6 In Europe/ Photo Feature

An Afternoon in Frigiliana, Spain

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

frigiliana spain

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. 

frigiliana spain

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.

frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain

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

frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain

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.

frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain

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.

frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain

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frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain

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.

frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain

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.

frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain

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.

frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain

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

frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain

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

frigiliana spain
frigiliana spain

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frigiliana spain

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

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frigiliana spain

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6 Comments

  • Reply
    California Globetrotter
    January 17, 2020 at 5:28 am

    What a beautiful heavenly white town!! Definitely right up my alley! Definitely pinned this for later! #FarawayFiles

  • Reply
    Deborah Patterson
    January 20, 2020 at 2:59 am

    Andalusia does white towns so well! And Frigiliana is a perfect example. I remember seeing it for the first time aged 9…I was blown away its tiny streets. #farawayfiles

    • Reply
      Caity Pfohl
      April 24, 2020 at 10:28 pm

      I felt the same way! What a special place 🙂 Thanks for reading!

  • Reply
    Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles)
    January 21, 2020 at 11:40 am

    Oh Frigiliana just looks adorable, Caity! Its whitewashed buildings reminds me so much of Greece. I hadn’t heard of it before so, I’m absolutely adding it to my list – Andalusia and the white villages are a part of Spain that I’m really keen to spend time in. Thanks for inspiring us all on #farawayfiles

    • Reply
      Caity Pfohl
      April 24, 2020 at 10:29 pm

      It reminded me of Greece, too! So glad you are adding it to your list, it is truly stunning. 🙂

  • Reply
    Nicki (Competa Escapes)
    June 3, 2021 at 9:19 pm

    It’s beautiful and popular for a day visit with our guests. Sadly it does get very choca block in the summer – so best to go in shoulder months.

    Take a look at our neighbouring village of Competa, another beautiful white village. if you get to return we recommend the Lost Village of Acebuchal, which sits between the two and is also under Competa’s jurasdiction.

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