Frigiliana (Málaga)
Frigiliana is located just 6 kilometres inland north of Nerja and lies at an altitude of 435 metres on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine (La Ruta de sol y vino"), and has a population of around 3,000. Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountain range, Frigiliana is an extremely pretty village which has received several awards for conservation and beauty. It enjoys spectacular countryside as well as wonderful sea views and good access to the coast.
Getting There: We must take the Mediterranean motorway (A-7, N-340) towards Motril and shortly before arriving in Nerja, go into the MA-105, which leads directly to Frigiliana.
Frigiliana consists of two adjoining centres. One of Moorish and Medieval origin and the other constructed recently whilst imitating the architectural style of the old village. Between the two districts there are two interesting buildings; the former granary built in 1767 and a 16th century Renaissance palace which is now a molasses factory.
El casco antiguo de Frigiliana está considerado como uno de los que mejor conservan en toda la provincia su primigenia estructura morisca. Su anárquico trazado - anárquico bajo la visión del siglo XXI - lleva al visitante de sorpresa en sorpresa: volúmenes arquitectónicos insospechados, calles, callejones, pasadizos cubiertos, escaleras, flores y plantas hasta en los lugares más inverosímiles, mezcla de olores de oculta procedencia, historia antigua en la cal reciente…, y una vez fuera de la intimidad y de lo angosto de sus calles, la anchura de un soberbio paisaje sobre la Costa del Sol Oriental.
Settlement of the area originated in prehistoric times and archaeological sites date back to 3000-1500 BC. Phoenician and Roman remains have also been discovered.
The River Higuerón irrigates the area which produces sub-tropical fruits and vegetables. The drier slopes grow olives and grapes used to make excellent sweet dry wines.
Steeped in great history this beautiful White village is a haven of tranquillity and tradition that is truly appreciated by the locals making it the most honoured town within the Axarquia province. In the 1980´s the town was awarded by the tourist department of Spain 1st prize for the most beautiful place in Spain. An early contribution to this was the law introduced by the incumbent mayor in 1971; he declared that everyone in Frigiliana must whitewash their houses once a year a law that is still enforced today.
Due to its unrivalled charm Frigiliana attracts a vast number of tourists during the summer months. Sunny summer days can be spent enjoying a light refreshment in one of its numerous bars and cafes, taking in the sights of some of its enduring processions and fiestas or exploring the area by taking a walk through olive groves, avocado plantations and lines of almond trees.
The village is a tangle of narrow cobbled streets lined by whitewashed houses, their wrought-iron balconies filled with planters of brilliant red geraniums. Small plazas provide shady seating while the village bars are popular with visitors who come here to taste the locally produced wine. There are also several excellent shops selling pottery and ceramics, including decorative plates with their distinctive Arab design.Frigiliana is best explored by foot.
El Acebuchal
Close to Frigiliana, just 7 kms. away, is the small hamlet of El Acebuchal.
Acebuchal is an authentic, historical mountain village situated on the edge of the protected National Park of Sierra Tejeda, behind Nerja and Frigiliana, and surrounded by pine forests and wild rosemary. All the houses in El Acebuchal are different, with a rustic style and all the charm of days gone by. The paved streets are surrounded by small gardens and a swimming pool. It is the perfect environment for artists, writers, poets or anyone who wants to get back to nature, in a truly peaceful place. From here you can enjoy the beautiful trails and paths through the Natural Park, by mountain bike, on horseback, in 4x4 or quad bike, or hiking.
Although the village dates back to the year 1569, it was abandoned in 1948 due to constant fighting between the resistance movement and the Civil Guard, who wished to gain strategic control of the area, and hence fell into complete disrepair. Mild attempts to re-establish the village in 1965 came to nothing. It wasn't until 1995 that families of former ancestors, based in Cordoba, decided to restore the village to its former glory. At the time, all the houses were in ruins, most if not all, without roofs, streets had virtually disappeared, there was no electricity or running water. In 1998, the first house was restored and in 2003, electricity arrived in the village.
Thirteen years later, the whole village has been completely restored in typical, rural village style, with new streets, lighting, drainage and improved access from the neighbouring village of Frigiliana. There is one local restaurant and bar and the village is populated all year round. To find a village with more peace and quiet would be practically impossible! If you are visiting Frigiliana, you should make the effort to visit this small treasure.
Contact
HEAD OFFICEUrb. Fuentes de Nerja, 21, Avenida Castilla Pérez 29780 Nerja (Málaga) SPAIN Telephone: (0034) 952 525 882 Tel. for UK customers: (0044) 020 31375 882
Gradwell VOIP users: 2516882 Web: http://www.edwardsestates.es
BRANCH OFFICE
Calle Real, 51 29788 Frigiliana (Málaga) SPAIN Telephone: (0034) 952 533 642 Web: http://www.edwardsestates.es
