Overlooking the shimmering blue Mediterranean Sea with the Sierra Almijara Mountains rising behind it, Nerja managed to escape the high-rise development that is so prevalent along much of the Costa del Sol.
At the town’s heart is the always beautiful Balcón de Europa a palm-laden Mirador built on what used to be an old fort with panoramic views along the shoreline.
As the town’s popularity increased following its use as a setting for the hit Spanish television show Verano Azul (Blue Summer) many northern Europeans arrived on holiday and later returned to retire forcing the town to expand eastwards while still keeping its low-rise village charm.
Today Nerja remains a popular place to retire and is especially vibrant during the summer months full of holidaymakers taking advantage of the areas wonderful beaches, restaurants and nightlife.
Quick Facts about Nerja
Here’s a few interesting facts to keep in mind when you are thinking of visiting Nerja:
Where is Nerja?
Nerja is located in southern Spain at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol just 58 kilometres from Malaga.
History & Architecture in Nerja
While not as architecturally exciting as other towns in Spain it does have its own particular charm and is home to the Cueva de Nerja a huge system of subterranean caverns that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Andalucia is, of course, famous for its Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) and Nerja has the prettiest one of all, Frigiliana just a few kilometres away.
How to get to Nerja
When it comes to getting to Nerja you have to pass through Malaga whether you arrive by plane, train or bus. The journey from Malaga Airport to Nerja takes around 1 hour driving along the A-7 Autovia. Alternatively, there are regular buses from the main bus station in Malaga.
When is the best time to visit Nerja?
One of Nerja’s main attractions is its climate with guaranteed hot summers and mild winters. There is really not a bad time of year to visit Nerja but if you want to avoid the crowds skip July and August.
Where to stay in Nerja
Nerja has accommodations to suit all budgets from small pensions to trendy boutiques and family-friendly hotels that offer all-inclusive deals with a kids club for the little ones. A popular hotel for couples or people looking for a holiday without kids dive-bombing the pool is the Hotel Riu Monica on Torrecilla beach. Nerja also has a state-run Parador Hotel that has its own elevator to take guests from its cliff-top perch down to Burriana Beach below.
Things To Do in Nerja
All the action in Nerja is centred on the Balcón de Europa despite the town’s biggest attraction being the Cueva de Nerja a must-see on any tourist’s itinerary. Other than the caves Nerja’s beaches are a big draw with Burriana beach in particular almost perfect in every way imaginable. The coastline around Nerja and the nearby town of Maro is absolutely stunning and best seen by renting a sea kayak to explore the many hidden coves, caves and waterfalls that you can get to no other way. The white village of Frigiliana is definitely worth a visit for it’s meticulously kept white-washed houses, Moorish charm and rooftop restaurants. If you feel energetic and want to do something that the entire family will enjoy, hike the shallow Chillar River and have a picnic and swim in one of the naturally formed pools.
