Postcards from Andalucía: My Trip to Frigiliana and Nerja

When I first joined the Erasmus Student Network during my year abroad in Spain, I knew I’d have the chance to travel, meet other international students, and see new corners of Andalucía. But I didn’t expect a simple day trip to the Málaga coast to teach me so much about Spanish life, culture, and history. Not to mention it gave me one of the most memorable days of my entire year!

For anyone learning Spanish, trips like this aren’t just about sightseeing, they’re about living the language and immersing yourself in the everyday rhythms of life. It reminded me why our Spanish immersion courses in Málaga are so effective, because you’re not only learning in the classroom, but also living the culture.

Setting Off from Córdoba

Our group gathered early on a Saturday morning in Córdoba, buzzing with excitement. Córdoba itself is a perfect starting point for adventures in Andalucía. With its lively tapas bars, world-class heritage sites, and beautiful parks. That morning, I couldn’t help but think how much my Spanish had grown since I’d started speaking with locals every day. This is something you simply can’t replicate outside of Spain.

After quick introductions with fellow Erasmus students (people from Italy, Germany, France, and beyond), we hopped on the bus. ESN trips always had that mix of adventure and community, and this one promised not only coastal views but also the chance to explore the cultural gems of Frigiliana and Nerja, two towns that truly capture the essence of Andalucía.

First Stop: Frigiliana

As the bus wound its way into the mountains, we finally arrived at Frigiliana, often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Perched high above the coast, this pueblo blanco is famous for its narrow, winding streets lined with dazzling whitewashed houses, each decorated with cobalt-blue doors and pots overflowing with all different kinds of flowers.

Walking through Frigiliana felt like stepping back in time. The town is a living example of Andalucía’s Moorish heritage, with its old quarter preserving architectural styles from when Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted here centuries ago. As I wandered through the labyrinth of alleyways, I could hear the echoes of Spanish words bouncing off the stone walls. I remember it being a very hot day, and my little handheld fan was doing almost nothing as we were climbing up the steep hills, but the view was definitely worth it!

For anyone learning Spanish, this kind of environment is priceless. I found myself trying to read shop signs, overhear conversations, and even test out my own Spanish with locals selling handmade ceramics and local products. Every interaction was a mini language lesson!

Next Stop: Nerja

After soaking up Frigiliana’s charm, we made our way down to the coast to visit Nerja, one of the most picturesque seaside towns in Andalucía. Nerja has everything: stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a lively Andalucían atmosphere.

The highlight of the visit was the Balcony of Europe, a viewpoint that juts out into the Mediterranean. Standing there, with the sea stretching endlessly in front of me and the Sierra Almijara mountains behind, I finally understood why Andalucía inspires so many poets, painters, and musicians.

As I leaned on the railings, a local guitarist began playing flamenco nearby, his fingers moving effortlessly across the strings. The raw passion of the music, combined with the sea breeze and golden light, felt like the soul of Andalucía distilled into one moment.

The Taste of Andalucía: Local Flavours in Nerja

One of the highlights of Nerja is its regional cuisine. I joined some friends at a small restaurant, where we shared plates of berenjenas con miel (crispy fried aubergines drizzled with honey). The balance of savoury and sweet was unlike anything I’d tasted before.

Food is such an essential part of Spanish culture, and eating in Nerja felt like a lesson in both language and tradition. Ordering in Spanish, listening to the waiter describe the dishes, and savouring each bite, all of it added layers to my experience of learning the language. It reminded me of Wiseward’s Spanish + Cookery courses in Málaga, where you don’t just learn grammar, you also learn the language through food and cooking classes!

Language in Action: Why Immersion Matters

On the bus ride back to Córdoba, I thought about how much I’d spoken Spanish that day (ordering food, asking directions, chatting with locals). It wasn’t all perfect, of course, but that’s the beauty of immersion learning: you get constant practice, you make mistakes, and you improve quickly.

This is exactly the philosophy behind Wiseward’s Spanish immersion courses in Málaga. Whether you choose an Intensive Spanish course, Spanish + Flamenco or Salsa, or the tailored Spanish for 50+ programme, the key is that you’re living the language in real-life contexts. Just like I did in Frigiliana and Nerja, students can practise in markets, dance studios, cafés, and everyday interactions, all while being guided by expert teachers!

And the best part? Málaga itself is a cultural hub, with easy access to stunning towns like Frigiliana and Nerja. That means your weekends can be filled with trips like this one, each giving you new chances to practise Spanish and experience Andalucía’s diverse culture.

Reflections: More Than Just a Trip

By the time we rolled back into Córdoba that evening, tired but happy, I realised the day had been about much more than sightseeing. Frigiliana and Nerja showed me how Andalucían culture is woven into daily life…in its food, music, architecture, and warmth of its people.

Trips like this remind me why studying abroad or taking a Spanish course in Spain is such a powerful way to learn. You’re not just memorising vocabulary, you’re living the language. Every meal, every bus ride, every chat with a shopkeeper, becomes part of your education.

Why You Should Make Andalucía Part of Your Spanish Journey

If you’re considering learning Spanish, I can’t recommend Andalucía enough. Whether it’s wandering through the whitewashed streets of Frigiliana, gazing out at the Mediterranean from Nerja, or dancing flamenco in Málaga, every experience connects you more deeply to the language and its people. Each course is designed to give you the same kind of immersive, unforgettable experiences I had on my ESN trip.

Final Thoughts

My day with ESN in Frigiliana and Nerja will always stand out as one of the highlights of my year abroad. It wasn’t just about the stunning views or the delicious food, it was about connection. Connection to history, to culture, to new friends, and most of all, to the Spanish language itself.

If you’re ready to take your Spanish to the next level, come to Málaga, join a Wiseward course, and make Andalucía your classroom. You’ll leave not just with improved Spanish, but with memories that last a lifetime.