Emergency numbers, pharmacies, hospitals, police, and everything practical you might need during your stay in Frigiliana and Nerja.
You are unlikely to need any of this information - Frigiliana is a very safe, quiet village and the Nerja area is well-served by medical facilities. But it is worth knowing where to go and who to call before you need to, rather than scrambling to find out in an emergency. We keep printed emergency cards at each property, but here is the full picture.
Emergency numbers
The universal emergency number in Spain is 112. It connects to police, fire, and ambulance services and operators speak English. For medical emergencies specifically, call 061 (Andalucía-wide ambulance service). The Guardia Civil (rural police, the relevant force for Frigiliana) can be reached on 062. Local police are on 092 and national police on 091. Fire services are on 080. In any life-threatening emergency - chest pain, serious injury, fire, crime in progress - call 112 and they will dispatch the appropriate service.
Pharmacies - your first port of call
Spanish pharmacies (look for the green cross sign) are far more capable than their equivalents in the UK. Pharmacists can advise on and sell many medications that would require a prescription elsewhere - stomach bugs, sunburn treatment, insect bites, minor infections, allergic reactions, and pain relief can all be handled at the pharmacy without seeing a doctor. Nerja has several pharmacies in the centre and Frigiliana has one. A 24-hour duty pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) rotates between local pharmacies on a rota posted in every pharmacy window.
Tip: For the vast majority of minor health issues - upset stomachs, sunburn, bites, headaches, sprains - the pharmacy is all you need. Save yourself a trip to the doctor and go there first.
Medical care
For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, the Centro de Salud (public health centre) in Nerja provides walk-in medical attention. It accepts the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Expect waiting times, especially in summer, and note that Spanish is the primary language - bring a translation app. For English-speaking private care, the Nerja Medical Center on Calle San Miguel 14 (opposite Mercadona) provides 24/7 urgent medical care with no appointment needed. Private fees apply, so check your travel insurance coverage.
Hospital
The nearest hospital with a full accident and emergency department is the Hospital Comarcal de la Axarquía in Vélez-Málaga, about 35 kilometres and 35–40 minutes by car from Frigiliana. It is a 24-hour public hospital that accepts EHIC/GHIC. For very serious injuries or specialist treatment, the Hospital Regional Carlos Haya in Málaga city (75 kilometres, about an hour) is the major trauma centre. Private hospitals include Vithas Xanit in Benalmádena and Quirónsalud in Málaga - shorter waiting times and English-speaking staff, but expensive without insurance.
Police
The Guardia Civil is the police force for Frigiliana and rural areas. The nearest station is on Calle San Miguel in Nerja. To report a theft or crime, go to the station in person to file a denuncia (police report) - you will need this for any insurance claim. English may be limited, so bring a translation app. Petty theft (pickpocketing, car break-ins) occurs occasionally in tourist parking areas along the coast but is rare in Frigiliana itself. If you lose a passport, report it to the Guardia Civil first, then contact the British Consulate in Málaga for an emergency travel document.
Insurance essentials
The EHIC or GHIC card entitles UK and EU citizens to emergency public healthcare at the same terms as Spanish residents - carry it with you. It is not a substitute for travel insurance, however, as it does not cover repatriation, private care, dental treatment, or lost belongings. Travel insurance is essential and should cover medical treatment and repatriation, personal belongings, cancellation, and legal expenses. Keep your policy documents accessible - a digital copy on your phone plus a printed copy at the property.
Other useful information
Dental emergencies can be handled by several private clinics in Nerja with English-speaking dentists - expect to pay €50–200 for an emergency consultation, usually covered by travel insurance. The British Consulate in Málaga (Calle Mauricio Moro Pareto 2) can help with emergency travel documents and assistance after serious crime. Veterinary clinics are available in Nerja for guests travelling with pets. We keep a basic first aid kit at each property with plasters, antiseptic, paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, after-sun cream, and rehydration sachets.
Planning a trip to Frigiliana? Our villas are just minutes from the village - book direct for the best price.