Situated on the slopes of the Sierra Almijara mountains, it offers some of the most spectacular views on the Costa del Sol. The layout and appearance of the historic quarter is the result of urban design from the Arab period.

Its narrow, winding and often stepped streets are interconnected by covered passages occasionally flanked by doors which would close to strengthen the town's defences. A tour of the historic quarter reveals interesting glazed ceramic mosaics which tell the story of the events occurred between Moors and Christians on the Frigiliana Rock. Also prominent is the palace of the Counts of Frigiliana, from the 16th century, subsequently converted into a sugar refinery for making sugar cane honey.