Frigiliana, Spain: The Most Charming Town in Malaga
Have you heard of Frigiliana, Spain?
Frigiliana is Malaga’s prettiest town. It’s become more popular, but many travellers still haven’t heard of it and head to the famous coastal cities like Benalmadena and Marbella (which are beautiful too!).
Still, Malaga is also home to authentic whitewashed towns worth visiting, like Frigiliana.
Its relaxed atmosphere, cobbled and narrow streets, blue and turquoise doors, and incredible viewpoints make it unique. Not only is it a picturesque town, but it has plenty of history behind it despite its size.
Frigiliana is one of the best day trips from Malaga; in fact, it’s less than an hour’s drive! I live close to Frigiliana, and it’s become one of my favourite towns to visit.
If you’re ready to discover more about Frigiliana, Malaga, this blog will tell you the best things to do in Frigiliana, how to get there, and other tips to enjoy your trip.
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Where is Frigiliana?
Frigiliana is in the Axarquia region in the province of Malaga, Andalucia (Southern Spain).
This charming town is nestled between the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park and the Mediterranean Sea, which makes it a lovely place to visit and offers scenic landscape views.
Frigiliana is considered one of the prettiest towns in Spain, and there’s no doubt why. Its beautiful historic centre will make you fall in love with this place.
While you can see Frigiliana in half a day, you can take photos of its picturesque streets, sip some sangria at a rooftop terrace, and contemplate stunning views of the sea and mountains.
The 10 best things to do in Frigiliana, Spain
Are you wondering what to do in Frigiliana?
Despite its size, you’ll be surprised at all the picturesque spots and things to do – from exploring its lovely streets and taking in the views to tasting delicious local dishes.
These are my favourite 10 things to do in Frigiliana:
1. Walk on Calle Real
One of the best things to do in Frigiliana is to walk on Calle Real. This is the main street in the Old Town of Frigiliana and the most photographed. From this part of the town, you can find many little picturesque streets.
Don’t miss out on the detailed patterns on the cobbled floors and buildings. This is also an excellent place to buy a unique souvenir or window shop at the local stores.
There are many independent shops around this area that sell local produce like sugar cane honey, sugar cane drinks, olive oil biscuits (tortas de aceite), and extra virgin olive oil.
I love the little art galleries, like AmArte and the puppet theatre window located near Calle Real.
2. Get lost in the Old Town
When it comes to things to see in Frigiliana, the town is full of picturesque spots. Every time I visit it, I spend quite a lot of time simply wandering the streets. You’ll understand why I love it once you’re there.
The Old Town (Centro Histórico de Frigiliana) is an area that is worth taking your time to explore.
Contemplate the whitewashed houses with blue windows and door frames resembling Greek towns like Santorini, spot friendly cats in the streets, and if you love photography, you won’t be able to put your camera away.
As you wander around the old town, you’ll also encounter beautifully tiled posters in Spanish that tell you a bit more about the history of Frigiliana and its Moorish influence.
3. See Palacio de los Condes de Frigiliana o El Ingenio
One of the buildings that stands out as you arrive in the heart of Frigiliana’s Old Town is Palacios de Los Condes de Frigiliana, also known as El Ingenio.
This 16th-century Renaissance building belonged to the Count and Countess of Frigiliana. Nevertheless, it’s now the only sugar cane honey factory in Europe that manufactures the famous and traditional Nuestra Señora del Carmen sugar cane honey.
Sugar cane honey is delicious. I love drizzling it over berenjenas fritas (fried aubergines). It has many health benefits, such as it’s rich in iron, good for your hair, and it doesn’t contain fats.
Unfortunately, this factory can only be visited during the sugar cane honey festival that often takes place at the end of April.
On that day, you can taste the sweet and delicious honey, take a guided visit to the factory and learn about traditional recipes made with this type of honey.
Visiting this factory is still on my list, but if you wish to buy sugar cane honey, you can do so in many of the small shops across Frigiliana or on their website.
4. Visit Santa Fiora Botanical Garden
Santa Fiora Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico de Santa Fiora) isn’t a big botanical garden, but it’s unique as it has a collection of important plants that locals have been using for food, clothes manufacturing and natural remedies for many years.
You can enter the garden from the top, via Calle Las Huertas, or the bottom. As you walk through the garden, you’ll see olive trees used for the production of olive oil in the area and cane sugar to produce honey without using bees, among other plants.
Walking through the botanical garden is very relaxing, and you get to know a bit more about the local food and produce.
Here you’ll also find cute tiled sculptures of a pumpkin, aubergine and a chameleon, as well as a boules pitch.
5. See Fuente Vieja
Fuente Vieja is an emblematic fountain built in 1640 by the 5th Lord of Frigiliana. Although it isn’t confirmed that it is the oldest fountain in Frigiliana, its name may indicate that it is.
The fountain is decorated with the town’s coat of arms, and it used to serve as a drinking trough for animals like horses and donkeys.
6. Contemplate the beauty of Frigiliana from its viewpoints
Due to the location of Frigiliana, the town is home to numerous viewpoints from where you can enjoy different views of the town street, the mountains and the sea.
Some of the most popular viewpoints in Frigiliana are:
- Mirador de Santo Cristo (check the exact location here)
- Ventana de Frigiliana (check the exact location here)
- Mirador Frigiliana (check the exact location here)
These viewpoints are perfect for visiting at any time of the day, but they are even more magical at sunrise or sunset.
Apart from all these stunning viewpoints, there are also many restaurants with rooftops that offer incredible views of the town. One of my favourite restaurants is La Tahona, which I will mention in the blog later.
7. Visit Casa del Apero
Casa del Apero is the archaeological Museum of Frigiliana, and it has a collection of objects that were used for daily life and work by locals.
It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to know more about the history of Frigiliana and its people.
Despite the archaeology side of the building being temporarily closed, you can visit the local library on the first floor and climb up the stairs to access two viewpoints.
8. Go inside the Church of San Antonio de Padua
Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua is a historical and religious building you may want to add to your Frigiliana itinerary.
This church was built in 1676 and refurbished a few years later. Its red bricks and white walls characterise the facade of the church, whereas the interior is carefully decorated and has impressive architectural details.
The church is home to the saint of Frigiliana, St. Anthony of Padua, who is also the saint of travellers, sailors and fishermen.
Regardless of your religious beliefs, it’s a beautiful building to visit.
9. Discover the remains of Castillo de Lizar
Castillo de Lizar, also popularly known as Castillo de Frigiliana, used to be a Moorish castle built during the 9th and 11th centuries.
However, after a few battles and the War of the Alpujarras, it was demolished by a Spanish general who conquered the castle and the town of Frigiliana.
Nowadays, you can only see the remains of Castillo de Lizar – a small part of the walls and columns.
There is a path you can follow to see the remains, or alternatively, if you don’t fancy walking all the way up, you can see it from Plaza de las Culturas.
10. Go on a hiking trail
Frigiliana is surrounded by incredible landscapes and wonderful nature. Whilst I don’t advise going on a hiking trail in the summer months, this is a great activity to do any other time of the year.
The sunny and blue skies that the province of Malaga and Frigiliana enjoy make hiking an enjoyable experience.
If you’re ready to go on scenic routes, there are many hiking trails to discover. Whether you’re going with family, friends or solo, there are easy, moderate and difficult trails to choose from.
Lomas del Chillar is a popular and fantastic option. This hiking trail takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes and starts on Plaza del Ingenio in Frigiliana. This a lovely route to see the Chillar River and stunning views of Nerja and Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park.
🗺️ P.S. Did you know I can help you plan your trip to Andalucia to include a few days in Frigiliana? Check out my custom travel planning page here for more information!
Where to eat in Frigiliana
Punto de Encuentro
Price range: €
This restaurant bar is in Calle Real, in the heart of Frigiliana Old Town, and it’s a popular option among locals and travellers.
Here you can eat delicious traditional tapas in a lively and informal atmosphere. Try dishes like carne mechada (marinated pork meat) or order a plate of local ham and cheese. The portions are good, and the food will impress you too.
Finish your tapas or meal with one of their homemade desserts. Leche frita is a popular choice!
📍 Location: Calle Real, 42, 29788 Frigiliana
La Tahona del Zacatin
Price range: €-€€
Located at the end of the charming Zacatin Street, you’ll find La Tahona restaurant. As you enter, you’ll see a few tables to enjoy a drink and the bar. As you go upstairs, you’ll find the indoor restaurant area decorated with red-painted walls that give you the feeling of warmth and cosiness. But that’s not all; take the stairs to access the rooftop.
The rooftop area is the best place to be on a sunny day in Frigiliana. Don’t worry about being too sunny because there are a few umbrellas that shade the tables.
The menu isn’t as varied as in other restaurants in the area, but the food and service are good. You can taste some of Malaga’s traditional dishes like fried aubergines with sugar cane honey (berejenas con miel), local sheep milk cheese, croquettes and meatballs.
I ordered a sangria jar to share and mushroom croquettes when I visited this restaurant. The sangria was delicious, and the croquettes exceeded my expectations.
It’s a great place to enjoy a few tapas or a meal with a drink. You feel so comfortable and relaxed looking at the mountain and sea views that you can easily spend a few hours there.
Overall, if you’re looking to have a meal with a view, La Tahona del Zacatin is the restaurant to go to.
📍 Location: Calle Zacatin, 28, 29788 Frigiliana
Plaza 45
Price range: €-€€
Plaza 45, situated on Plaza de las Culturas, is another good restaurant to have lunch or dinner in Frigiliana.
They have a varied menu and serve anything from traditional tapas, such as croquetas and porra Antequerana to pasta, burgers and sandwiches.
In addition to this, if you have a sweet tooth, they also have an ice cream counter with delicious homemade ice cream. I can verify that the mango and strawberry ice creams are worth trying.
📍 Location: Carretera Circunvalacion, 6, 29788 Frigiliana
The best places to stay in Frigiliana
Hotel Villa Frigiliana
This 3-star hotel is in an excellent location as it’s in Plaza de las Culturas, very close to Calle Real, the botanical garden and other attractions.
Villa Frigiliana offers comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, TV and free WiFi, among other amenities.
One of the best things about the hotel rooms is that they have either a balcony or terrace where you can enjoy amazing views while having a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.
The hotel facilities include a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and parking.
📌 Check out rates at Hotel Villa Frigiliana here
La Posada Morisca
One of the most charming hotels in Frigiliana is La Posada Morisca, a 3-star hotel situated 1.5 km outside the town.
The hotel has country-cottage bedrooms, which have been beautifully decorated in a bohemian style that makes you feel welcome.
Rooms have spacious beds, an ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a seating area with a fireplace for the winter months, and a terrace or balcony with scenic views of the mountains and sea.
La Posada Morisca is also home to a seasonal swimming pool with a solarium, a bar and restaurant, and parking.
This is the perfect accommodation for couples to disconnect and enjoy the beauty of nature.
📌 Check out rates at La Posada Morisca here
EL Torreon 109 Charming B&B
This cosy bed and breakfast is in El Torreon, in the old town of Frigiliana, and it’s a fantastic accommodation option for two people.
The rooms at El Torreon 109 have stunning decorations and are equipped with double beds, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. Some of them also include air conditioning.
The B&B also offers a continental breakfast every day and has a great swimming pool with a sunbed area on the rooftop.
📌 Check out availability and prices at El Torreon 109 here
Map of Frigiliana, Malaga
Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the locations mentioned in this article.
How to get around Frigiliana
The best way to explore Frigiliana’s old town is on foot. It’s hilly, but you can reach all the places and admire the stunning mountain and coastal views.
You can also take the Frigiliana tourist train, but you won’t get to see everything.
How to get to Frigiliana
By car
The easiest way to get to Frigiliana from Malaga is by car. The car journey is 57.7 km (35.8 miles) and takes about 50 minutes without traffic.
Driving to Frigiliana by car allows you to stop in coastal towns like Rincón de la Victoria or Torre del Mar, as well as other nearby cute towns in the Axarquia region.
If you’re wondering where to park in Frigiliana, Ingenio Parking is an excellent option. It’s in Plaza de las Tres Culturas, open 24 hours and costs €1 per hour.
📌 Compare and choose the best car hire for you with Discover Cars.
By bus
There isn’t a direct bus from Malaga to Frigiliana, so you’ll need to take two buses to get there.
First, get the ALSA Malaga to Nerja bus from Estación de Autobuses de Málaga (Malaga bus station) or the port. The price of the bus ticket is just under 5 euros one way, and it runs regularly.
Once you arrive in Nerja, go to the bus stop that goes to Frigiliana. The price of the bus ticket is €1,20, and the journey only takes 15 minutes. You can pay with cash to the bus driver.
📌 Buy your bus tickets to Nerja here
By taking a guided tour
An excellent way to discover Frigiliana if you don’t have much time is by taking a guided tour. Most tour guides take you on a day trip to Frigiliana and Nerja as both towns are very close to each other.
By taking a tour, you’ll also get a bit of knowledge about the two places and their history. However, the downside is that you won’t spend as much time as you may wish in some places or get plenty of time to take photos.
📌 Looking for a guided tour to Frigiliana? Check out this trip to Nerja and Frigiliana from Malaga.
My top tips as a local for visiting Frigiliana
- Wear comfortable shoes. Frigiliana is a mountainside town with many hills, so you’ll spend most of your time walking up and down to explore all the charming streets and alleyways. This is why you must wear a good pair of trainers or boots in winter.
- Visit Frigiliana during the off-peak season. Although many people still say that Frigiliana is a hidden gem, many national travellers know about the town as it has been recognised as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Also, more and more international travellers come across the town, and it’s a popular day trip from Nerja. If you visit Frigiliana anytime except in summer and early autumn, you’re more likely to find fewer tourists.
- Arrive 15 minutes early at the bus stop. If you plan to take the bus from Nerja to Frigiliana, head to the bus stop early because there’s usually a big queue, and you may not have a seat or be able to get on the bus. This is especially important when travelling to the town from June to September.
- Skip the New Town if you don’t have much time in Frigiliana. Most of the beautiful and known streets of Frigiliana are in the Old Town. The New Town is more of a residential area where you’ll only find a children’s playground, a small chapel and the town’s essential shops and post office.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Frigiliana Spain
How far is Frigiliana from the beach?
Despite Frigiliana being on the mountainside, it’s also very close to the beach. The closest beaches are the ones next to Balcón de Europa in Nerja. If you drive from Frigiliana to this part of Nerja, it’ll take you only 15 minutes.
Is there a bus from Nerja to Frigiliana?
Yes, there is a bus that goes from Nerja to Frigiliana and vice-versa. The bus runs a few times every day, and it only costs €1,20 each way. Head to Nerja bus station close to Plaza Cantarero to take the bus.
When is the best time to visit Frigiliana?
The best time to visit Frigiliana is spring. You can enjoy the mild and sunny weather and fewer crowds at this time of the year. Frigiliana can get very busy and hot in the summer.
Conclusion: is Frigiliana worth visiting?
Absolutely! Frigiliana is one of the most beautiful towns in Andalucia and Spain, and it’s an excellent day trip from Malaga or Nerja. Its picturesque streets, scenic views and charm will make you fall in love with it.
Despite not having as many attractions as other towns in Malaga, you can still learn about the history of this town, visit a few historic buildings and enjoy its lovely atmosphere.
If you have any questions about things to do in Frigiliana or anywhere in Costa del Sol, email me. I’ll be very happy to help you plan your trip to this charming Spanish town.
Safe adventures!
Cristina xx
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Top things to check before visiting Frigiliana
- Check cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) with Skyscanner.
- Are you looking for the best accommodation in Frigiliana for you? Book accommodation with Booking.com
- Have a look at amazing activities and tours in Malaga and its surroundings with Get Your Guide.
- Eat like a local by trying these traditional dishes from Malaga.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around Frigiliana and Malaga.
- Book travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!
Hello Cristina, which companies offer tourist train in Frigliana? I like your website with good information. Regards, Maryanne
Hi Maryanne, thank you so much for your comment! I only know the Tren Turístico de las 3 Culturas. I don’t think there are other companies; this is the only one.
Hi Cristina.
My husband, 4 year old daughter and I are arriving by car into Malaga area on April 3 and flying out on April 10 to Barcelona. I’m trying to decide is we should stay in Malaga and visit nearby towns or should we stay in frigilana (which I just learned about today) which looks perfectly charming. Or is there another great town that is conveniently located to Malaga but feels less busy and more quaint? Thanks for your help!
Hi Sal! Frigiliana is beautiful and quaint. It’s less popular than other towns, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any travellers around. You can also look at Nerja, only a 10-minute drive from Frigiliana. Nerja isn’t as busy as it is in summer and you’ll probably find more accommodation options.