Nerja is a trendy resort town on Costa Del Sol in Andalusia. Therefore, the Visit Nerja article will show why this village is so popular, what to see and do there, where to stay, and how to get there, among other insider tips.
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Why Visit Nerja
Nerja on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia presents miles of pristine white beaches, mountainous settings, and cliffside coves touching Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Its enchanting historical center has Roman, Baroque, and Moorish architecture. So, you can wander past historic houses and cozy squares with untouched nature surroundings (cliffs and canyons).
Nature lovers can enjoy hiking and camping at the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park or lounging on Nerja’s many beaches. Many visit Nerja for its famous caves, where you can see primitive paintings dating back 42,000 years. One of the chambers serves as a natural amphitheater that regularly hosts live concerts.
Note: Please read our article about the Must-see Attractions in Andalusia region.
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What to do and to see in Nerja?
Visit its beaches
The Beaches of Nerja are one of the towns’ most significant assets; the crystal clear waters and rocky outcrops that pepper the coastline make it a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving. The steep cliffsides offer breathtaking views, of course, none as dazzling as that of the Balcon de Europa. The shape of the coves means the waters are tranquil, and the beaches are protected from powerful winds. Restaurants and bars scattered along the shoreline ensure that the beaches of Nerja are unmissable and well-catered, a haven for tourists and locals.
Playa Burriana
Playa Burriana is the most famous of Nerja’s beaches. It is popular with families because of a children’s play area and a volleyball net. Despite how busy it gets, it is surprisingly spacious and clean. Like the rest of Nerja, it is picturesque, flanked by cliffs on either side and backed by some urbanizations but also wooded areas and gardens; as a result, it retains a rustic feel and has few services.
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Balcón de Europa
Balcón de Europa (Balcony of Europe) lies along Nerja’s coastline in the center of the old town. What used to be a giant Moorish fortress is now a viewpoint spotted with palm trees and a promenade.
The views over the beaches and rocky seashore are magnificent. Aside from the stellar scenery over the edge, Balcón de Europa has many restaurants and the white-plastered, 17th-century Church of El Salvador.
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Las Cuevas de Nerja (the Caves of Nerja)
Las Cuevas de Nerja (the Caves of Nerja) are a series of naturally formed caves and caverns in the hills of Maro, 4km North-East of Nerja, some of which have taken up to two million years to create. The caves contain the most comprehensive naturally-formed column in the world, at 32m high and 13x7m at its base. Formed by merging a stalagmite and stalactite, it has held the Guinness World Record since 1989. The caves also famously host the annual Nerja International Festival of Music and Dance. A visit to these caves is a truly unique experience. In 2010 the caves were the most visited attraction in Málaga province.
The site is attractive in both geological and archaeological interest; cave paintings depict images of goats, horses, deer, seals, and birds, drawn using red and black pigments. The images have been dated between 25,000 and 3,600 B.C.
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Cascada de Maro
Cascada de Maro is where the mountains meet the sea in Nerja. The steep limestone cliffs and clear blue waters make for a scenic photo. Just 2 km southeast of the famous Aqueduct Eagle, this spectacular waterfall tumbles from 15 meters straight into the Mediterranean Sea.
If you’re feeling active, you can visit Cascada de Maro on a boat tour or by sea kayak. It’sGoing there in April or May is recommended when there are fewer visitors. The waterfall is usually more potent during these months compared to summertime.
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Museo de Nerja
History buffs and those interested in Nerja’s past should head for Museo de Nerja, an interactive museum in Plaza de España. There are five rooms with informative videos and artifacts narrating the history of Nerja, its caves, and its people. The museum also displays information on the local architecture and industry, which makes it an excellent spot to get to know and understand your holiday destination. Museo de Nerja is free if you show your Nerja Caves tickets at the entrance.
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Hiking up the Rio Chillar
Placed firmly in the summer itineraries of many families along the Costa del Sol is a hike up the Chillar River. The walk is increasingly popular and does get crowded at weekends.
However, leave the beaches for a day and explore one of Andalucia’s most beautiful rivers. In that case, the Rio Chillar walk is the one for you.
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Visit Frigliana Village
Frigiliana is one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia.
About 5 km from Nerja, Frigiliana is located on Sierra Almijara, offering one of the most incredible views of the Costa del Sol.
Note: Please read our related article about Frigliana to find out more.
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Tapas bars and restaurants
Being a popular tourist destination both off-season and peak season (summer), Nerja has a good selection of restaurants, ranging from beach chiringuitos to more luxurious dining options. Restaurants in Nerja serve fresh seafood caught daily, including squid and octopus dishes and many paellas.
Nerja also has a great selection of bars offering a good atmosphere and quality food and drink under the same roof. The vast majority come with outdoor terraces, offering an idyllic place to relax in the sun with a drink and some food.
Tip: Paella at Ayo’s, Burriana beach
There are many places to have Paella in Nerja, but there’s only one Ayo’s-tapas-bar and only one Burriana beach. The winning combination of an ideal location and great food provides an undisputable place to enjoy a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine.
Getting to Nerja
By Air
Malaga Airport is 65 km from Nerja, with flights transporting over 10 million passengers annually, including a massive timetable to the U.K. and many more International Flights.
Note: We use Sky Scanner to find the best deals.
By train
The nearest mainline train station to Nerja is Malaga – Maria Zambrano. Unfortunately, there are no local trains towards Nerja.
By bus
Buses do not go to Nerja directly from the Airport. First, you must travel to Malaga Bus Station; from there, you can take another bus to Nerja.
Note: We use Omio to find the best deals.
Car hire
Due to the intense competition, car rental in Spain is the cheapest in Europe. In Nerja, car rental is no exception. So, we recommend you hire a car. But parking can be challenging, especially if you stay in the center. Therefore, check with your hotel or accommodation provider that parking is available.
By taxi
Taxi from Malaga airport is quite costly, so we advise you to use other means of transportation.
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Excursions from Nerja
Nerja isis a popular tourist destination; plenty of day excursions are available from Nerja to other attractions. Popular tours include the majestic Alhambra Palace in Granada, the exciting Caminito del Rey pathway, and the scenic Costa Tropical just along the coast to the east.
Note: Try to find the most exciting tours around Nerja.
Where to stay
Nerja is a bustling tourist resort town. Therefore there are numerous hotels and apartments. Consequently, you should be fine finding a room in the peak season (July and August). The most recommended rooms are those with views of the Costa del Sol. However, you will have to pay more for them.
Note: We use Booking.com to find the best deals. Try it too.
Final words
Firstly, we recommend you Visit Nerja during the shoulder season (my to June and September to October) when the crowds are fewer, and the prices are slightly lower. Since Spain has the most developed tourist infrastructure in the Mediterranean, satisfaction is guaranteed.
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