Have you ever heard of Frigiliana? With Spain ranking third most visited country in world and racking up a hefty 68.1 million visitors in 2015 it’s surprising that you can still find a slice of seclusion in this country. But you can!
Voted ‘the prettiest village in Andalucia’ by the Spanish Tourism Authority, this gem is located close to Nerja and should be added to your must-do list for your next visit to Spain. So if you are looking for some destination inspiration, read on!
Since my mother lives in Spain part of the year, its an easy drive over from her house, but for most visitors you can expect to get there in just under an hour’s drive from Malaga or slightly longer if you prefer to take the scenic coastal route, which I would highly recommend! Whilst you are in the Southern Spain area it is likely you will also be visiting Nerja, and from here buses run up to Frigiliana several times a day.
To avoid too many tourists and capture some pictures without a sea of bodies in them, I would recommend visiting on a week day and before the height of summer. You will also be rewarded by being able to park close to the steps up to the village and avoid a mini hike from the lower car park! My photos were taken in April so we were lucky to have the place to ourselves.
The village bears many similarities to towns on the Greek islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Symi, most notably the white washed walls and blue doors. Virtually all of the doors are painted a different shade of blue, with the exception of a red, green or lilac one here or there. So pre-warn your Instagram Husband, Wife or Friend because they are about to get pretty bored by the time you ask for your 17th photo in front of a door!
There is a pathway through the middle of the village, where you will find plenty of small gift shops and restaurants to enjoy some afternoon tapas. But you should definitely stray off the path up or down some of the narrow steps to find hidden corners and rooftop bars to enjoy a glass of Sangria and take in the view.
If this post has got you thinking about a trip to Southern Spain and Frigiliana, then you should consider going at the end of August when the village hosts the Festival of the Three Cultures (Festival de las Tres Culturas), which celebrates the region’s historic confluence and the co-existence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions.
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By We Are Travel Girls Founder & Editor Becky van Dijk of BeckyvanDijk.com
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Claire Wang says
Wow this is such a cute village! Don’t mind me, just adding it to my bucket list right now ?
Becky van Dijk says
You definitely should Claire, its such a pretty place!!
Cathryn Gray says
Would you be able to recommend a place in Frigiliana for long term, month?
We Are Travel Girls says
Hi Cathryn, I’m afraid I am not familiar with the town enough to recommend places to stay for a month as I have only visited during the day. Good luck with your search! Becky, Founder – We Are Travel Girls
Rachel says
It is such a pretty village, I was there at the end of January and we still had blue sky. There weren’t very many other visitors then and I think probably the best time to go is out of season as it is very popular with northern European sunseekers.
Harla says
Hi where do you recommend eating to get panoramic views :)
Rachel says
Just keep heading uphill and there’s a great restaurant on the top viewing point. I can’t remember the name though, sorry!
Sean says
I lived here for a couple of years. Great place.
You can’t really rent for a moth though. Minimum time is a year but sometimes you can find a land lord willing to do six months. For a month try airbnb but it won’t be cheap. If you can stay long term though apartment prices start at just €300 a month.