis to Frigiliana from your doorstep in Malaga. The average one-way journey cost would be around €75.

4) Book a local tour

Several local tours offer day trips to Frigiliana from Malaga. You can book one online and enjoy the place without any hassles. I opted for one of these and will be sharing a little more on the same in the subsequent sections.

How to get to Frigiliana from Nerja?

Nerja beaches from the Balcony of Europe
Nerja beaches from the Balcony of Europe

Nerja is like a twin town to Frigiliana, at a distance of just 11 km. If you are already in Nerja or plan to stay here, then you can do Frigiliana like a half-day trip. All you have to do is hop onto the local bus from Nerja to Frigiliana. The journey takes just 15 minutes and the fare is around €1.20 per person. You can check the Frigiliana bus timetable through this link for better planning.

If you have your car, remember the tip that I mentioned earlier about the parking in Frigiliana town. Taxis between the two towns are easily available and cost €25 one way.

The other alternative for the adventurous is to just walk from Nerja to Frigiliana. The hike takes around 2.30 hours and is filled with picturesque landscapes.

How to get to Frigiliana village from Granada?

The other popular destination from where you can do a Frigiliana day trip is Granada. This is at a distance of 100 km from this Andalucia village – a journey that will take around a little over one hour by road.

Your options to do this day trip are similar to what I recommended from Malaga. Here are the tips for each of them  –

Self Drive from Granada to Frigiliana

You can hire a car using Discover cars from Granada or take your own. Hit the highway A44 and then get onto A7. Exit for Nerja but take a diversion towards Frigiliana before you enter the town. The total journey time would be just over an hour.

The beautiful landscapes that you will see when you drive to Frigiliana
The beautiful landscapes that you will see when you drive to Frigiliana

Bus ride from Granada to Frigiliana via Nerja

Just as in the case of Malaga, there are no direct buses to Frigiliana from Granada. However, Alsa offers buses to Nerja from Granada every four hours and the one-way journey cost is €12 per person. You can then, get off at Nerja and hop on to the local buses to Frigiliana – one of the best white villages in Andalucia. 

Local day tours from Granada for Frigiliana

There are many day trip tour options from Granada to Frigiliana. Here is one that can be booked online. Check my next section for more information on these tours and what to expect from them.

A typical tour package for a day trip to Frigiliana – the prettiest village in Andalucia

Frigiliana is small enough to be covered on a day tour
Frigiliana is small enough to be covered on a day tour

The biggest advantage of taking a guided tour to Frigiliana is that it includes conveyance, a knowledgeable guide and entrance tickets if any. Most of these tours give you enough free time to do most of the list that I have shared in the section on the best things to do in Frigiliana. Remember, this town is walkable and can be easily covered within 3 hours.

A majority of the day tour packages cover Nerja town and Nerja caves along with Frigiliana. They start in the morning and get you back to your base destination by evening. A few of them include tapas meals too. Here are three options that I considered when I was booking my day trip to Frigiliana from Malaga.

What to do in Frigiliana village? (Best things to do in Frigiliana)

Frigiliana - my favorite place in Spain
Frigiliana – my favorite place in Spain

The first thing that struck me about Frigiliana was the calm it exuded. There is this unhurried pace of life that automatically set in and without any frenzy, I set off to explore the old town. This is one place that made me want to hold on to every sight and feeling. I did not feel the need to tick things off my list – though by the end of my time here, I had done most of these activities in Frigiliana.

Frigiliana village is pretty small and very easy to navigate. You do not need a Frigiliana map. Just walk around the old town and you will be able to spot all the key attractions. That said, here is the list of the best things to do in Frigiliana during a day trip.

1. Walk through the Frigiliana old town and spot the 12 plaques of Frigiliana

The cobblestone alleys of Frigiliana old town
The cobblestone alleys of Frigiliana old town

Once you leave your vehicle at the parking, you need to walk up the elevated slopes to the Mudejar town or Barrio Alto section of Frigiliana. This is the picturesque old Moorish settlement that made me fall in love with this hamlet. I walked in an awe-struck stupor through the cobblestoned lanes, pausing here and there to take in the typical Mudejar architecture of bricked arches and glazed ceramic tiles.

The pretty frames in the Moorish village of Frigiliana
The pretty frames in the Moorish village of Frigiliana

The white houses with their blue doors and windows offered such amazing frames – which of course, were enhanced by the pink bougainvillea blossoms. Hidden on these walls are 12 plaques that narrate important episodes from the history of Frigiliana including the devasting battle of Frigiliana. One challenge that I throw to you is to find all these plaques during your walk! That honestly, will help you cover the entire town.

One of the 12 ceramic plaques in the village of Frigiliana
One of the 12 ceramic plaques in the village of Frigiliana

Walking is the best way to explore this village. You can also, sign up for this guided walking tour of Frigiliana. No vehicles are allowed in the old town. At the most, you can hire a tuk-tuk that can take you along the cobblestone slopes of the main lane. The inner lanes can only be accessed on foot.

2) Keep an eye out for the landmark fountains of Frigiliana

One of the many fountains in Frigiliana, Spain
One of the many fountains in Frigiliana, Spain

Besides the 12 plaques, watch out for these two fountains. The first is close to the parking area in the square called Plaza de Tres Cultures. This is called the Fountain of 3 Cultures and has symbols of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The monument celebrates the peaceful co-existence of these cultures – something that is a hallmark of Frigiliana.

Fuente Vieja
Fuente Vieja PC: Wikimedia Commons

The 2nd fountain is a 17th-century monument that is along the wall. Called the Fuente Vieja, this was built by the first count of Frigiliana – Don Inigo Manrique de Lara. It has his coat of arms on it.

3) Embark on one of the many Frigiliana hiking trails

There are three beautiful hiking trails in Frigiliana that you can choose from. The first one is through the village to the ruins of the old Frigiliana castle. Not much is left of the Castillo de Lizar, but the hiking trail offers you scenic views of one of the best white villages of Andalucia, Spain. It was a fun and easy climb for me – where I encountered the locals walking their dogs and fresh blossoms growing wild by the path.

The hike is a do-it-yourself one and easily manageable even on the package tour to Frigiliana.

The simple hiking trail that you can do on your day trip to Frigiliana
The simple hiking trail that you can do on your day trip to Frigiliana

The other option is the 12 km Rio Higueron Gorge hike that you can sign up for. This might take you a little longer and is possible if you do the day trip to Frigiliana on your own. The hike I believe, takes you to a lovely cascade.

The third option that you have is a difficult trek. Referred to as the El Fuerte hike, this covers a distance of 7.7 km. You will need to be prepared for some steep climbs.

4) Enjoy the enchanting viewpoints of Frigiliana – – one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia.

From one of the Frigiliana view points
From one of the Frigiliana view points

One of the things that I noticed about this hilly town was that no matter which lane I took, I came across stunning viewpoints. The most popular among them is the Vista Panoramica – from where you can see the entire white village of Frigiliana. And if you are lucky, on a clear day even get a glimpse of the Mediterranean sea.

5) Visit the 17th-century church of San Antonio of Padua

Frigiliana Church of San Antonio de Padua
Frigiliana Church of San Antonio de Padua

Right in the center of the old town is the Frigiliana church that once was a mosque. The tiny church is a classic example of the Mudejar architecture. For one, the minaret is now a bell tower and when you visit inside, you will see the classic Mudejar ceiling.

6) Explore El Ingenio – the mansion turned into a Molasses factory

El Ingenio - the mansion turned into a molasses factory in Frigiliana village
El Ingenio – the mansion turned into a molasses factory in Frigiliana village

Just as you walk up the first slope of Frigiliana towards its old town, you will see this huge building. Built-in the 17th century, this was once the mansion of the Count. Later, it was converted to a Molasses factory. You can still visit it in Summer and see the old cauldrons and equipments used the manufacturing process.

Sadly, I was here in early spring and missed my window to explore inside.

7) Enjoy the Archaeological Museum of Frigiliana

This museum has some interesting finds that go back to the days of the Romans. You can visit this when you are in Frigiliana. Note though, the museum is closed between 2 and 4 pm everyday.

8) Try out the El Teatro Mecanico

The Teatro mecanico in Frigiliana, Andalucia, Spain
The Teatro mecanico in Frigiliana, Andalucia, Spain

Got a few spare cents – then insert them into the mechanical theatre that is kept at the entrance of the old town. I had never seen one before and this brought out the kid in me. The mechanical puppet show tells you stories of Frigiliana – one of the fun things in Frigiliana with kids.

9) Go shopping in the local market

Some of the artesinal products available in the local shops of Frigiliana
Some of the artisanal products available in the local shops of Frigiliana

If you happen to visit Frigiliana on a Thursday or Sunday, then you will be treated to the market day that happens at Plaza de Tres Culturas. From clothes to food, there is plenty on sale.

Besides this, you should check out the old town of Frigiliana for its quaint shops. It is a great place to buy some local paintings – I saw very pretty ones done by the local artisans of the various corners of Frigiliana. There are also, a lot of artisanal products including local wine, honey and baked products available to buy. And yes, definitely some souvenirs like the fridge magnets of Frigiliana.

10) Take a ride on the toy tourist train

Ride on this tourist train - one of the best things to do in Frigiliana
Ride on this tourist train – one of the best things to do in Frigiliana

I agree that my focus has been largely on the Frigiliana old town. Honestly speaking, that is where the actual fun is. That said, if you feel that you do not want to miss out on the newer parts, then you should opt for the tourist toy train ride. You can board near the Plaza de Tres Culturas for €3 per person and enjoy the 30-minute guided tour of Frigiliana. The train mostly goes through the newer sections and you can see some amazing views as you ascend those slopes

Things to do near Frigiliana Village

You don’t have to just stay over, for these day trips. You can in fact, add them to your day trip to Frigiliana as these are not too far.

1) Explore Nerja and Nerja caves

Nerja caves with one of the largest stalactite in the world
Nerja caves with one of the largest stalactite in the world

Less than 10 km from Frigiliana is the town of Nerja with its beautiful sandy beaches. You can visit the old town of Nerja and its stunning viewpoint called the Balcony of Europe. Also, consider visiting the ancient Nerja caves with the one of World’s largest stalactite and Neanderthal cave paintings.

2) Visit Acebuchal

This is another one of those Pueblo Blancos in Andalucia – albeit an offbeat one that is now almost like a Ghost town. It is as beautiful (if not more) as Frigiliana. Also, referred to as the lost village, this is just 7 km by walk from Frigiliana.

3) Cómpeta – the Cornice of Costa Del Sol

Another one of the Moorish white villages of Spain, this one is just 27 km from Frigiliana. It is a town with a lot of history and includes churches and a lovely Paseo de la Tradiciones with colorful mosaics.

Suggested accommodation in Frigiliana, Spain

One of Frigiliana's B&Bs
One of Frigiliana’s B&Bs

Most people are quite content just doing a day trip to Frigiliana. However, if the serenity and beauty enamor you like it did to me, you might want to consider staying over. In that case, here are some suggested hotels in Frigiliana. I have also, included B&Bs in Frigiliana – which honestly, looked super tempting when I saw them during my own visit here.

  • Hotel Villa Frigiliana – I saw this between the two parts of Frigiliana – the old town and the new town. It also, has a lot of good ratings.
  • El Torreon 109 – this one is a villa with a swimming pool and amazing views. This is the place that tempted me to cancel all my plans and stay back in Frigiliana.
  • Miller’s of Frigiliana – This one has a rooftop terrace.
  • Mirador de Santo Cristo – close to the historic center and has amazing views of the white town.
The lanes of the prettiest village in Andalucia
The lanes of the prettiest village in Andalucia

Best places to eat in Frigiliana Old Town

Frigiliana has tons of places that serve authentic Mediterranean food. You can hop onto any of them to enjoy the Spanish flavors and even , some gorgeous views. Here are three of the most highly rated places to eat in Frigiliana.

  • La Taberna del Sacristán
  • Restaurante La Taperia
  • Restaurante Sal y Pimienta

What is the best time to visit Frigiliana – the prettiest village in Andalucia?

Frigiliana weather is quite amazing throughout the year. The high season here is summer – between June and August. At this time, the crowds soar and you might find the tiny village quite crowded.

The one time during August that you should consider visiting is the Frigiliana Festival of Three Cultures. This takes place during the end of the month and brings in a lot of people. It is the best time to experience the fusion of cultures this town represents. There are numerous cultural shows, concerts, traditional markets and food stalls during this festival.

The lovely spring blooms that add to the beauty of Frigiliana
The lovely spring blooms that add to the beauty of Frigiliana

Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September – November) are my most recommended times to visit Frigiliana. This is when the temperatures are perfect for some outdoor exploration. Spring also, brings in those fresh blossoms that add to the beauty of the town. This is incidentally when I visited too.

Winters is the low season for Frigiliana. The weather in Frigiliana during this season is fairly mild with temperatures between 18 to 2 degrees Celsius.

Common FAQs about Frigiliana day trip

Is Frigiliana worth visiting?

Definitely yes. It is one of the prettiest villages in Spain with a unique blend of three cultures – Islamic, Jewish and Christianity. The whitewashed village with its charming cobblestone lanes and Mudejar architecture has tons to see and do. You can do a day trip to this village from Malaga, Nerja or Granada.

Why are the houses white in Frigiliana?

The original reason was to keep the homes cool under the Spanish sun. However now, there is a by-law that dictates that the houses are painted white in this town.

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Frigiliana guide
Things to do in frigiliana
Frigiliana day trip

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