Living in Frigiliana

What's it like to live in Frigiliana? 

A picture postcard Andalusian mountain village, Frigiliana is 7 miles from Nerja and the Costa del Sol with the wonders of the Sierra de Tejeda natural parkon your doorstep.

There are few better places to experience a traditional Spanish village than Frigiliana, with its international community of people dedicated to enjoying the best of the Andalusian lifestyle.

Frigilana has been voted Spain’s most beautiful village and it’s clear why. Nestling in the foothills of the Sierra de Tejeda, its spotless streets lead you past whitewashed, flower bedecked houses to a ruined Moorish castle and panoramic views of the Costa del Sol. That’s if you make it that far and aren’t sidetracked by one of the 60 cafes, bars and restaurants tucked away in side streets and hidden terraces. This is a small village you can spend a lifetime getting to know.

The village’s immediate surroundings are equally beguiling: leave town and follow Rio Higueron, or the nearby Rio Chillar where you can spend long lazy days hiking, horse-riding or simply picnicking. If the beach is more your thing then head for Nerja, particularly the coves around the cliffs of Maro, which offer some of the bluest and most transparent waters on the Malaga coast.

You won’t be alone in wanting to move here and as a result there are perhaps fewer bargains to be found. The more expensive properties can be found in the older Morisco-Mudejar neighbourhood at the top of the village, while the townhouses and apartments of the more modern lower half are a little cheaper. You should also investigate the local surroundings for villas and fincas (farm houses).

Living in Frigiliana: Essential Information

Population

In Frigiliana you are just as likely to hear English, Dutch or Swedish spoken on the streets as you are Spanish. In this cosmopolitan community of 3,000 people, around a third are drawn from 20 different countries. 

Healthcare in Frigiliana

There’s a health centre, chemist and dentist in the village but if you need more specialist care then the nearest fully equipped hospital is a 30 minute drive in Vélez-Málaga. There are English speaking doctors in the village, as well as at nearby practices in Nerja and La Herradura. 

Working in Frigiliana

This is a small, mountain village, so job opportunities are limited. However, many expats have successfully started their own businesses, opening shops, restaurants and a variety of experience based ventures. Alternatively look to nearby Nerja and Malaga for more opportunities. Remote workers can expect decent internet speeds, with fibre optic internet available and WIMAX as an alternative, offering speeds up to 20 Mbps. And there are even a couple of co-working spaces if you fancy escaping your home office for the day, like Tropi Co-working.

Schools & education in Frigiliana

The local state schools are used to both Spanish and international students, so it’s a good way to integrate into the local community. If you prefer an English education, there are private international schools in Malaga province, the nearest is Almuñécar International School, a 25-min drive away. Listen to expat Sian Burton talk about her children’s experiences of attending Almuñécar International School in episode 8 of our Experts podcast series: Spanish schools & education.  

Transport in Frigiliana

It is a 10 minute drive down winding roads to Nerja’s beaches. If you don’t fancy the drive a cheap, regular bus service will take you there and to other locations around the Costa del Sol. You’ll find the nearest airport under an hour’s drive away in Malaga. 

Things to do in and around Frigiliana

Wander through Frigiliana's enchanting old town, with its pristine whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets adorned with colourful flowerpots. Get wonderfully lost in the labyrinth of narrow lanes that wind uphill, revealing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea at every turn. Don't miss the famous ceramic mosaics telling the story of the Moorish history along Calle Real – the main thoroughfare that cuts through this charming Andalusian pueblo blanco.

Savour authentic local cuisine at family-run restaurants offering traditional dishes like ajoblanco (cold almond soup), migas (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo), and sweet wine made from locally grown muscatel grapes. For a special treat, visit during August's Festival of the Three Cultures, when the entire village transforms into a medieval market with food stalls, live music, and theatrical performances celebrating Frigiliana's Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage.

Take the kids on a scenic adventure to Río Higuerón, where natural pools perfect for splashing around form amid the rocky landscape, offering a refreshing escape from summer heat. For a bigger splash, Aquavelis Water Park in nearby Torre del Mar is just a 25-minute drive away, featuring slides, wave pools, and play areas for all ages. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to Nerja Donkey Sanctuary, where rescued donkeys and other animals welcome gentle pets and cuddles.

Shop for authentic handcrafted treasures in the artisan workshops scattered throughout the village. Admire handmade ceramics, intricate textiles, and custom leather goods that make perfect souvenirs. Don't miss sampling local honey and the famous "vino dulce" (sweet wine) at the historic sugar cane factory turned museum and shop. The village hosts vibrant markets every Thursday and Sunday in Plaza de las Tres Culturas, where you can browse stalls brimming with local produce, speciality foods, clothing, and handicrafts – perfect for picking up authentic Andalusian treats.

Embark on spectacular hikes directly from the village into the surrounding Sierra Almijara mountains. The popular route to El Fuerte offers panoramic views of the coastline and mountains, while the more challenging trek to the abandoned village of El Acebuchal reveals an incredible story of revival after decades of abandonment. For gentler walks, follow the marked riverside trail along the Higuerón that connects Frigiliana to neighbouring Nerja. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the large sports pavilion and municipal swimming pool, offering excellent facilities to stay active year-round even on the hottest summer days.

Frigiliana's perfect location means beach days are just a 15-minute drive away in Nerja, where you can lounge on Burriana Beach or discover hidden coves along the dramatic coastline. Water enthusiasts can kayak through impressive sea caves, dive in crystal-clear waters, or paddleboard along the shore. For a unique adventure, book a guided trip to the awe-inspiring Nerja Caves with their enormous stalactites and prehistoric cave paintings, followed by a visit to the Balcón de Europa viewpoint jutting out over the Mediterranean.

Expat clubs & societies in Frigiliana and beyond

In Frigiliana and surrounding areas, you'll find a welcoming expat community with clubs and societies to help you settle in and make friends. The Nerja-Frigiliana U3A offers activities ranging from language exchanges and book clubs to photography groups and wine tasting, plus regular social events including quiz nights and cultural excursions.

Sports enthusiasts can join the Axarquía Petanca League, with Frigiliana's team meeting twice weekly at the municipal sports grounds, or the Costa del Sol Golf Society, which welcomes players of all abilities.

The East of Málaga Walking Group organises weekly hikes through the Sierra Almijara mountains, catering to different fitness levels and finishing with sociable lunches at local restaurants.

Creative types might enjoy the Axarquía Arts Society or the Nerja Players amateur dramatic group, while those interested in charitable work can volunteer with the Frigiliana Lions Club or the HELP charity shop in Nerja.

The Frigiliana International Club hosts monthly meet-and-greet events for newcomers and maintains an active Facebook group with local information and upcoming events.