I stayed here for two weeks in February 2020.
The village is located about 50 km south of Malaga and 6 km inland from Nerja, about 435 metres above sea level. It is a ‘white town’, located on the slopes of the Sierra Almijara mountains, with steep, narrow and winding cobbled streets. It is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Andalusia and has won four major prizes (one of them national). It is the old Moorish quarter that is of particular interest to visitors. This is acknowledged to be the purest example of Moorish architecture to be found in the Province of Malaga.
Next to the Tourist Information Centre and the Library there is a Museum of Archaeology which is well worth a visit. The town was inhabited in prehistoric times and there are remains of the Phoenicians and the Romans. The Moors had their stronghold in Frigiliana and many important Moorish nobles lived in the town. The Reconquest in 1487 by the Christians ended Moorish rule. The Moors were treated harshly and revolted in 1569, culminating in the battle of Peñon on June 11, 1569, resulting in a great loss of life on both sides. The Moorish castle was almost destroyed and the Moors were forced to abandon Spain and flee to North Africa. Each of the small plazas in the old quarter displays a chapter of the history of the town, depicted in a beautiful ceramic tile panel, twelve in all, including the final battle.
For the thirsty/hungry traveller, there’s quite a wide choice of cafes and restaurants. I would highly recommend Levi Angelo Chocolatier at the Plaza de las 3 Culturas for the quality of its coffee, chocolates, ice cream, service and views.
