Renowned for its white washed villages, southern Spain’s picturesque towns with tiny car free streets are the perfect tourist destination. We chose Frigiliana, a village just a few kilometres inland from the coastal town where we were staying.
Travelling in the south of Spain we bypassed the crowded Costa del Sol and made our way east to Nerja, where we stayed for a few days. We were on a mission to find some of the beautiful white washed villages of the region.
The Andalusían town of Frigiliana has a reputation as one of the best. And it didn’t disappoint, is just so dam picturesque. We enjoyed strolling around the villages cobblestone streets, its narrow lanes decorated with ceramic mosaics and potted plants.
Passing the houses with red tiled roofs, marvelling at the window boxes overflowing with flowers, you understand why Frigiliana has such a reputation.
Bougainvillea’s meander up the white washed walls and over pergolas. Potted citrus trees adorn terraces and ceramic signs bid welcome to the villages tapas bars and restaurants.
In the villages Moorish old quarter we find a flamenco guitarist playing a traditional tune – the perfect soundtrack to our inquisitive tour. We continue on peaking over fences and see a sun drenched terracotta terrace with pool surrounded by lush plants.
At the end of August each year, Frigiliana hosts the Festival de las Tres Culturas, (the Festival of the Three Cultures) celebrating the region’s Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions.
The rugged hilly environment surrounding the village contrasts beautifully with the white washed houses of the town. The road past Frigiliana winds its way around the hill top villages of Cómpeta, Canillas de Albaida, Árchez and Sayalonga.
Orchards of orange and lemon trees, olive and avocado groves adorn the hillsides punctuated here and there by dramatic rocky outcrops.
Location
Malaga is the main airport on the Costa del Sol and has connections to the major airports throughout Europe.
Our visit to Frigilana was part of a ten day Spanish holiday in the month of October. After picking up a car at the airport in Malaga, we drove east to Nerja. From there we headed inland to Granada, then onto Madrid, an easy drive on motorway. We let go of the car in Madrid, and explored this gorgeous city on foot. From Madrid we caught the high speed train to Barcelona, where we spend five nights. We flew from Barcelona to Sydney with Singapore Airlines.
