Frigiliana is considered to be the prettiest village in Andalusia. Wandering through the cobblestone streets, it is easy to see why this village has been voted the “prettiest village in Andalusia” by the Spanish tourism authority. Andalusia is scattered with charming Pueblos Blancos (White Villages), Frigiliana is especially beautiful. This hillside village in the Costa del Sol is a picturesque labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and white-washed houses with splashes of blue and purple accents.
Visiting Frigiliana was one of the highlights of my road trip through Southern Spain. The village felt quaint and authentic and was one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been!
Before You Go
🏨 Book Hotel Villa Frigiliana, a beautiful and affordable option, located in the village! Or enjoy a staying at a cave hotel with gorgeous mountain views at Hotel Rural los Caracoles!
⭐ Best Day Trip to Frigiliana: If you’re planning a trip to Southern Spain, consider booking this tour from Malaga that includes visiting Frigiliana, Nerja, and the Nerja Caves!
🚗 Rent a Car: Having a car to explore this region of Spain is helpful. Check out the best rental car prices here.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
Is Frigiliana Worth Visiting?
If you are visiting Andalusia, you must add on a visit to Frigiliana. This village could be a postcard; it is so picturesque. Truly, Frigiliana is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. While there are many Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) in Andalusia, Frigiliana is known to be the most beautiful. So, if choosing which white village to visit, Frigiliana should be your top choice.
Visiting Frigiliana was one of the highlights of my trip, and I highly recommend adding this village to your trip to Southern Spain. Frigiliana makes a great road trip stop or could be explored on a day trip from Malaga or Granada.
Where is Frigiliana, Malaga?
This whitewashed village is located in Southern Spain, in the Malaga province. Frigiliana, Malaga is a whitewashed town of Andalusia. If you are wondering where Frigiliana is exactly, it is about 20 minutes from the resort town of Nerja.
How Long Do You Need in Frigiliana?
You can easily explore this village, seeing all the best places in Frigiliana in approximately two to three hours. We only carved out a few hours to stop here during our road trip through Andalusia. We had time to explore every spot listed below and stop for a quick snack.
So, if you’re looking at tours from Malaga or Granada that only stop for two and a half hours in Frigiliana, you will have enough time to get a feel for this beautiful village.
That said, while a couple of hours was enough to see everything, I could have spent longer in Frigiliana. I would have loved to spend a full day in Frigiliana. A full day in Frigiliana would allow more time to meander the cobbled streets, browse the shops, and enjoy relaxed meals in this beautiful village.
Consider spending a night in Frigiliana to embrace the serenity of waking up in this idyllic village before heading to your next destination in Spain.
Book this Tour: From Málaga: Caves of Nerja, Nerja and Frigiliana Day Tour
Things to do in Frigiliana
Frigiliana is one of those places where it is less about “things to do” and more about simply enjoying the village, wandering through the streets, and taking in the views. That being said, there are some things to do in Frigiliana, including key spots that are exceptionally photogenic. I highlighted the best spots in Frigiliana, including beautiful streets, stunning viewpoints, and significant places of interest.
Mudejar Neighborhood
Frigiliana can be divided into two parts: the lower neighborhood and the upper neighborhood. The upper neighborhood, known as Mudejar, is where you will want to explore. Locals refer to this neighborhood as Barribarto, which means Barrio Alto or Upper Quarter. The Mudejar neighborhood is the city’s older quarters and is where you will find the Moorish architecture that makes this village so remarkable.
Keep in mind that the Mudejar neighborhood is built on the hillside, meaning the streets are extremely steep. Not only are the roads steep, but they are also cobblestone, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Here you will find the best things to do in Frigiliana in the Mudejar neighborhood:
Reales Positos
The Reales Positos is considered to be the center of the village. This is the only street within the Mudejar neighborhood accessible to cars, yet it receives plenty of foot traffic. Along this street are the town hall, church square, and plenty of small shops. Reales Positos leads to some of the most photogenic streets in Frigiliana, including Calle Zacatin and Calle del Penon. Historically, Reales Positos was a royal grain storehouse where surplus grain was stored.
Fuente Vieja (old fountain)
The Fuente Vieja, old fountain, is at the start of the old town of Frigiliana. This fountain was built in 1640 and is a popular gathering spot in town. The family coat of arms is still visible on the fountain.
Calle del Penon
Calle del Penon is the street leading to Vista Panoramica. This street is extremely photogenic as it captures the beautiful designs on the cobblestone and plenty of whitewashed houses.
Vista Panoramica
Vista Panoramica offers an incredible view of the village, mountains, and sea from the distance. This view is post-card-worthy, with the rooftops and whitewashed houses below. This is one of the best things to do in Frigiliana.
Book this Tour: From Málaga: Caves of Nerja, Nerja and Frigiliana Day Tour
Calle Zacatin
Calle Zacatin is the most photographed street in Frigiliana. This pedestrian street is located near the San Antonio Church. Calle Zacatin is lined with potted plants, which makes it extra photo-worthy.
San Antonio Church in Plaza de la Iglesia
San Antonio de Padua Church is located in Plaza de la Iglesia. This whitewashed church fits in with the aesthetic of the village, and the plaza is a great spot to relax.
Renaissance Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana
This 16th-century Renaissance-style palace belonged to the Count and Countess of Frigiliana. In later years, the Renaissance Palace became a sugar cane factory.
Castillo de Lizar
Time permitting, make your way up to Castillo de Lizar, which is the remains of the old Moorish castle at the top of the village. While most of this castle has been destroyed, the views are spectacular.
Frigiliana Market Day
Frigiliana market days are Thursdays and Sundays from 8 am until 2 pm. The market is located at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas in the center of the village with a variety of good for sale including clothes, gifts and local produce. Plaza de las Tres Culturas makes an ideal location for the Frigiliana Market Day. The Mudejar neighborhood sits above the market, allowing you to enjoy the village as you shop.
How to Get to Frigiliana
How to get to Frigiliana depends entirely on where you are coming from. However, if you’re basing yourself in a bigger town or city and taking a day trip, your best options are Malaga or Nerja. But you can get to this Andalusian village from anywhere in Spain. Keep in mind though, that Spain is a fairly large country. You won’t be able to take a day trip from Madrid or Barcelona. When considering adding a stop or day trip to Figiliana, you’ll already want to be planning a trip to Southern Spain.
This village is located above Nerja and is accessible by car, serviced by a highway, MA-5105.
Nerja to Frigiliana
Nerja is the closest town and a great base to get to Frigiliana. The best way to explore the small towns in Andalusia is by car, however there are other routes from Nerja to Frigiliana. There is a Nerja to Frigiliana Bus, which takes about 20 minutes. This bus service runs daily and costs 1.50 each way. Click herefor more information on the Nerja to Frigiliana bus schedule. The bus departs and returns to Nerja approximately, so this is a great option is you’re staying in Nerja and comfortable navigating the bus.
For an alternative type of transportation, there are walking routes. A Nerja to Frigiliana walk varies in distance and duration depending on which route you take. For more information, check out these walking routes.
Malaga to Frigiliana
Malaga is a port city in the Costa del Sol and a popular starting point for trips to Andalusia. It is easy to reach this village from Malaga. However, driving is the best option as there are no direct routes via public transportation. Driving from Malaga to Frigiliana takes less than an hour and is pretty direct. There is no direct Malaga to Frigiliana bus, yet you can easily transfer in Nerja. The problem with taking a bus from Malaga is that the bus ride from Malaga to Nerja is 1.5 hours long. Then you have to wait for the next bus from Nerja to Frigiliana. Taking the bus is doable, but it takes up a large portion of your day.
If you’re staying in Malaga and don’t have a rental car, I suggest booking a guided tour that brings you to Frigiliana and Nerja.
Guided Tours
If you do not have a car and are coming from Malaga or Granada, I suggest taking a guided tour. While it is possible to get to this beautiful Spanish Village by public transportation from Malaga, a guided tour will reduce stress and cut out hours of bus travel. These guided tours allow you to visit Frigiliana with additional stops, including Nerja. Enjoy the beautiful Costa de Sol with these day trips:
- From Málaga: Caves of Nerja, Nerja and Frigiliana Day Tour: This tour is my top recommendation as it includes more time to explore Frigiliana and Nerja. Additionally, it includes a visit to the Caves of Nerja. On this tour, you visit three incredible destinations that you wouldn’t have been able to explore in one day without a car.
Book this Tour: From Málaga: Caves of Nerja, Nerja and Frigiliana Day Tour
Frigiliana Parking
If you arrive by car, it’s important to know where to park is in the village. Frigiliana parking is located at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas. This parking garage is ideally located to explore the village. Street parking is also available on the main road near Plaza de las Tres Culturas. However, do not try to park in the upper part of town, the streets are extremely steep.
Love small Spanish Villages? You may also be interested in Baga: A Charming Medieval Town in the Pyrenees.
Frigiliana Hotels
To get the most out of this idyllic, whitewashed village, consider basing yourself in Frigiliana for one to two nights. There are some wonderful hotels located in the village, perfect for exploring Frigiliana by foot. And for a truly magical stay (if you have a car), consider booking a property just outside of the village to embrace the stunning natural landscape of the region.
Where to Stay in the Village of Frigiliana
Hotel Villa Frigiliana
This boutique hotel is centrally located between the old and new districts and has balconies with gorgeous views over the valley and of this whitewashed town.
Check rates: Booking.com ; Read reviews: Trip Advisor
EL Torreon 109 Charming B&B
El Torreon 109 Charming B& B is a charming boutique property in the center of the village. Out of all the Frigiliana hotels, this is where I would most want to stay as it has an infinity pool overlooking the valley.
Check rates:Booking.com; Read reviews:Trip Advisor
Where to Stay Near Frigiliana
Hotel Rural los Caracoles
This “Cave Hotel” is an experience in itself. Located just outside the village, Hotel Rural Los Caracoles offers amazing views and is a great place to disconnect. This is such a beautiful design property that looks like it was plucked from the pages of a luxury travel magazine.
Check rates: Booking.com ; Read reviews: Trip Advisor
Posada Morisca Charming Hotel Boutique
Once you see this property’s decor and rooftop pool, you will be tempted to book your stay immediately. Posada Morisca is located outside the village and offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Check rates: Booking.com ; Read reviews: Trip Advisor
Frigiliana Map
This is a relatively small village. All the things to do in Frigiliana can be covered in a short visit. To get the most out of your trip, follow this Frigiliana map. However, remember that Google Maps does not always account for all the pedestrian walkways and steps. So, if you are looking for directions, it is best to look at the map rather than “get directions” from Google.
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For more New York travel, check out my Spain section!
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