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This time we are going to go to Frigiliana, a beautiful and cosy village not far from Malaga with a lot of charm. It is ideal to visit all year round, but before knowing the activities and places to visit, let’s know a little more about this place.
It is very close to Nerja, so both destinations are good options if you decide to extend your visit to the eastern Costa del Sol.
History of Frigiliana
The presence in Frigiliana dates back to the beginning of the Neolithic period, as attested by the remains found in some of its caves and a menhir at least 3000 years old. The arrival of the Phoenicians boosted the economy and the development of society, leaving a necropolis in their wake. After the arrival of the Romans, they would continue to contribute to the cultural development of Frigiliana and its legacy; it is suspected that the name Frigiliana comes from this period.
In the old days of Frigiliana, cultivation was oriented towards vines, unlike nowadays, where preference is given to tropical fruits.
With the arrival of the Muslim empire, they introduced irrigation channels and ponds, some of which are still preserved. The Arabs also introduced a variety of crops which are still characteristic of the town today. The Moorish castle from this period was destroyed during the Christian conquest, although some remains still remain.
In the 16th century they built the Casa de los Condes, a Renaissance style building, with part of the materials from the destroyed Moorish fortress. At the beginning of the 20th century the Count of Frigiliana sold it to a private individual, whose family still owns the building and where the only cane honey in Europe is produced.
Frigiliana also had its place among the Andalusian bandits of the 19th century.
Places to visit in Frigiliana
Visiting Frigiliana today and walking through its streets will transport you to a distant past, constituting a monument in itself. Its winding streets wind through Frigiliana in every corner, so you will enjoy them on foot.
Walking around you will find many monuments and places to visit:
Castle viewpoint
This is the site of the old Moorish castle from around the 10th century, which was ordered to be destroyed after the Moorish revolt. There is little left of the castle today, but it will not prevent us from enjoying the marvellous views of Frigiliana from its lookout point.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aYvsc1frKLriuuWk8
Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana
Built with part of the material from the Moorish castle, it is currently the only factory in Europe for the production of sugar cane honey.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fe1V4JG6Lutk63h16
Historic centre
You cannot go to Frigiliana without visiting its historic centre and strolling through its narrow, steep streets, typical of the white villages of the province. There are many souvenir shops, shops selling typical products and places to have a drink and rest.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cxTMzs6hHVdRKj5D8
El Torreón
While strolling through the old town you can pass by El Torreón, the place where grain was stored around the 18th century.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/yN9VwbPKdHVG7iEG7
La Fuente Vieja
This water fountain is the oldest in the village and dates back to 1640. At the time of its construction it was called Fuente Nueva (New Fountain), although with the passing of time and the appearance of new fountains it would eventually lose its name to The Old Fountain.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/J2qbsuiUkRbnVqLj8
Viewpoints
From these viewpoints you will be able to take the most beautiful photos:
- Frigiliana viewpoint: https://goo.gl/maps/JKGqiQyHPTn2hFZY6
- Cruz de Pinto: https://goo.gl/maps/qi6mWavCCEzRPyKXA
- Axarquía Viewpoint: https://goo.gl/maps/e4SHdKCtKLg2hb2v8
- Higueron River Canyon: https://goo.gl/maps/t5t4DLxgggrGsEzJ9
Other places of interest
- Historical reservoir of Frigiliana: https://goo.gl/maps/YV123XqvLaDsWbMj6
- Botanical Garden of Santa Flora: https://goo.gl/maps/GxZ5jHAfZrakkngo8
- Church Square: https://goo.gl/maps/wsxyfRKnq3MGbhB89
Activities and events
Every year there are activities and events in Frigiliana, so if you happen to be in Malaga on any of these dates you might be interested in visiting.
Festival of the 3 Cultures
Frigiliana’s most popular festival is the Fair of the 3 Cultures which takes place during the last days of August and where you will find many activities and things to do. From parades to street music and live concerts. Buy something in the craft markets scattered throughout the streets of this village or taste the local gastronomy following the tapas route.
Official website: https://www.festivalfrigiliana3culturas.com/
Sugarcane Honey Day
This newly created festival takes place in the Plaza del Ingenio around April and revolves around the production of sugar cane honey. There is a lot of fun, music and folk dancing until late into the night.
The restaurants offer a special menu made with honey during this day, in case you feel like having lunch in Frigiliana before participating in this festival.
Frigiliana Fair
The Frigiliana Fair is on the 13th of June and begins with a great fireworks display. It extends over 5 days with many activities and competitions for all ages. There are mechanical attractions, live performances, dances and music in the different fair booths.
Other festivals
In addition to the two typical festivals of this village in Malaga, there are many other festivals throughout the year:
- 20 January, Saint Sebastian’s Day
- February/March: Carnival
- Easter
- Crosses of May
Transport
Frigiliana can be reached by bus, although there is no direct link from Malaga. You will first need to get to Nerja and then take another bus from there to Frigiliana.
The bus timetable between Nerja and Frigiliana can be found on the official website here.
Transfer from Malaga to Frigiliana
We offer you the possibility of a transfer from Malaga to Frigiliana in less than an hour, and we can bring you back whenever you need at a very cheap price.
