An Afternoon in Frigiliana, Spain

I’ll just jump right in here: Frigiliana kind of blew me away.

Leading up to our time in Spain, I was so excited to visit this whitewashed hill town. It didn’t disappoint. In fact, it was even more beautiful than I thought it would be. And in the age of picture-perfect social media recaps, exceeded expectations are such a rare pleasure. 

Our time in Frigiliana seemed perfect for a Photo Feature because we spent the entire visit simply appreciating our impossibly pretty surroundings; each winding, flowery street more inviting than the last.

My Photo Feature series focuses less on words and more on images. See more here.

For better or worse, I usually have a to-do list when I visit a new place. So Frigiliana, with no agenda at all other than enjoying the scenery, felt especially relaxing and fun.

It didn’t hurt that we were there on a beautiful, sunny day and the town was especially quiet. I can imagine there are days during high season that the narrow, picturesque streets are chock full of visitors just like us.

You Might Also Like: The Colorful Islands of Murano and Burano

Frigiliana’s mountaintop setting is found 300 meters above sea level. From the old town, you can enjoy panoramic views of bright flowers, green hills, and white homes all tied together by the sparkly blue sea.

If you’re looking for activities, Frigiliana also has an archeological museum, a botanical garden, castle ruins, a historic sugar cane factory, a weekly market, and the popular Festival of Three Cultures in August. Hiking is another option.

That said, I’d still recommend simply wandering, appreciating the meticulously kept homes, and soaking up the sunshine.

As you’re walking around, look for the ceramic plaques depicting the Battle of the Peñon between the Christians and the Moors in the 1500s. Keeping an eye out for all twelve felt like a small scavenger hunt. I love that an important moment in the town’s history has been depicted and preserved this way.

And if you can snag a table, I highly recommend enjoying coffee or a drink with a stunning sea view at Restaurante el Mirador.

Getting to Frigiliana, Spain

Frigiliana is accessible from a number of popular destinations in southern Spain. It’s especially easy to pair with a visit to beachside Nerja, just 7 km or 4.5 miles away.

From Nerja: ~15 minutes by car or by the public bus that runs regularly between the two

From Malaga: ~45 minutes by car

From Granada: ~1h10 by car

You Might Also Like: Tasmania: A Road Trip Through Photos

Have you been to Frigiliana or any of Spain’s other pueblos blancos, or white towns, of Andalusia? What did you think?

Pin this for later