Discover Nerja

Nerja Spain

What Makes Nerja so Special?

That's an easy question to answer...

Nerja is a charming seaside town that everyone envisions when you think of a classic Spanish village. You know, the ones with the whitewashed houses, beautiful old towns with winding streets and alleys full of colorful flowers and vines clinging to the balconies above. It has small, lively squares full of quaint restaurants and tapas bars serving delicious Andalucian cuisine, and stunning white sandy beaches that meet the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea...

We've been living and traveling in the area for over 20 years and no matter what happens... Nerja is the place we always come back to. Unlike the other towns and villages along the Costa del Sol, Nerja remains refreshingly natural. We love its rugged coastline, wide beautiful beaches, natural parks and authentic Spanish feel.

And the weather here is consistently gorgeous, making it the perfect place for outdoor activities like hiking along the coastal cliffs, exploring hidden caves and coves, and kayaking in the nature reserve... and of course relaxing on some of the prettiest beaches in Malaga!

It's also home to the world famous Nerja Caves, the Balcon de Europa, and just a short drive away from some of the most interesting places to visit in Andalucia, like Frigiliana, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Caminito del Rey hiking trail, and the Costa Tropical... to name a few.

And the best part? Nerja is surprisingly affordable, making it a wonderful destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience without spending too much.

But don't take our word for it... keep reading to find out all you need to know about this amazing village and how to book your next holiday here!

---

---

Where is Nerja Spain Exactly?

Nerja is located in the heart of Andalucia on the famous Costa del Sol, in the region of Axarquía... the most popular coastal area in southern Spain!

The Costa del Sol includes all the coastal towns and villages in the province of Malaga and stretches from Estepona to Nerja. Most of this area, as you can imagine, has become very developed over the years and is VERY busy during the summer months...

But Nerja is a bit different...

Situated at the very end of the province, on the edge of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, it has more in common with the Costa Tropical than the Costa del Sol. Nerja is typically more rustic, naturally beautiful, less developed and enjoys the same cooler microclimate as the Costa Tropical... But, Where is Nerja Spain Exactly?

---

Day Trips to Nerja From Malaga or Granada

Nerja is also a VERY popular day trip destination with tours leaving daily from the capital cities of Malaga or Granada. You can plan a trip on your own or join a guided tour from either of these neighboring cities. If you don't want the hassle of planning a trip to Nerja, make it easy on yourself and leave the planning to the professionals...

Here is a list of the TOP day trips to Nerja including stops in Frigiliana and the Nerja Caves!

---

Where to Stay in Nerja:

The TOP 2 Hotels in Nerja Spain

We recommend prioritizing location when choosing where to stay in Nerja. It’s a small village, and if you love walking half as much as we do, consider one of these two hotels in the old town. This way you won't have to worry about taxis or public transportation.

The first is the well-known Parador de Nerja, perched on a cliff overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. It's a luxury hotel with stunning panoramic views, elegant rooms and great service... making it an ideal choice for those looking for a little pampering.

Another great option is the Hotel Balcón de Europa, an iconic hotel located in the historic center of Nerja with views of the sea and the famous Balcon de Europa promenade.

Both are wonderful choices, but don't wait! Book your holiday in Nerja today!

---

Distances to Other Important Towns from Nerja:

---

Where to Stay Near Nerja?

If you don't want to stay in the village of Nerja itself (or haven't been able to find a hotel), there are many other places to stay nearby. Any of the following towns would make a wonderful base from which to explore Nerja and the surrounding areas.

• Frigiliana (9 km) - Voted one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, this mountain retreat is just a 12 minute drive from Nerja. The Hotel Villa Frigiliana is the nicest hotel.

• La Herradura (7 km) - A picturesque fishing village on the eastern side of the Maro nature reserve, opposite Cantarriján beach. It has a beautiful bay with seaside chiringuitos and a marina. Here is nice selection of hotels and villas.

• Almuñecar (14 km) - Another popular holiday destination just 30-minutes down the coast from Nerja with a waterpark, aquarium, bird park, and a castle! Best hotels and villas in Almuñecar.

• Maro (1.7 km) - This tiny village is the closest to Nerja (you can walk) but has far less accommodation. If you would like to stay here try these options.

• If you still haven't found anything, you can also try VRBO.com, they have a ton of great villas and apartments.

---

When is the Best Time to Visit Nerja?

By far the best time to visit Nerja is during the spring and fall months when the weather is warm and it's less crowded, making it a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

With temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit (about 18-27°C), you can comfortably explore Nerja's charming streets, scenic beaches and impressive natural parks. Over the last few years, the weather has changed on the Costa del Sol and now these seasons typically offer mostly sunny days 🌞 (with much less rain) and slightly cooler evenings, it's an ideal time for any outdoor activities and sightseeing.

• The hottest months in Nerja are June, July, August, and September.
• Nerja has dry periods in June, July, August, and September.
• On average, Nerja's warmest month is July.
• On average, Nerja's coolest month is January.
• The rainiest month in Nerja is November, avoid it if you are not a big fan of rain.
• July is the driest month in Nerja.

---

Nerja's TOP Sights & Activities...

Tourism in Nerja has really exploded in the last few years... Why is that? Because this little village has some seriously amazing things to see and some seriously fun things to do, so don’t just waste your time lying around on the beach... well... do that too... But take advantage of these TOP sights and activities in Nerja. You won't regret it!

---

One of the reasons so many people visit Nerja is to see the world famous Nerja Caves! These caves are so extraordinary that they are listed in the "Guinness Book of World Records" for being home to the world's largest stalactite! What is a stalactite, you might ask? Read our article on The Ultimate Guide to the Nerja Caves to find out.

A trip to the caves will take you about 1-2 hours, but it's well worth it. The general ticket also includes entry to the Nerja Museum, and you can upgrade your ticket to include the Nerja Tourist Train too.

We bring family and friends here every year and they all love it! Especially the kids! 😍

BOOK TICKETS NOW!

---

Almost every town in Andalucia has a daily market, and Nerja is no different. You will always find a wonderful assortment of fruits, veggies, spices, teas, plants and flowers... as well as handmade pottery and craft items that make great gifts or souvenirs. You will also find a lot of Moroccan items...

Nerja has two weekly markets you can visit: the fresh food and spice market and the Sunday Rastro (which is a flea market or car boot sale). If you have the time, visit both!

---

Something the kids will LOVE is a ride on the Nerja train. This is a great way to get your bearings when visiting a new place!

The train departs from Plaza Fabrica de los Cangrejos, next to Playa Torrecilla, and runs from Nerja to the village of Maro (past some of the most important sites) and then on to the Nerja Caves.

Note: If you are planning to visit the Nerja Caves and don't have a car, this is a great way to get there...

---

The thing that Nerja is best known for, besides its insanely beautiful beaches, is the Balcón de Europa at its center. 'Balcón de Europa' translates to 'Balcony of Europe'... and OH, what a balcony it is...

ALWAYS bustling with activity, you will find tourists admiring the stunning Mediterranean Sea views, enjoying a tapa in one of the cafes, watching the local artists paint, or just relaxing and taking in the festive atmosphere... It is truly a magical place to be!

---

This pretty church in Nerja sits at the western end of the Balcón de Europa and is host to many weddings, festivals, and religious processions throughout the year... most of which include singing, dancing, music, laughter... and lots of confetti.

Even in its quieter moments, the Church of El Salvador is worth a visit. The interior is less ornate than others but it contains representations of all three archangels (one of the few churches in the world to do so). The archangel of St Michael is highlighted as he is the patron saint of Nerja.

---

Walking from the Balcón de Europa on Calle Puerta del Mar you will come across a maze of small streets and alleyways full of interesting shops and galleries. The area forms a loop and can easily be covered in an hour or so. It's also full of great restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars if you need a break from your shopping.

What Kind of Shops Will You Find? Nerja has everything from clothing boutiques (men's, women's, and children's), art galleries, pottery shops, local craft shops, locally-made leather goods, to well-known chain brands like Desigual and Springfield. There are also specialty food shops, book stores, Moroccan goods, small supermarkets, and so much more...

Second Shopping area: Leaving the Balcón (behind the El Salvador Church) cross the plaza and turn left. You will find many more shops. As you walk towards the 'Plaza Fabrica de los Cangrejos' you will find four or five small souvenir shops that are great for buying gifts.

---

One of the most interesting sites in Nerja is the STILL working Eagle Aqueduct, also known as el Puente del Águila or "The Eagles' Bridge" in English. You'll find it on the road to Maro, heading east, just before you get to the Nerja Caves... and it's quite impressive!

The Aqueduct is regarded throughout Andalucia as a "historic jewel of Spanish architecture". It was built in the 19th century and has been in use ever since. In recent years the aqueduct has undergone a "mini facelift" with parts of the arches being painted yellow...

---

Nerja was made famous back in the 1980's by a Spanish TV series called 'Verano Azul', which translates to 'Blue Summer'. The show was about a group of kids and their lives while on holiday in a typical Spanish Mediterranean village on the Costa del Sol. It was extremely popular with Spaniards and had up to 20 million viewers at the time.

One of the main characters in the show 'Chanquete' lived on an old fishing boat... a replica of which can be found in the Parque Verano Azul at the western end of Nerja. Have a look!

---

Tucked away behind the Ayuntamiento (town hall and visitor center) in the Plaza de España you will find the Nerja Museum. It houses interesting items excavated from the nearby caves, including a very impressive skeleton of a woman thought to have lived in the caves more than 18,000 years ago.

Explore its three floors of interactive exhibits that will give you a complete overview of the history of the area, from the Palaeolithic to the present day.

---

Ahhhhh... THIS is why you come to Nerja... For its exquisite sandy beaches and spectacular Mediterranean Sea views.

Nerja has 21 beaches for you to enjoy (11 in town and 10 more in the Nature Reserve), all offering a wonderful assortment of water sports activities, delicious seaside chiringuitos, a shallow surf, and gentle waves. Rent a sunbed for the day and go for a swim! A day spent on any of Nerja's beaches would be a day spent, well... in Spanish heaven...

---

Nerja's TOP 10 Beaches:

---

On the northern side of Nerja, you will find this small, but lovely, 18th-century chapel located in the 'Plaza de la Ermita'. The Ermita de las Angustias is a tribute to the patroness of Nerja, "Our Lady of Anguish", and was recently renovated and its colorful murals were restored. It's definitely worth a visit!

Just behind the Chapel, you will find the Sala Mercado or "Exhibition Hall". Various art and photography exhibitions are held here throughout the year. If you are nearby, pop in and you might find something interesting...

---

Just beyond Nerja, in the Sierra de Almijara Natural Park, you will find one of the "most beautiful villages in Spain"... Frigiliana.

Frigiliana is a small, typical whitewashed Andalucian village that can be easily explored in just a few hours. Take a stroll through its winding streets and alleys, browse its charming boutiques and craft shops, visit its historic sights, and then enjoy a tapas on one of the terraces overlooking the mountains with the Mediterranean Sea and Nerja in the distance... It's simply breathtaking.

• Check Out This Tour to Frigiliana & the Lost Village of Acebuchal... from Nerja
• If you're planning a visit... Read our "Guide to the Best Restaurants in Frigiliana!"

---

Just to the east of Nerja is the small village of Maro, a picturesque farming village that sits on the edge of the Mediterranean with stunning views over the Costa del Sol, it's well known for its natural beaches (Maro Beach for example + 9 others) and a waterfall that can be reached by kayak.

Maro is located right in front of the Nerja Caves, so you could visit the caves and then later take a walk through the village. There is a small footbridge near the caves that leads to the town. Once there, you will find the parish church, an old sugar mill and a small square where you can sit and enjoy a light meal or a snack...

---

Starting in Maro and heading east is the magnificent Maro / Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve, the best way to see this area is by car. It takes about 15 minutes to drive from Maro to the end of the reserve in the small town of La Herradura.

The Maro / Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve is an untouched area along the coast of Malaga and Granada, with rocky cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea... creating small coves and bays.

The reserve boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, ancient Roman towers, Iberian mountain goats (which have found a home in the reserve), the Maro waterfall (only visible from the sea), fantastic hiking trails, and a wealth of other flora and fauna.

• Guided tours are available within the reserve, either by land or by sea.

---

While you're in Nerja, take advantage of being so close to so many other amazing towns and villages and visit them all! Most of them can be reached in less than 30 minutes... The Costa Tropical is known for the beauty of its beaches, its tropical fruits and veggies, Roman aqueducts, and a Moorish castle.

Check Out: La Herradura, Almuñécar, Salobreña, and Motril, the top four villages in the Costa Tropical.

---

Top Outdoor Activities in Nerja - Hiking & More...

One of the great things about Nerja is that although it’s a very touristy resort area it’s also right next to the Costa Tropical, which is a fantastic area for outdoor adventure activities.

Nerja also sits on the doorstep of a huge mountain range called the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, which straddles the provinces of Málaga and Granada. It's wonderful for those who enjoy hiking and is easily accessible from Nerja or any of the other nearby villages.

Below are 10 popular activities you can do in and around Nerja...

---

Nerja's gastronomy, Entertainment and Culture

Nerja's cuisine is centered around its natural environment. It's known for its typical healthy Mediterranean diet made from fresh produce grown in nearby gardens, vineyards and local farms. And it's seafood dishes are prepared with fish, moriscos and prawns directly from the sea. It's most popular dishes are grilled and fried fish, cold soups (gazpacho), rice dishes (paella), grilled meats and healthy, crisp salads.

Not only should you enjoy these special Mediterranean flavors, but you should do it the Spanish way, by sharing them with family and friends at one of the beach bars or chiringuitos overlooking the sea.

And for more Andalucian tradition, try tapas bar hopping or "tapeo". On a nice afternoon or evening, take a stroll from bar to bar and and relax with a drink and a FREE tapa. 😎 Many of the bars in Nerja also offer live flamenco music which makes the whole experience even more festive!

---

Nerja's BEST Restaurants!

• Check out: "The 20 Best Nerja Restaurants"
• Check out: "The 7 Best Frigiliana Restaurants"
• Check out: "The 17 Best Bars in Nerja"
• Check out: "The TOP 12 Nerja Tapas Bars"

---

Nightlife in the Tutti Frutti Plaza

Nerja is known for its nightlife! Unlike some of its quieter neighbors, this town likes to party!

Start with cocktails in the old town, the busiest area is along "Calle Almte Ferrandiz" where you will find the Buddha Bar Lounge and several other great tapas bars. Later, head over to the Tutti Frutti Plaza, where you'll find no fewer than 10 bars and music venues that open around 11pm and stay open until late.

If you're still up for it... there are a couple of late-night discos that don't close until around 6am... Don't forget to drink plenty of water!

---

Nerja's Best Bars:

---

Festivities in Nerja

If you plan to visit Nerja during any of its top holidays, make sure to check with the town hall to find out what activities will be taking place...

Nerja’s top fiestas are:

The Nerja Fair - Mid-October - One of the biggest celebrations of the year in Nerja with processions, singing, dancing, eating, and drinking.

La Noche de San Juan - 23rd of June - This festival is celebrated every year in Nerja with people staying out late and even camping on the beaches.

San Isidro and La Virgen del Carmen - 15th May & 16th July - These are two celebrations in honor of two highly regarded patron saints. Nerja honors them with flamboyant processions and huge parties.

The Three Kings Parade - 5th January - On the afternoon of January 5, the people of Nerja put on their best costumes to receive the procession of their Majesties... the Three Wise Men.

---

Planning Your Trip to Nerja

How to Arrive & Directions

Nerja is an easily accessible town, only 45 minutes east of Malaga and 50 minutes south of Granada, you can make a day trip to Nerja from either of these two cities.

A visit should only take you about half a day... but if you have the time, we recommend staying for a full day or even two... many people come for a week. There is an endless number of things to see and do in the area.

• Check out: "Top Things to See in Nerja"
• Check out: "Top Things to Do in Nerja"

---

---

For More Information About Nerja:

That should be all you need for an amazing vacation in Nerja! Don't wait! Book your holiday in Nerja today!! ;-)

---