Frigiliana is situated five kilometres inland from the popular seaside resort of Nerja. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and in order to preserve this accolade, new developments are built in the same whitewashed square style of the old, with wrought iron balconies and shuttered windows. Frigiliana lies in the foothills of the dramatic Almijara Mountains and benefits from stunning views over the valley towards the sea. A Frigiliana holiday offers a relaxing break in pretty surroundings, away from the bustle of the coastal resorts, while being close enough to enjoy days on the beach.
A Frigiliana holiday offers peace and relaxation in a beautiful mountain village where you can enjoy its traditional atmosphere and bask in the warmth, not only of the sun but in the welcoming hospitality of the local people. Here you have the choice of exploring the surrounding countryside, playing a round of golf at a nearby course or enjoying the beaches with their golden sands and warm clear waters providing a variety of water sports.
Frigiliana is popular with couples of all ages who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the village. There are plenty of interesting sights in the area including the world famous Nerja Caves.
Although Frigiliana is a year round holiday destination the summer holiday period is the most popular time to go, with guaranteed sunshine and warm seas. Those who wish to walk or cycle in the hills would find early or late season a better time to visit when the temperature is a little cooler. Frigiliana is also a good place to go to escape from the damp British winter and many Northern Europeans have made their homes there.
Frigiliana has had a long and turbulent history. There has been a settlement here for over four thousand years and there is evidence of several civilizations. The village is fifty-five kilometres from Malaga and five kilometres north of Nerja. It is a fertile, wine producing area in the foothills of the Almijara Mountains. Above Frigiliana are the ruins of the Moorish fort and the site of a battle that deposed the Moors in the sixteenth century. The old village has a labyrinth of steep, narrow winding streets, all beautifully kept, with terra cotta pots brimming with vivid red and pink geraniums and pelargoniums. San Antonio Church dates from the sixteenth century and is worth a visit if only to view the paintings from the seventeenth century. The streets contain many small shops and cafes and there are shady squares where you can enjoy refreshments in the pavement bars and cafes.
The hills surrounding the village provide opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, hang- gliding and jeep safaris.
There are thirteen kilometres of beaches and small coves where holidaymakers can relax in the sun or try out water sports including water skiing, fishing and scuba diving in the crystal clear water. The Caves of Nerja are the most amazing sight with their huge stalactites and stalagmites all dramatically illuminated. One column is the incredible height of thirty two metres. Imagine how many drops of water were needed and how many years it took to grow into such a size. The largest cavern is a concert hall and there are many performances through the summer months.
While in Frigiliana it is possible to visit Granada, only ninety minutes by road, where you can see the splendour of the Alhambra Palace.
In order to make the most of your Frigiliana holiday, car hire is recommended.
The nightlife in Frigiliana is very low key reflecting the popularity of the resort with couples. Evenings are spent wandering its charming streets and alleyways, enjoying local hospitality in the company of friends. There are some excellent restaurants serving mainly traditional food.
The narrow streets of Frigiliana have many small craft shops where the goods are made by local people. These include pottery, embroidered linens, basketry and jewellery. In addition there are the usual numbers of gift and souvenir shops where holiday makers can purchase their mementoes. There are no large supermarkets in the village.
Frigiliana has some very good restaurants serving mainly traditional cuisine. For more variety, make the short journey to Nerja which has a wide selection of restaurants serving everything from an English pub roast to a Thai green curry. There are many wonderful fish restaurants offering Nerja’s particular favourite, red mullet, or those delicious small fried fish served with rice and salad. For those who find the gap between lunch and dinner a little too long, Tapas bars are available to ease the hunger pangs. Local wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
