7 reasons why you should visit Frigiliana (Malaga)

Come and visit Frigiliana, the prettiest white village of the region of La Axarquía

The white village of Frigiliana is located 7 km north of Nerja, in the Natural Park of Sierras de Almijara, Tejeda y Alhama. The simplicity of its whitewashed houses, built along winding narrow streets make Frigiliana the ideal place to be whenever you feel like disconnecting from your daily routine.

Visiting Frigiliana is an experience you can’t miss. Find out seven reasons why you should be staying here right now!

1. The historic city centre of Barribarto

In the Barribarto, as Frigiliana’s historic city centre is also known, you can breathe in the Moorish atmosphere that was the master back in the XVI century. The narrow streets that wind up through the attached white houses are a picturesque jewel of the region of La Axarquía.

The Barribarto was declared Conjunto Histórico-Artístico in 2014 (Historic-Artistic Grouping), and one of the main reasons for that is because it is considered to be one of the best-preserved historic city centres in the province of Malaga.

2. The first Museo Arqueológico of La Axarquía

The archaeological museum of Frigiliana opened in 2009 as the first archaeological museum of La Axarquía. The 125 pieces displayed in chronological order, all come from the surrounding area of Frigiliana.

There you can find pieces from the Neolithic Era up to the end of the Moorish kingdom in Frigiliana (XVI century). Moreover, the museum hosts a contemporary art hall and one for temporary exhibitions.

3. El Fuerte, the hill you can’t miss if you visit Frigiliana

The hill behind Frigiliana is called El Fuerte, and you can climb to its 7-km far top through a mesmerising hiking route from Frigiliana. Once on top, enjoy its 963-meter height and take pleasure in the breathtaking views of the white village and the coastal area of Malaga you can spot from there.

A curiosity: when the Spanish troops conquered Frigiliana in 1569, the Moorish soldiers plunged from the hill to prevent the Spaniards from capturing them.

4. Hermitage of Ecce Homo

This small church is a mandatory stop if you want to discover the Christian festivities of the Baroque period. Holy images are carried in colourful procession, although more recent pieces have substituted the initial images.

The name of the church (“Ecce Homo”) comes from the way Pontius Pilate referred to Jesus Christ in front of the crowd, shortly before Christ was crucified. A wooden statue of Jesus is carried in procession from the small Church of Ecce Homo to the church of Saint Anthony on Holy Wednesday.

5. August’s Festival of Three Cultures

If you are in this area during the last weekend of August (in 2020, from August 27th to 30th), don’t miss the Festival of Three Cultures of Frigiliana. During three days, Frigiliana gets filled with people dancing, singing, and enjoying tasty portions of food in the already famous Ruta de Las Tapas.

The objective is that the people get to know the three cultures that have been sharing this part of Andalucia for centuries: the Christian, the Moorish, and the Sephardic ones. This knowledge is enhanced by peculiar food and costumes, alongside concerts, and conferences that take place in Frigiliana during this weekend.  

6. The botanic garden of Santa Fiora

Undoubtedly, the project for a botanic garden that displays the species of native plants of this part of Andalucia keeps improving as time passes. You can find the garden, which was inaugurated in 2010, situated alongside the promenade that goes from Avenida Carlos Cano up to the historic city centre.

7. The Sierras de Almijara, Tejeda y Alhama Natural Park

As it was recently inserted in the Andalusian Protected Spaces Net (RENPA), this 40,663-hectare wide natural park is now receiving the attention it is worth of. It comprises the provinces of Malaga (from river Puente de Piedra) and Granada (until the town of Otivar).

You can easily access the Natural Park from Frigiliana, and spot the spectacular mountains while relaxing in this picturesque white village.

Tourist Office of Frigiliana

Cuesta del Apero street, in the same building where there is the archaeological museum
From September 16th to July 1st:
– Monday to Friday: 10 am – 6 pm
– Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm, and 4 pm – 8 pm
– Sunday: 10 am – 2 pm
From July 1st to September 15th:
– Monday to Saturday: 10 am – 2.30 pm, and 5.30 pm – 9 pm
– Sunday and Bank holidays: 10 am – 2.30 pm

Places to stay in Frigiliana

Now that you are dying for visiting Frigiliana, you will need to book a place to stay to enjoy the beauties of this picturesque white village. Check out the best holiday homes in Frigiliana. Their impressive views will make you go for them in a matter of seconds!

You’ve been given seven reasons why you should visit Frigiliana. Do you need anything more?

If you have already been in Frigiliana or if this post has made you want to go and visit it, leave a comment!