The wonderful memories you bring back with you after a visit to the dramatically beautiful region of Andalucia in Spain may well encourage you to consider purchasing an Andalucian property. There is a huge choice of properties in Andalucia, many in stunning locations ranging from rocky coastlines and endless stretches of beach, to remote white villages, blossom filled almond groves and high sierras. Every season offers its attraction, summer for nightlife, winter for skiing, spring for nature, autumn for fewer crowds, lower prices and local festivals. Buying your own Andalucian property means you will be able to profit from the advantages of every season all year round. But how to choose where to buy?

The most popular hotspot for Andalucia property has to be the Costa del Sol, the “Sun Coast”, so aptly named, with some 320 sunny days in a typical year. This area of Andalucia comprises a number of former fishing villages, transformed from poverty in the 1960s into the “Florida of Europe”. The Costa del Sol is host to millions of visitors every year, thanks to its sunny clime, lively nightlife and clean beaches. An estimated 300,000 expatriates have settled here, with many having decided to purchase an Andalucian property in such popular locations as Estepona, Fuengirola, Malaga, Nerja and Marbella — Spain’s most expensive resort.

However, there are many other excellent locations which must be considered if you are looking to purchase an Andalucian property in Spain. The inland and rural areas of Andalucia are becoming increasingly popular for those wanting a more authentically Spanish way of life than is found on the Costas. The choice ranges from white washed cottages set in acres of lemon and olive groves to a white washed town house in a picturesque hilltop village where time seems to have stood still for centuries.

If you are seeking a lively town with plenty of culture, then Granada city would be a good place to buy an Andalucian property. This fascinating city is renowned for the great complex of the Alhambra, the most famous and best-preserved medieval Arabic palace in the world. Properties in the city are rarely advertised on the internet and are soon snapped up. A wider range of Andalucian properties is available in the towns and villages surrounding Granada city, which offer beautiful rural locations within an easy commute of the centre and at cheaper prices.

And finally, Spain may not be as famous for its pistes as France or Switzerland, but it is worth considering purchasing an Andalucian property in the Sierra Nevada. You can use it in the winter for skiing and as a mountain base in the summer, being only an hour from the coast. Property prices here are fairly cheap in comparison with the Costa regions. Andalucian properties here are likely to become attractive as second homes with rental potential, due to the greater accessibility provided by Granada Airport.

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About the Author

Robert Dowes advises on property abroad , in particular on property for sale in costa blanca

With some superb beaches, first-class golf courses, beautiful marinas and superb climate, the Costa del Sol is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. This 80-mile stretch of coastline contains a variety of resorts, including up market Marbella and Puerto Banus, family-friendly Fuengirola and Benalmadena, and lively Torremolinos.

The Costa del Sol used to refer to the entire stretch of coastline between Almeria and Cadiz, but these days the term applies to the coastal strip within Malaga province. Tourism began to take off here in during the 1950’s when Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe opened the Marbella Club. This lavish holiday complex soon began to attract famous guests such as Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Around the same time the coast’s first luxury hotel, the Pez Espada, opened in what was then the small fishing village of Torremolinos. More hotels would be added within the next decade and the Costa del Sol soon became known as a popular package holiday destination.


The area suffered a slight decline in the 1980’s, so the local government has invested a lot of money in recent years to bring things up to scratch. New marinas, seafront promenades and golf courses have been built, while the beaches have been cleaned up and improved.


The pretty resort of Nerja, known for its Balcon de Europa viewpoint and string of small coves, lies about 30 miles (50km) east of Malaga. Close to the town are the famous Nerja caves, discovered in the 1950’s and now one of the Costa del Sol’s top tourist attractions.


The three neighbouring resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola are situated to the west of Malaga. Torremolinos is well known for its popular nightclubs, while Benalmadena has a lovely marina and attractions such as the Tivoli World amusement park and cable car. The family friendly resort of Fuengirola boasts a small modern zoo, over four miles of sandy beaches, and a nearby water park.


A few miles inland from Fuengirola, in the foothills of the surrounding mountains, is the pretty town of Mijas Pueblo. Although it is sometimes overrun with tourists, Mijas has some notable sights including an interesting folk museum and an unusual square bullring. The views along the coast are pretty good too.


Further west along the coast from Fuengirola is the famous resort of Marbella and its neighbouring marina of Puerto Banus. In the centre of Marbella is the picturesque old town of whitewashed houses and pretty squares known as the Casco Antiguo. As well as its lovely beach, the resort is also known for its choice of up market boutiques and smart restaurants. Nearby Puerto Banus is a flashy modern marina complete with luxury yachts, trendy bars and posh shops.


The pleasant resort of Estepona, which still retains much of its original character, is situated to the west of Marbella. The town has several historic attractions, including the pretty church on Plaza del Reloj, plus a wide sandy beach and fishing port.


Malaga is the largest city and the main gateway to the Costa del Sol. Many budget airlines operate flights to Malaga Airport, including EasyJet, Ryanair and Monarch. There is a coastal railway line from the airport to the resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.

Nerja, (originally named Narixa, meaning ‘rich in water’), has many legends and stories which have been passed by word of mouth across the centuries, stemming from romance between the sun, the moon and the sea. The sea has always been – and still remains – the soul of the town. Thousands of visitors have chosen Nerja as their idyll. Clean, shingle beaches, the charisma of the people, the gentle way of life and traditionally rich Andalucian culture. Nerja offers many beaches or holidaymakers and these include El Playazo, La Torrecilla, El Salon, Calahonda, El Chorillo, and Burriana. In total, they cover 16 km of fine sand and clear waters.

First discovered in 1959, the Caves or Nerja have become one of the most visited attractions in Andalucia and each summer hosts a spectacular festival of music and dance. Nestling in the mountains above Nerja is the beautiful whitewashed village of Frigiliana, which is well worth the visit. There are lots of little craft shops selling local produce, including the well-known Frigiliana wine. Just a 5-minute drive from Nerja can be found Torrox Pueblo. With great views over the Mediterranean Sea, Torrox is a fantastic whitewashed village that clings to the hillside.


Nerja is only two hours drive from the Sierra Nevada Europe’s most Southerly Ski resort so you can be on the beach for the morning, and skiing in the afternoon! The Sierra Nevada towers above the historic town of Granada where the Alhambra Palace is a Mecca for visitors all year round. There are many


Nerja is a fantastic location for people looking for property including luxury villas, beachside apartments and traditional whitewashed townhouses. Originally a fishing town, Nerja has always been a popular holiday location, but the last few years have seen a huge interest in property purchases. The popularity of Nerja continues to increase and its no real surprise considering its fantastic location on the Costa del Sol.

Malaga

Malaga is the capital city of the Costa del Sol, it is also one of the provinces of Andalusia, a port city and also the location for the international airport which is the largest airport in Spain.


The population of Malaga and the surrounding area is estimated at over 1,000,000 and this number swells in the summer with the influx of visitors. Malaga is surrounded by mountains and there are two rivers, the Guadalhorce and the Guadalmedina which flow past the city into the Mediterranean.


Malaga has a wealth of history going back over 3,000 years. It was founded by the Phoenicians and named ‘Malaka’, meaning salt, probably because of the fish which was salted by the harbour. In the 8th century it was inhabited by the Moors and became an important trading city. In more recent times, tourism has naturally boosted the economy.


Malaga is a very popular tourist destination, made more so in recent years, because of the number of cheap charter flights which now operate in and out of the international airport. But it is also from here that people can reach a large part of Andalucia and may choose to stay in the famous ‘white villages’ or the historic cities of Sevilla or Granada.


There is plenty to do and see in Malaga – the Arabic Fortress, the Gibralfaro Castle from where there is a beautiful view over the city, the harbour which is one of the most important in Spain and various museums, cathedrals and churches as well as, of course, the bullring and it can also be known as the birthplace of the actor, Antonio Banderas!


Nerja


Nerja is found at the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, approximately 50 km from Malaga, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Granada and the infamous Alhambra Palace and from there just another half an hour to reach the skiing regions of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.


Nerja is steeped in history and is well known for the primitive paintings in the Nerja Caves, which were discovered in the late 1950’s and which have now become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain. The caves are also home to the world’s longest stalactite. Nerja is also famous for the Balcon de Europa, ‘the balcony of Europe’. A wonderful promenade which sits between two small coves on the edge of a towering cliff which was once the sight of a great Moorish castle. It offers magnificent views across the Mediterranean as well as numerous bars and cafes where one can sit sipping refreshments while enjoying the scenic surroundings.


Nerja has some lovely beaches which are mostly rocky coves with sharp sand and there are some good restaurants along the beaches which specialise in local fish dishes. The old town of Nerja has small, narrow streets which are busy in the summer and the weekly market is held on a Tuesday.


Nerja is also becoming a popular destination for walkers exploring the mountainous areas of the Sierra Almijar and the Sierra Tejeda.


Nerja has a wide range of good hotels as well as many private apartments and villas to choose from where you can enjoy your holiday and the surrounding area.


Ronda


Ronda is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Andalucia and is part of the province of Malaga. Ronda can be found approximately 50 kilometres from the coastal town of San Pedro de Alcantara along a very winding road through the mountains, the Serrania de Ronda and it is 113km from Malaga. Ronda has a population of approximately 35,000 people and it is 739m above sea level. The average year round temperature is 15C and has around 2700 hours of sunshine per year.


There is lots to do and see in Ronda. It is famous for having the oldest bullring in Spain and together with the New Bridge, the Puente Nuevo, these are two of the symbols of Ronda. The New Bridge is, in fact, over 200 years old and took more than 40 year to complete. The masonry stones were brought up from the depths of the Tajo gorge. The Bullring, The Plaza de Toros, is recognized as one of the oldest in Spain and one of the most monumental in design. It took 6 years to build and opened in 1785. The City Museum and the Bullfighting Museum are also very popular sights to visit. The Sierra de las Nieves natural park is within the province and has the most important forest of Spanish firs.


The fair and festival of Pedro Romero is usally held at the beginning of September and is a good time of year for tourists to visit.


Ronda is a wonderful place to visit, but an even better place to stay. There are many lovely villas, apartments or townhouses available to rent or maybe choose to stay in one of the picturesque surrounding villages such as Montejaque or Gaucin.

Once upon a time people only went to Spain- and in particular the Costa del Sol – for the warn sunshine and the beautiful beaches.

That is still the case today but people are also seeking other things to do other than sunbathe.


The Costa del Sol has something for everybody.


The Mediterranean climate lends itself to sports and outdoor activities. Sports enthusiasts would be amazed at the different choices available from golf to horseriding, paragliding, hiking, sailing, tennis,fishing,windsurfing and even ski-ing in the Sierra Nevada.


Culture vultures will be happy with the number of museums, theatres, concert halls, ancient churches, castles and palaces. There is the famous Picasso Museum in Malaga, bullfighting museums in Mijas Pueblo and Cordoba, cathedrals in Malaga and Seville, theatres and concert halls in Malaga and Seville, palaces and historical buildings in Seville as well as lots of local museums such as the sherry bodegas in Jerez or the hunting and craft musems in Ronda. Also there are many cinemas- these are oftern found in commercial shopping centres and there is always one screen showing English versions of the latest films.


Lots of tourists love visiting the traditional Andalucian ‘white villages’ with their quaint cobbled streets and colourful pots of geraniums and orange and lemon trees. Mijas Pueblo, Gaucin, Casares..to name but a few. Another place worth visiting is Nerja with its famous caves with formations of stalagltites and stalagmites.


Nature lovers will enjoy the protected natural parkland of Donana near Huelva with its wildlife and is ideal for bird watchers. Some of the parks in the Jaen region are home to rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The lakes in the Malaga province near Ardales are set amongst beautiful countryside with spectacular mountain views. The lagoon at Fuente Piedra on the outskirts of Antequera is a natural lake and home to a large colony of flamingoes.

There are also plenty of other green spaces to visit such as the Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of Malaga. Even the English cemetery in Malaga is worthy of a visit with its beutiful secluded garden of historical interest.


The gastronomes will be happy with the variety of food and drink from the traditional tapas dishes in local bars to fresh fish and seafood in the chiringuitos (beach bars/restaurants) to avante-garde cuisine in award-winning restaurants.


There is also a variety of accommodation to suit every budget ranging from the campsites, hostels, rural fincas (farmhouses), apartment and self-catering accommodation to top-of-the-range luxury spa hotels.


Children have little chance of being bored as there are many attractions to keep the kids happy. There is the Selwo Safari Park near Estepona, the Selwo Marina and Sea Life aquarium in Benalmadena, Tivoli World Amusement Park in Arroya de la Miel, Crocodile Park in Torremolinos, Fuengirola Zoo, Aqua Park with water slides and chutes in Mijas Costa and spectacular cable-car rides overlooking Benalmadena and Malaga. There is a wolf sanctuary in Antequera and donkey rides up mountain paths. All over the Costa del Sol you can find lots of parks with swings, slides, open spaces for bike-riding and seating areas for picnics etc..


The main airport is Malaga but there are other smaller aiports at Jerez and Granada. For travelling around there are plenty of car-hire companies, local taxis, excursion coaches, local buses, a regular train service from Malaga to Fuengirola and the fast AVE train which runs from Malaga to Cordoba and onto Madrid. The port at Malaga has many visits by large cruise ships and Fuengirola is principally a fishing port. Other ports such as Marbella, Puerto Banus, Benalmadena, Ducquesa and Cabopino are used by sailing clubs or to moor private yachts.


Lastly, but not least, Andalucia is the birthplace of flamenco. There are actually many different component parts to flamenco and styles vary from province to province and flamenco dance is still the main attraction for tourists to this region.

Known for its sun, sand and surf, Spain’s Costa Del Sol is anything but dull and is an ideal holiday destination for young and old alike. Located in Andalusia, this picturesque coastal area is not just about the beaches and those taking time to explore its many surrounding towns and villages will find a wealth of local history and culture as well. Situated in the eastern side of the Costa Del Sol, the resort of Nerja is just such a culturally rich town and those planning a visit here should look to stay at the Perla Marina Hotel.

The property has rooms that overlook the beach and gives one the chance to begin and end the day by the seaside. The Perla Marina Hotel is only around 60 kilometres from the Malaga International Airport and also makes a convenient base from which to conduct business in when heading to this part of the Costa Del Sol. After having spent the day soaking up the sun, guests staying at the hotel can walk to the near by Nerja town centre where one can sample some local cuisine, have an evening drink with friends and even buy some gifts to take back home.


Guests of the Perla Marina Hotel Costa Del Sol looking to take in the region’s stunning natural landscapes should definitely head over to the famous Balcon de Europa which offers a breathtaking vantage point of the surrounding coastline. Outdoor enthusiasts can also visit the natural area around the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo, while not to be missed is a trip to the ancient Nerja Cave where one can enjoy an underground adventure like no other.


The Costa Del Sol offers more than just pretty beaches and scenic backdrops however, and those spending time here will find a host of local activities and festivals that truly bring to light the region’s cultural heritage. Since most of these festivals take place once a year, it is best to plan ones visit ahead so as not to miss them. Guests of the Perla Marina Hotel in Costa Del Sol can look to take in some of the local festivals in Nerja such as the Holy Week processions, the May Crosses Festival, the San Isidro Pilgrimage (15th May) and the Virgen del Carmen Festival (16 July).


With so much to see and do around the Costa Del Sol and Nerja, travellers will find their holiday schedules pretty jam packed. Travel weary guests returning to Hotel Perla Marina after their many excursions can head over to the near by beach or alternatively enjoy a leisurely swim at the onsite pool. There is also an in house snack-bar cafeteria as well as a bar where one can enjoy a quiet evening drink. Event planners and those wanting to conduct a little bit of business in Nerja have access to meeting / banquet facilities, while wireless Internet access is also available which gives one the chance of keeping in touch with loved ones back home.


The rooms at Hotel Perla Marina Costa Del Sol Sol are simple and comfy and are the kind of places one can just sit back and relax in. Those looking to cool off after a long day of sunbathing will be glad to know that in-room air conditioning is standard. Equipped with their own private bathrooms, the hotel rooms also come with satellite television and a mini fridge.

As one of the most popular tourist destinations, it is unsurprising that so many people are now booking cheap holidays to Costa Del Sol to make sure they have the most fun possible on their hen weekend.

Hen weekends in Spain’s Costa Del Sol


A mere two and a half hours budget flight from the UK, future brides flock to take cheap holidays in Costa Del Sol with their friends in search of fantastic weather, a full range of unusual activities and an unrivalled nightlife.


Whether your dream hen weekend in Spain means daylight hours on the beach or a more sporty option, there are endless opportunities to party both day and night, and with so many bargain flights and cheap holidays to Costa Del Sol, the trip doesn’t need to blow the budget.


Costa Del Sol holiday accommodation


Accommodation options vary from luxury hotels with 5 star facilities to typically Andalucian rural getaways especially equipped to handle large groups such as hen parties. If you’re looking for a cheap holiday in Costa Del Sol, you’re bound to find something to fit your budget. Then you can get stuck into some of these fantastic hen weekend ideas!


Top 5 hen weekend ideas for a Costa Del Sol holiday:


1) Spa resorts


From nail treatments and facials to massages and mud baths, a luxury health and beauty spa makes the perfect choice for a hen weekend in Spain. Relax and wait for wedding preparation anxieties to just melt away.


2) Puerto Banus


The Costa del Sol boasts the world famous marina, Puerto Banus, near Marbella, and this is a highly popular destination for hen weekends in Spain due to an abundance of stylish restaurants, bars and nightclubs.


Notorious hotspots like Sinatra’s, Havana bar and Dreamers make Puerto Banus the celebrity playground it is. Here nightlife continues all the way through to the next morning, so it is a perfect spot for a hen weekend in Spain for even the most hardened group of party animals!


3) Hot air ballooning


For a really spectacular day out on a hen weekend in Spain’s Costa Del Sol, there can be few better ways to appreciate the sheer beauty of the Andalucian countryside than from a hot air balloon. This area really is perfect for ballooning and is one of the most popular European destinations for balloon pilots to gain experience.


4) Caving


There are a surprising number and variety of natural caves in Costa Del Sol. Holiday makers can enjoy those which are open to the public, and it makes for a quirky hen weekend idea. The caves situated in Nerja, La Pileta and Ardales cater particularly well to tourists.


5) Dolphin watching


The waters off the coast of Costa Del Sol are home to a large population of whales and dolphins, and a hen weekend in Spain will always be remembered if it involves one of these popular outings. In the various bays formed along the Andalucian coast, common and striped dolphins are always present and several companies run whale and dolphin spotting boat trips throughout the year.

The beautiful town of Malaga is a great place to start. Flying in to Malaga places you at the heart of the Costa del Sol giving you easy access to all the neighbouring resorts that can be reached within an hour. The birthplace of Picasso has a lot to offer, why not visit the rustic old quarter and view the childhood home of the great artist himself. With its beautiful beaches and numerous tapas bars Malaga is certainly worth a visit. The attractive town of Nerja is a typical Spanish place to visit, situated to the east of Malaga. With a rustic old town, effervescent nightlife and protected bays around the rocky Balcon de Europa. The coastline that stretches west towards Gibraltar accommodates many lively beach towns, fashionable marina developments and immaculate golf courses, giving you plenty of choice for activities.

The vibrant resorts of Fuengirola and Benalmadena are the places to visit if you are seeking good value “fun in the sun” holidays. Fuengirola, with its broad sun kissed beaches, beautiful market place and colourful nightlife has something for all ages. At Benalmadena you will find six miles of coast strung with thirteen beaches offering great facilities and fantastic water sport activities for those that like to get wet. If it’s a taste of the customary Andalucía you are after, visit the charming town of Mijas. This picturesque little place is a typical example of the Moorish hill towns, with its whitewashed houses adorning the narrow cobbled streets. Beautiful bougainvillea bloom throughout the area, and the panoramic views across the neighbouring town of Mijas Costa are simply breathtaking.


The high class resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus are divided by the “golden mile” of exclusive residences. Shopping here is a must for the jet set, with designer boutiques decorating the tree lined streets for your perusal, or why not grab a bite to eat at one of the charming restaurants in the stylish marina. The ancestral Andalucian ‘pueblo’ and ‘playa’ town of San Pedro de Alcantera is just a couple of kilometres away and a little further up the coast is the cultural fishing town of Estepona. This wonderful place has many narrow cobbled streets and has a truly Spanish feel, with bars and restaurants in abundance it truly is a beautiful place to visit. For a sample of Britain, why not cross the border into Gibraltar for a day’s sightseeing, tax free shopping and yes those cheeky monkeys, but don’t forget your passport!

Frigiliana is situated just 7km from Nerja at the foot of the Almijara Mountains; tourist visiting for the first time can’t help but fall in love with this charming village. In the centre of the old quarter, set in a plaza is the Church. It was in fact a mosque during the Moors occupation. Today the plaza is full of restaurants and coffee bars with tables set outside. Take a coffee, meal or glass of wine in this tranquil setting and watch the world go by.

The whitewashed Moorish style houses are just a canvas for the array of colourful flowers displayed outside every home. Like so many old Andalucian villages, Frigiliana is all steps and narrow road, this, whilst taxing is actually very rewarding. For round each corner or through each archway is another charming sight or interesting curiosity.

For instance, when wandering around the narrow cobbled streets, stop and read the ceramic plaques depicting historical events located on street corners. The plaques tell the story of the rebellion in Frigiliana by the Moriscos against the Christian rulers of the area. In 1502 the Spanish gave the Moors an ultimatum, either convert to Christianity or leave Spain.

Prior to their feigned conversion, the Moriscos were known as Mudéjars (The name Moriscos refers to Moors converting from Islam to Catholicism). Philip II of Spain issued a directive in 1567 that the Moors had to give up their Muslim customs; they were not even aloud to speak Arabic. They were then informed their children would be taken from them and given to Christian Priests to be educated

This caused an uprising in 1568. In 1571 at the end of the revolt was particularly violent. The Moriscos of the village and the countryside around Frigiliana, fought to the death against a professional army led by the governor of the garrison at Nerja. The final act of the battle was staged by the surviving Moriscos women, who threw themselves to their deaths from the rocky heights above the village rather than be taken into captivity. It is rumoured that some of the bones can still be found scattered in the countryside along with the weapons they used.

With 10 years experience of property sales and rentals in Nerja, you are invited to visit for apartments and villas in Spain. Please visit for more information on Frigiliana and other holiday towns along the Costa del Sol.

The Spanish village of Frigiliana is situated in the foothills of the Almijara mountain range, just 5km inland from the popular holiday destination of Nerja. It is also within an hours drive from the International airport at Malaga in southern Spain. Because airline companies now offer competitive flights to Malaga from many destinations around Europe, the opportunity to visit some of Spain’s most idyllic and charming villages has become easier than ever.

Frigiliana is one such village: a delight to explore, full of history and offers unbeatable Spanish charm. It has been voted one of the prettiest towns in the province of Malaga and it is easy to see why. It enjoys spectacular views of both the Almijara Mountains that form a beautiful backdrop to the village, and also the enclosed valley all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea.


The village has all the delights expected of a traditional Andalucia town with cobbled streets winding through white washed houses, decorated with vibrant colours from seasonal plants and flowers in bloom. With only around 2,000 permanent residents, Frigiliana is surprisingly blessed with many bars, restaurants and shops. The town centre is filled with small traditional townhouses, interspersed with idyllic shops selling textiles, rugs, leather goods, tiles, and local wines. There are also several excellent shops selling local pottery and ceramics, including decorative plates with distinctive Arab design.


There are also choice bars and restaurants to be found, some offering fantastic views of the mountains or the Costa del Sol, and some to relax and take in Spanish life. All offer traditional Andalucia cuisine and a fine selection of tapas. For anyone who has not tried Spanish local cuisine, a selection of tapas offers the opportunity to try several small dishes at an affordable price.


The surrounding countryside is also ideal to explore by foot, with the close river valley boasting fantastic views of the hillside scenery towering above, and a spectacular waterfall cascading down the rocks during the winter season. Slightly further along the valley can be found a seating area surrounded with trees, a flowing river and perhaps views of local wildlife.


The road from Nerja on the Costa leads straight into the heart of the town, and on approaching there are ample parking spaces all the way up to the village. There is a car park itself but the twenty of so spaces on offer never appear to be available. There is a large children’s play park and a street map displaying some of the more interesting attractions around the village.


Steeped in history with archaeological finds dating back to 3000BC, Frigiliana has been inhabited by many different civilisations including the Romans, Phoenicians and the Arabs. The Arab occupation has left the greatest impact on the village with much of the original Moorish architecture still apparent.


During the 16th Century there were many battles between the Moors and Christians in Andalucia, which culminated with the final expulsion of the Arabs with the battle of the Rock of Frigiliana in 1569. This historical rebellion between the local Moriscos in the village and surrounding area, and a Christian army led from Nerja was a particularly violent battle that is still remembered today. This fascinating story is depicted with twelve ceramic plaques posted on the corners of streets to be found within the village.


The Moorish influence is apparent throughout the town, and best enjoyed walking through the narrow cobbled passageways leading to the Mudejar district, one of the best-preserved areas of Moorish architectures in Andalucia.


The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua was built in the 17th Century by Don Bernado de Godoy, and was restored in 1976. Built in the Renaissance style, many of the original frescos can still be seen throughout, and the church houses three 17th century paintings of excellent quality. The plaque outside the entrance tells the full story of the construction.


Other sites of interest include the former Granary that was built in 1767 and a 16th century Renaissance Palace that has now been turned into a molasses factory. Another example of the Moors occupation can be found at the very top of the town with the remains of a Moorish castle.


There are many festivals celebrated in Spain, and if you are lucky enough to be in the village during the festivities, you will see this sleepy Spanish town burst into life with celebrations involving the whole town and everyone lucky enough to be visiting. One of the best fiestas to experience is the Frigiliana bull-run. A smaller version than the one held in Pamplona, both in size of attractions and in size of bulls, but nonetheless no less exciting for those participating.


Frigiliana, like many of the towns in the Axarquía region, benefits from a microclimate that offers average temperatures of 18C, so even during the months of winter, temperatures are expected mild with many crisp, blue skies. With excellent views over the Axarquía region, and the slopes of the Almijara Nature Park, Frigiliana is an excellent place to visit, explore and finally to relax in one of the bars or restaurants to appreciate the scenery and culture of this beautiful region.


But there’s no need to take my word for it. Apart from receiving many regional awards, it earned its most cherished prize in 1982, with 1st place for beautification in the whole of Spain from the ministry of tourism.