Seven Things Not to Miss This Summer on a Visit to Frigiliana

It is the dream Mediterranean village. White, yet dotted with colors. On the slope of a mountain, but overlooking the sea. Frigiliana is considered, on its own merits, one of the most beautiful villages in Europe.

Its streets and views are two of its main attractions, but, fortunately for this municipality, there are many more things to do or visit. Even in the middle of summer.

1. Walking through Barribarto

   A lively regression through the past

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In this village, the old town is known as Barribarto (High Quarter) and it clearly marks its identity. Although one must face considerable slopes in August or September, it is worth it to enjoy the chromatic variety of its streets, squares, and corners, where the white of the facades does not monopolize thanks to the colorful pots, doors, or windows.

In the late afternoon, with cooler temperatures and aiming to end the tour with the sunset, one of the best moments of the day awaits in Barribarto. There, history is also very present thanks to the narration of the Moorish rebellion through mosaics.

1. Discovering its old castle

   What is seen and not seen in the fortress of Lízar

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Sometimes it may be overshadowed by Barribarto itself or also be almost invisible due to its elevated location and the few remains left of it.

However, it is worth climbing up to the castle of Lízar to discover a place to understand the history of Frigiliana. It can be done from the town center on foot or even by approaching it by vehicle via the mill of the same name.

Among its ruins, one can perceive the grandeur of this walled enclosure, which once had four thousand square meters of surface area and was supplied with water thanks to the nearby aqueduct.

1. Viewpoints

   The balconies that overlook both the sea and the mountains

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It is one of the great attractions in this village of the Axarquía, to make the most of its panoramic views. There are viewpoints within the town itself, but also in the surrounding area.

One can take a route through these balconies which, in some cases, look southward, where the backdrop of the sea awaits, and in others, towards the town itself. Among others, the following can be seen: Santo Cristo, Torrox road, Lízar castle, Axarquía, Casa del Apero, or Barranco del Higuerón.

1. Santa Fiora Botanical Garden

   The orchard that takes a tour through native vegetation

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It has only been around for a decade and a half, but it is a place with a lot of history. The Santa Fiora botanical garden, located next to Barribarto, is a green area where plant species that have been important to the inhabitants of Frigiliana for centuries are present.

From esparto grass or palmetto, used for making household and agricultural tools, to sugarcane or olive, which were key in agriculture in past centuries. All this without forgetting the aromatic plants used both as natural remedies and as seasonings for food.

1. Buying handmade products

   Unique souvenirs after a visit

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In the streets of Frigiliana, awaits a true gallery of handmade products. There is much to choose from, from ceramics or clay to textiles.

Although not all are made there, some establishments are also workshops. This is the case with El Rincón del Esparto, where its owner, Lourdes Bueno, makes the most of a plant traditionally used in the field for making baskets and other utensils. She takes esparto to another dimension with true works of art.

1. Dishes with sugarcane honey

   The juice that sweetens the town's recipes

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Frigiliana can boast of having among its most historic places a factory where sugarcane juice is extracted, commonly known as sugarcane honey.

This product, which is typical of the town and can be purchased both at the factory and in various establishments, can be tasted in many dishes prepared in bars and restaurants. It goes well with fried eggplants or cod omelets as well as salads, meat dishes, or creative recipes.

1. Festival of the Three Cultures

   The climax of August comes with an Andalusian immersion

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On the last weekend of August, Frigiliana, this village, which can boast of preserving the physiognomy of its old quarter, celebrates a gathering around the coexistence of the three most important cultures or religions during the old Al-Andalus, namely, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim.

For this, each edition prepares a very special atmosphere that includes a souk of handmade products, street parades, live music, and tapas routes through its bars and restaurants.