A stunning whitewashed village in Malaga has been named among the most searched-for getaway destinations in Spain for 2026.

According to a new study by holiday rental search engine Holidu, the picturesque town ranks as the third most searched in the country among travellers planning trips this year.

The village in question is Frigiliana, which was the only Andalucia destination to make the top five.

The ranking was compiled by analysing monthly search volumes for Spanish villages with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.

The Axarquia village recorded around 3,380 monthly searches, placing it behind only the Cantabrian towns of Comillas and Santillana del Mar.

The rest of the top five was completed by Albarracín in Teruel and San Vicente de la Barquera in Cantabria.

Holidu said the list reveals ‘where travellers are looking this season’ as more tourists seek scenic escapes outside Spain’s major cities.

The platform described Frigiliana as ‘a white village in Malaga’s Axarquia that seems designed for getting lost without a map’.

Known for its steep cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and flower-filled balconies, Frigiliana has become one of Andalucia’s most photographed destinations in recent years.

Holidu highlighted the village’s ‘whitewashed alleyways, pots full of geraniums and views over the Mediterranean coast’ as some of the reasons behind its growing popularity.

The portal also noted that despite being located just minutes from the busy resort town of Nerja, Frigiliana still attracts travellers looking for authenticity, local craftsmanship and traditional gastronomy rather than mass tourism.

The village has already received several accolades in recent years, including being named among Spain’s most beautiful villages and previously being crowned the most beautiful village in Malaga province.

Beyond its postcard-perfect streets, visitors are drawn to attractions including the Hoces del Higueron hiking area and the historic sugar cane factory, where the famous local miel de caña syrup is still produced.

Frigiliana is also known for its sweet wines, subtropical produce and annual Three Cultures Festival, which celebrates the historical coexistence of Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities in the village through concerts, food and cultural events.

The only other Andalusian destination to appear in Holidu’s top 10 was Setenil de las Bodegas, which ranked ninth with around 2,380 monthly searches.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.