Your Next Nerja Holiday
Where to Stay ➜ The TOP 5 Areas!
Not Sure Where to Stay on Your Next Nerja Holiday?
🏨 Nerja is a very popular holiday destination in southern Spain. People choose Nerja because it sits just along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, it's packed full of wide sandy beaches, it's rich with nightlife, it's less crowded than other popular 'Costa del Sol' destinations, AND it's home to the famous Nerja Caves.Whether you're just passing through, on a tour of the 'TOP Andalucian Destinations', or you're planning a one or two-week Nerja holiday... keep reading to find out where to stay, the TOP 5 Places, and why!
You might also be interested in...
In this article we will cover the best areas to stay while your on your next Nerja holiday. But be sure to read the articles below to see some of our favorite accommodation options in the village.
Nerja Holiday - Where to Stay ➜ #1
The Nerja Old Town
Out of all the areas to stay in Nerja, the old town boasts the largest number of accommodations (hotels, villas, apartments, and low-cost hostels). For this reason, it's our number one choice!
If you are staying in Nerja for just a short time, staying in the old town is definitely your best bet. Take advantage of being in the heart of the city and close to all the top sites, restaurants, and shopping while still being able to enjoy many of Nerja's quaint beaches and coves. Everything is accessible by foot and while a car is recommended, you can do without.
There are three (3) distinct areas to stay within the old town, each having its own specific charm. And each area has access to one or two of Nerja's 10 gorgeous beaches...
- The Balcon de Europa - This area is in the heart of the old town and where you will find the most restaurants and nightlife. The
Balcon, known as the
"Balcony of Europe", is a large promenade and patio
overlooking the sea and many of Nerja's prettiest beaches. The area is
very lively and you will find many great hotels in the Balcon de Europa Plaza. You can't go wrong booking a hotel in this area!
The four closest beaches are: Playa Calahonda, Playa Chorrillo, Playa la Caletilla, and Playa el Salón
Hotel Balcón de Europa -
Hotel Plaza Cavana -
Apartamentos Toboso Plaza
** Nerja Holiday | Where to Stay ➜ Balcon de Europa
- Carabeo Street - Another area within the Nerja old town is along Carabeo Street. This area tends to be quieter with a larger number of
low-cost hostels and apartments. It is just a quick 5-minute walk to the Balcon de Europa Plaza.
The closest beach is: Playa Carabeo
Hotel Carabeo - - Great Location
Casa Eva
Casa Jardin -
Hostal Tres Soles
- Playa Torrecilla & Plaza Cangrejos - The final area we recommend within the Nerja old town is the area around
Playa Torrecilla. This area
tends to get very crowded during the summer months. There are two four-star hotels along the beach promenade, one of which, Hotel RIU is adult-only.
This makes the area popular with older, retired holiday-goers (or those on holiday without the kids).
If you stay in this area, you will have easy access to restaurants, bars, shopping, and a wonderful beach promenade that extends from Playa el Chucho to the Plaza de los Cangrejos. The Balcon de Europa is just a quick 10-minute walk through the shopping district.
The two closest beaches are: Playa Torrecilla and Playa el Chucho
Hotel Riu Monica - Adults Only -
MB Boutique Hotel -
Perla Marina -
Apartamentos Playa Torrecilla
Pros & Cons of Staying in the Old Town:
Pros | Cons |
Lively Atmosphere | Crowded |
Nightlife | Not as Quiet |
Tons of Restaurants | |
Shopping District | |
No Need for Car | |
5 Nearby Beaches |
** Nerja Holiday | Where to Stay ➜ Old Town
Trusted VRBO Partner
Nerja Holiday - Where to Stay ➜ #2
Playa Burriana
If you are coming to Nerja for a proper beach holiday, then Playa Burriana is the place for you! This area is packed with all the necessities and is extremely popular during the summer. Burriana beach attracts people of all ages and is especially popular with families with kids or visitors interested in water sports. Here you will find a large assortment of activities such as kayaking to the waterfalls and caves, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle surf, boat rental, and volley ball.
The main road that runs along Playa Burriana is full of wonderful restaurants and tapas bars, beach shops, sports companies, and more. Behind the main road you will find apartments and condos to rent. And Nerja's TOP hotel, the Parador de Nerja, , sits just at the top of the cliff with stunning views of the coast and beach.
** Nerja Holiday | Where to Stay ➜ Playa Burriana
The only disadvantage of staying in the Playa Burriana area is that you will need a car to get into town. You can also walk but it will take about 20-minutes to reach the Balcon de Europa. The only exception is if you are staying in the Parador, from there it is just a 10-minute walk into town.
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
Lively Atmosphere | Very Crowded |
Nightlife / Bars | 20-Minute Walk to Town |
Tons of Restaurants | Parking is Difficult |
Beach Shops | Limited Shopping |
Water Sports Activities | Fewer Hotels |
Sandy Beach | |
Many Apartment / Condo Rentals |
** Nerja Holiday | Where to Stay ➜ Parador de Nerja Views
Parador de Nerja -
Hotel Nerja Club Spa by Dorobe -
Villa Flamenca -
Apartamentos HC Burriana Playa -
Apartamentos Nerja Bahia -
Apartamentos Almoraide Suites - Adults Only
Trusted VRBO Partner
Nerja Holiday - Where to Stay ➜ #3
Playa Playazo - The Marinas de Nerja Resort & Spa
Everyone loves a resort! It's easy, you have everything in one place, and you can just relax by the pool and enjoy your Nerja holiday. The Marinas de Nerja Beach & Spa, has been a holiday favorite for years. It's located at the far end of Playa el Playazo where the sand is smooth and white, and the sea is clear and perfect for swimming. This 4-star resort boasts a spa, a beautiful pool with a beach bar, and lovely rooms with a balcony and Mediterranean Sea views.
The only drawback for staying in the 'Playa Playazo' area is the distance (7 min (2.7 km)) to the Nerja town center. We recommend renting a car if you plan on staying in this resort, although the hotel does provide a shuttle service into town for an additional cost.
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
All-Inclusive Resort | Sometimes Crowded |
Quiet | Less Action |
1-2 Restaurants | Fewer Restaurants / Bars |
Wonderful Seaside Pool | Outside of Town |
Wide Sandy Beach | Need a Car |
** Nerja Holiday | Where to Stay ➜ Playa Playazo - Marinas de Nerja
Marinas de Nerja Beach & Spa -
Nerja Holiday - Where to Stay ➜ #4
El Capistrano Village
Another popular area to stay in Nerja is the El Capistrano Residential Village. This charming community is made up of hundreds of little houses and apartments that are primarily summer rentals. The area is quiet but lively and just minutes from the popular Playa Burriana. All guests staying in the el Capistrano Village will also have access to the clubhouse with a restaurant and a pool.
This area is a great place to stay if you are in Nerja for a week or two... or even longer. The houses are more spacious than what you will find in a hotel and are surrounded by beautiful gardens and meandering pathways. You will also find a small grocery store and laundry service in the village.
It is advised to have a car if you choose El Capistrano so that you can easily get into the old town and nearby beaches. However, there is a bus service available that runs hourly through the village and taxi stands can be found throughout.
** Nerja Holiday | Where to Stay ➜ San Juan de Capistrano Pool
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
Quiet / Tranquil | Outside of Town |
1-2 Restaurants | No Nightlife |
More Space | Need a Car |
Nearby Grocery | |
Nearby Beach | |
Gardens / Club House |
** Nerja Holiday | Where to Stay ➜ El Capistrano Sur
El Capistrano, just 9 min (3.2 km) outside of the Nerja old town, is a large area with hundreds of available vacation homes and apartments. The village can be broken down into 3 different areas.
El Capistrano Sur -
Nerja Villas-Capistrano -
Las Rosas de Capistrano -
Capistrano Village, 1 Bedroom
** Nerja Holiday | Where to Stay ➜ Oasis de Capistrano
Trusted VRBO Partner
Nerja Holiday - Where to Stay ➜ #5
Frigiliana
If you really want to get away from it all... try the rustic village of Frigiliana, just 14 min (6.7 km) from Nerja. Frigiliana is one of the Pueblos Blancos of Andalucia and has been voted as one of the "Prettiest Villages in Spain". With stunning sea views from atop the mountains of the 'Parque Natural de Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama", this little village will delight you.
Although in recent years Frigiliana has seen a lot of action during the summer months, especially by day-tourists coming from Nerja, it tends to be more peaceful and quiet in the evenings. During the off-season Frigiliana is a mecca for those seeking solitude and tranquility in nature. The surrounding countryside is a wonderful place to spend the day hiking or picnicking near the Chillar River.
For those who choose to stay in Frigiliana, you will enjoy great restaurants, boutiques, spectacular views, intricate flower-filled streets and alleys, the nearby 'Lost Village', and more...
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
Lively Atmosphere | Crowded during the Day |
Some Nightlife | Remote |
Tons of Restaurants | No Close Beaches |
Boutique Shopping | No large Grocery Stores |
Beautiful Spanish Village | Car Advisable |
Natural Hiking Areas |
** Nerja Holiday | Where to Stay ➜ Frigiliana
Trusted VRBO Partner
Save money on your next trip with our favorite travel websites!
Find the Cheapest Hotels: | |
The Largest Selection of Villas & Apartments: | |
Cheapest, Most Reliable Car Rentals: | |
Best Bus & Train Fares: | |
Huge Selection of the BEST Tours & Activities | |
Discount Tickets to Museums & Attractions | |
- The Nerja Caves
- Prices
- Tour Packages
- Opening Hours
- The Nerja Museum
- The Nerja Tourist Train
- Tours to Nerja & the Nerja Caves
- Nerja's Top Sites
- Balcón de Europa
- Eagle Aqueduct
- The Ermita de las Angustias
- The Church of El Salvador
- Top Things to Do
- Nerja Hiking Trails
- Visit the Nerja Markets
- Day Trips to Nerja
- Excursions From Nerja
- Costa del Sol Sailing Tours
- Kayaking in the Nature Reserve
- How to Arrive
- Getting From Malaga to Nerja
- Where is Nerja?
- Nerja to Frigiliana
- Nerja to Frigiliana Bus Info