Morning Stroll Through Frigiliana, Spain's Most Beautiful Village, then Málaga Airport to Heathrow – Day 5

Date: 2018-10-11

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Spain Málaga Costa del Sol 4-night short holiday – Day 5 A Thursday in late September 2018

Today is the last day of our trip.

Morning at Miller's de Frigiliana

We went to bed early the previous night and woke up while it was still dark. Thinking it must be very early, we checked the clock – it was already 7am. Of course – Spain is an hour ahead of the UK, so 7am here is still dark. We showered, packed the luggage we'd be checking in, then headed up to the hotel rooftop as it grew light to enjoy the view.

The moon was out in the dawn sky.

From the hotel rooftop, we could see the mountains in the distance.

The rooftop had garden sofas, a hammock, a jacuzzi, and a barbecue grill – all looking very inviting.

Beyond the rooftops, we could even see the sea.

Around 9am we went downstairs for breakfast. A continental breakfast was set out in the kitchen for guests to help themselves and eat wherever they liked.

We weren't very hungry – perhaps the previous night's feast was still with us – so we kept it light: coffee, bread and fruit.

As the road in front of the hotel closes to traffic from 11am, we checked out early at 10am, drove to the car park, brought the car around to load our bags, then parked again in a permitted area at the village exit and set off to explore on foot.

Strolling Through the Beautiful White Village of Frigiliana

From just after 10am, tour groups arriving by coach began streaming up from below. Day visitors far outnumber overnight guests. The weather was beautiful again today.

There was a local market set up in the square near the village entrance, with a mix of locals and tourists. We immediately joined in – if you ever come across a local market while travelling, it's essential to visit! We bought some lovely locally made pottery, marinated olives, and large-cloved garlic.

Colourful Spanish patterns – just the right size for holding olives. The marinated olives from the market were a great find, similar to those we'd had at a restaurant in Mijas. These were exactly what we were hoping for. At 1.3kg of olives for €2.50 (about 320 yen) – incredible value, and delicious. Local markets never disappoint.

We'd simmer the large garlic cloves in olive oil when we got home.

After the market, we wandered through the village, browsing the little shops. Every photo opportunity looked like a postcard! No wonder this is called Spain's most beautiful village.

The wall-mounted plant pots we'd seen in Mijas were here too, in all sorts of sizes, shapes and patterns.

Even the cobblestones had patterns.

Greenery and flowers everywhere you look.

The steep hills are a challenge, but it's a delightful village to explore.

A shop selling vegetables, fruit and local sweets. Fully ripe, locally grown mangoes were on display.

A wine bar serving local wines and snacks.

A rest at a café. Spanish coffee is not as dark-roasted as Italian coffee – easy to drink and very good.

A cat having its midday nap.

We spent a full two hours happily exploring Frigiliana.

Heading to Málaga Airport

Time to go. We drove towards Málaga Airport, taking a last look at those sweeping landscapes.

About 50 minutes later we reached the rental car return gate. After the vehicle check we handed back the car, then walked with our bags to the departure terminal. The rental car buildings are right next to the airport terminal, which is very convenient. Málaga handles a huge number of rental car customers, so the layout has clearly been carefully thought through.

Today's flight: BA455 to London Heathrow Terminal 5, departing at 17:10.

The check-in counters open roughly two hours before departure. We'd checked in online already, but needed to drop off one bag and collect boarding passes since we hadn't had access to a printer. We waited for the counters to open.

There appear to be 386 check-in counters here! A huge number of airlines must operate from this airport. Clearly a very popular holiday destination – there were multiple flights to four different London airports.

Sneaking Into the Málaga Airport Lounge

Two hours before departure, we dropped off our luggage and cleared security – about an hour and a half before the flight. Since we'd likely be hungry during the flight, we decided to head to the lounge. Taking a lift to the second floor behind the duty-free shops, we found it easily. We used Priority Pass to enter, paying £15 for our son as a guest.

A very spacious lounge. There was even a jewellery shop inside – the first time we'd seen that in an airport lounge. With plenty of sofas and not too crowded, it was a wonderful space, and many people were actually lying down on the sofas. (Laughs)

As it was still before 4pm, there were no hot meals, but there were sandwiches and snacks, which we enjoyed with drinks (alcoholic ones). Our son, who loves snacks and juice, certainly got his money's worth. (Laughs)

In the lounge toilets, there was a state-of-the-art handwashing system: water comes from the middle, and powerful hot air from bars on either side dries your hands. It was made by Dyson – the first time we'd seen one. We reached in to wash our hands and got a sudden blast of air – quite a surprise!

Taking Off from Málaga Airport

Boarding time! We headed to the gate and boarded. The plane pushed back about ten minutes behind schedule, but the captain assured us we'd arrive in London on time. Goodbye, Málaga. We'll be back! (…To eat more calamari… yes, still going on about that. Laughs)

As we approached the UK, the sun was setting.

We flew over London on our way to Heathrow. London was in fine weather too, apparently 20°C. Not much of a temperature difference – a relief.

Safe arrival at London Heathrow Terminal 5. 18:55. Just before landing a sudden gust shook the plane, but the captain recovered smoothly for a quiet touchdown. Nice landing, Captain!

Terminal 5 gates are divided into A, B and C. Gate A is in the main building, while B and C require an underground monorail. Both coming and going this trip, we were at Gate A – nice and easy.

By now, passport control is largely automated, with no long queues. Only non-EU citizens still go through the traditional immigration officer checks. Our bags came out quickly, and we took the bus to the car park where we'd left our car.

Outside it was pitch dark. This is Terminal 5's main building – all glass, sparkling beautifully at night.

After about 15 minutes on the bus, we arrived at Purple Parking, collected the car keys at the counter, loaded the luggage, and set off home.

Nearly home now.

Only five days in total – a short trip – but it was absolutely packed and wonderful. We soaked up plenty of sunshine and topped up our vitamin D levels.

What a lovely journey. Thank you, Spain!