Index
Transfer to Frigiliana. Travel Guide by Malaga Cabbie
Malaga Cabbie your private Transfer to Frigiliana service will provide you an excellent travel at your hotel or accommodation. Taking the A7 motorway from the airport, we will spend about 50 minutes to arrive to Frigiliana. This is the same highway that goes to the towns of Rincón de la Victoria, Vélez Málaga, Torre del Mar, Torrox, Nerja among others. Click here for more details of the route.
Frigiliana, one of the most beautiful towns of Malaga province
The town of Frigiliana has received the recognition of being one of the most beautiful villages in Malaga as well as Spain. General opinion of visitors who once discovered this place, agree to comment on its beauty. Not only visually but the soul of Frigiliana, through its history, monuments, gastronomy and other aspects make it a very appreciated place.
HISTORY
Given the age of the population, we will show part of the history in different phases. The settlement of the first settlers begins several thousand years before Christ. Frigiliana itself is a great example of the different civilizations that have inhabited Spain.
Prehistory.
There is evidence of Neolithic settlements in the region as well as certain evidence about their customs. There were natural caves in the region where they can shelter and many possibilities to obtain food all year round. The fertile soils provided generous crops to which we had to add the possibilities of the sea, which is very close. Additionally, the climate of the area is exceptional as it is today.
Old age
Phoenicians
As was usual in many areas of the Mediterranean Sea, the Phoenicians established a population nucleus in this place. Presumably they used the area as a base to extend their dominance along the coast of Andalusia.
Roman empire
Following in the footsteps of the Phoenicians, later the Roman Empire took control of the area. It must have had some importance for the Roman Empire since they built a fortress and named the town. Frexinius ana, which is the origin of the current name, Frigiliana. Translated into the English language means Villa de Frexinius. In fact, a few kilometers from the current urban core there is a hill whose name is “El Fuerte”. In that place some remains of Roman structures were found in addition to coins. Historians believe that the cultivation of vineyards was common in the area, although today they no longer exist.
Later, vandals from the north ruined part of the Roman buildings. This civilization did not make particularly interesting contributions in the area.
Middle Ages
Muslim domain
From the Muslim conquest of Spain in the year 711, begins the era of splendor of Frigiliana. Those who crossed the Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco to the south of Spain were Arabs and Berbers. From there, a process of colonization quickly began which soon reached the town. They built houses whose urban style is what you can see today. Also a fortress, typical of the time, for the surveillance and defense of the enclave. They developed crops typical of the Muslim culture such as raisins, figs and olive oil. Additionally, sugarcane and silk confection was important. For this, they needed to build hydraulic infrastructures, significantly improving agricultural production. These irrigation systems remain nowadays.
In May of 1487 the Muslim dominion finalized which happened at the hands of the Christians. There was no struggle because the great inequality of forces forced the Muslims to their peaceful surrender. They tried in this way to conserve their belongings and customs in order to continue living in the locality. However, with the passage of time, difficulties arose in coexistence. Then the Moriscos declared themselves in rebellion and organized against the Christian government which they considered unfair with them. They fought for two years until finally they succumbed. To avoid future revolts, they were expelled in the year 1570.
Christian domain
There was a time when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together in peace. For that reason there is a square whose name is “plaza of the three cultures” in homage to that coexistence. The expulsion of the Moriscos produced a strong depression in the development and economy of the place. The lands and properties that belonged to the Muslims were distributed among the Christians. Many of them came from other parts of the kingdom, mainly Granada and Valencia. Agriculture and commercial activity declined sharply. In addition, climate changes and epidemics of various diseases reduced the population to just over 100 inhabitants. It took two centuries for the agricultural activity and the population to recover.
Modern age
Already at the beginning of the 19th century, and due to the Napoleonic invasion, the inhabitants confronted the French. The reprisals included many executions by hanging so there is a place in the village called “La Horca” as a reminder. Although they finally defeated and expelled the French troops. Frigiliana continues its splendor and its population continues to grow. It is at the end of the 19th century when its greatest population peak occurs. But from that time bands of criminals who terrorized the population settled down in the town. To this difficulty was added a large earthquake in 1884 that caused great material damage. To make matters worse, an invasion of phylloxera devastated the cultivation of the vine causing economic ruin.
Later and already in the twentieth century, several more earthquakes and a great storm of wind returned to produce material damage. Only with the arrival of tourism and the current tropical fruit crops, Frigiliana regained its vitality.
GASTRONOMY
What to eat in the restaurants of Frigiliana?
As in all places of the world, the gastronomy of the area is influenced by the nearby food resources. Thus, sugarcane honey, vegetables grown in their fields and tropical fruits are common in their dishes. It is also necessary to include the famous sweet wine “Moscatel” that comes from the Muscatel grape variety. One of the favorite dishes of the area is the “choto” (goat’s calf) prepared in different ways. With sauce, especially almonds, or fried with garlic, it is a natural and delicious dish. Stews such as cabbage or fennel are also very common. There are multiple variants for all tastes and according to custom in each family. It is tradition in Easter to prepare the “Semana Santa stew“, which includes cod in its recipe. Habitual is also the plate of “migas”, prepared with morcilla (blood sausage) and chorizo (spiced sausage) or with fish. Normally accompanied with vegetables.
Desserts and sweets
Almonds and cane honey have a special importance in sweets. Frigiliana has the only cane honey production in Europe. The most traditional sweets are the arropía and the marcochas. As a dessert you can also include some local wines, dry or sweet according to the taste of the consumer.
Tradition, costum and festivities
Frigiliana has some traditions that come from far back in time that are mixed with others of modern times. Of the most recent, it is worth mentioning the “Honey Day”, since being the only cane honey factory in Europe, they proudly celebrate a day dedicated to their famous product. The celebration of this day is at the end of April. But better let’s take a tour of the agenda in order according to the months of the year.
Procession of San Sebastian.
In honor of the town’s patron, a mass and a subsequent procession are celebrated on January 20.
Carnivals
It exists in many parts of the world and this tradition is not lacking either.
Easter Week in Frigiliana
People feel this festivity with great passion in Andalusia. Highly recommended for the beauty of the processions and the pallium steps. The instrumental music that accompanies produce vibrant sensations.
Cross day
Festivity that mixes pagan and Christian symbols. Day 3 of May and is a festivity especially typical of Andalusia. Around a cross normally customized with flowers, various ornaments are placed. In squares and more or less spacious spaces, the cross is accompanied by typical Andalusian music, spirits and great joy.
Fair of San Antonio
Another of the town’s patrons. Celebration’s month is in June, looking for this date to celebrate the fair which was held earlier in the month of January.
Festival of the three cultures
Activities of animation, gastronomic days, musical performances as well as various recreational and commemorative activities. As a point of union, the coexistence of the three cultures and historical memory. At the end of August.
DISCOVERING FRIGILIANA: Monuments and visits
Frigiliana is, in itself, a historical monument thanks to the heritage of its ancient inhabitants. They mixed the simplicity of their houses and disorderly urbanism with visual beauty. A practical and beautiful way to build. In Frigiliana we find humble materials with which you also get comfortable and pleasant spaces. The streets are narrow to conserve heat in winter and provide shade in the hot summer. The houses are white to reflect the light when there is a lot of sun. Lime is the usual material that is used to cover the walls because it is cheap, of high quality and with hygienic properties. In short, they sought and managed to build very energy efficient homes with few resources.
Beyond its overall set, there are particular places that are worth visiting and enjoying. At this point, it is worth remembering that many of the streets in Frigiliana are not suitable for car use. For this reason you will have to inform yourself before making your booking request about your drop off address. In many cases MalagaCabbie will not be able to leave you at the door of your accommodation and your chauffer will leave you at the nearest possible place that you request
Streets
Calle zacatín:
Perhaps the most famous street in Frigiliana, because here we find the most typical and precious image of the town. For the origin of its name, in the past it must have been a place for the clothing trade.
Plaza de Fuente Vieja:
It owes its name to the source that is in the place. The uniqueness of this work is to be one of the first sources that provided drinking water to the population. Its year of construction was in 1640 and since then it was a meeting point and talk of the inhabitants. Currently its use as drinking water is not allowed although there are residents who still use it to drink. Its groundwater comes from the Sierra Tejeda.
Calle Hernando el Darra:
A street full of history as well as magnificent views. Hernando el Darra, leader of the Muslim uprisings, fought against Christians taking advantage of this street thanks to his inclination. From here they unloaded stones and mill wheels with which they resisted a first attack. In addition to its history, through this street we will access the Gardens of El Portón. From here we can find one of the several points where to appreciate the best views of the town.
Callejón del Peñón:
This street takes us to a high point where we can observe a beautiful panoramic view. Both the mountainous environment that surrounds Frigiliana and Nerja and the water of its beaches
Buildings
Palacio de los Condes or, with another name, El Ingenio:
Initially this property belonged to the Manrique family of Lara which has great historical relevance in high military and ecclesiastical positions. The lords of Frigiliana built this manor house of which there are still many original parts. Some of them come from the old Arab castle of which today there is little more than the foundations. This property has more than 2000 square meters and currently belongs to the De La Torre family. El Ingenio today is a cane honey factory, the only one in Europe.
Palacio del Apero:
It is a building that was part of the El Ingenio complex. Nowadays not all its original elements exist, but it is still possible to see large walls and arches. After a restoration, in this building we can find spaces belonging to the City Council such as the municipal library, the tourism office and the archaeological museum, among others.
The old Arab castle or Castle of Lizar:
Ancient Arab fortress that as usual in its time, served for the vigilance and defense of the town. There are few remains of the original structure, perhaps enough to imagine the impressive appearance it may have had. After the defeat of the Muslim rebellion Luis de Requesens, who was the commander of Castile, gave the order to destroy the fortress. It was wanted to avoid in this way that the Muslims returned to occupy the military fortress for a future revolt. The remains of the ruins served later to build El Ingenio.
El Torreon:
It is inside the urban area and probably had a military use like watchtower and forming part of the defensive wall. It seems that after the expulsion of the Muslims it happened to have use as a barn.
Church of San Antonio:
As was customary at the time, the old mosque is used to build the Church after the Christian conquest. Some elements of the mosque currently exist. The building that you can see nowaday dates from the late seventeenth century.
From MalagaCabbie we have made this small selection of what we think are the most interesting places to visit. We are aware that there are not all the interesting sites that deserve to be on this list. When you arrive in Frigiliana with our transfer service, you will discover that the whole village is a jewel to visit.
What to do in Frigiliana
We just arrived at Malaga airport. The flight went well, the suitcases did not take long to appear. Will my driver be waiting for me in the arrivals hall? Yes!, there he is! I’m more calm. He will take my bags, take me to a nice car and from here I start to enjoy my holidays with a wide smile on my face. Now, in addition to relaxing watching the magnificent surroundings of the route that goes from Malaga Airport to Frigiliana, I wonder. What do I do when I arrive?
This story may sound familiar to you. You may have lived it before or you may see yourself like this in a short time. Once you arrive at your hotel or accommodation, you unpack your bags and then, what? Stroll through the streets of Frigiliana that are full of beauty and history. More or less at the same time, taking a great wine from the land, a cold beer or some fresh water with a tapa. You will find that sitting down to take a break with aperitif is not only a cheap luxury, it is also a necessity. The amount of slopes of the villa and what it requires to make walk the visitor, will force him to sit down to recharge energy. But in addition to seeing the urban area, you can also perform other activities taking advantage of the surrounding nature.
Trekking:
Being in a privileged position at the base of the Sierra de Tejeda, you can make routes to enjoy the environment. There are several routes that follow the course of nearby rivers or that lead to hills where you can observe great landscapes. The Chíllar river as well as the Higuerón river will provide you with fantastic places to walk and have a picnic. You can also go on foot to visit archaeological remains such as El Fuerte or Castillo de Lízar.
Visits to nearby towns:
Although Frigiliana offers enough charms for a long stay, it is worth visiting nearby towns. Nerja, the Village of Acebuchal, Cómpeta, the towns of the Costa Tropical, are several of the many options that you will find nearby.
Exhibitions and events of art and culture:
In Casa del Apero you can find temporary cultural exhibitions. Also there you can find information about other art and painting exhibitions that are sometimes in Frigiliana. Events such as the fair in June, the festival of the three cultures, Holy Week, Honey Day are of special interest. With these events you can get to know the personality and folklore of the locality.
Shopping:
You can also find handmade crafts and objects. In some historic streets of the old town you can make purchases in traditional shops in the area. We also advise you to visit the market that is installed in the plaza of the three cultures on Thursdays.
Route from Frigiliana to Nerja walk
One of the most obvious ways to walk from Frigiliana to Nerja would be taking the local road MA-5105. It is perhaps the shortest and easiest route to walk because we found a paved road all the time. But it does not have the beauty of rural roads as well as it can be dangerous due to the circulation of traffic. There is a variant going down from the center of Frigiliana through the avenue of Andalusia, until you reach the bar La Molineta on the MA-5105. From there we can take the road to La Molineta street and go down until we reach the Higuerón river. Later we will end up in the Chillar river bed until we reach the Nerja town.
There are trails that cross partially the Sierra de Tejeda and Almijara, crossing rivers and ravines that have some technical difficulties. In these cases, the beauty of the path is much higher, as well as the physical demand and the time of completion
Climate and weather