There are many naturally beautiful towns along the coast of Andalucia, and Nerja is one of the best. The town is one of Malaga’s white-washed villages in the style of the Moorish era. Nerja is famous for it’s old quarter with narrow alleyways, and not to be missed, the Balcon de Europa, a wide partially covered walkway with breathtaking views of beaches and Mediterranean.
Right behind the Balcon, visitors will find the 17th century Moorish/baroque Church of El Salvador, and close by the attractive town hall building. Horse and carriage tours depart from here, giving a magical impression of Nerja and the town’s cobbled streets.
Nerja is unlike the Western Costa del Sol, and has a rocky coastline with many small bays and coves, containing gorgeous little beaches. Snorkelling and scuba diving are very popular activities along this stretch of the Costa Axarquia. Don’t miss the Capistrano Playa Gardens, very close to Burriana beach, and is a great place for a shady rest or a light picnic.
Things to do in Nerja
Just a few kilometres from Nerja’s town centre are the Nerja caves, Las Cuevas (Nerja Caves). The caves are suitable for all fitness levels, though there are some steps that need to be navigated. Every summer, usually in July, concerts are organised in the grand hall. The acoustics are haunting and is a shows are well worth seeing.
In areas not open to the public various species of insects and small mammals make their home, the most rare and precious being the scarab beetle and blind scorpions.
Where to eat & drink in Nerja
Be aware that Nerja is a tourist mecca, and prices can seem unreasonable. If your budget doesn’t justify eating in the centre, try heading further away from the tourists. Generally a “menu del día” shouldn’t cost more than 10 Euros in the more affordable restaurants.
The bars and clubs in Nerja tend to be fairly comfortable, and won’t offer up any surprises. You could be forgiven for thinking you’re back home. Most bars are concentrated around Plaza Tutti Fruti, and the streets to its west. Live flamenco shows are popular in Nerja.
Where to stay in Nerja
The Parador Hotel is considered one of the most desirable locations in Nerja, and pricing reflects that. However, within the old quarter, most hotels will be more pricy so the parador is actually a great option! Other than August, there is usually no major problem finding accommodation.
Sierras de Tejeda Almijara y Alhama natural park
The parkland of Sierras de Tejeda Almijara y Alhama is limited in the south east by the Mediterranean sea and rises in craggy mountains towards the north west. 52% of the park is in Granada province with 48% in Málaga province. The combination of altitudes and from sea shore to the peak of La Maroma at 2,080m encourages a diversity of vegetation, including some endemic species. Read more here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/sierras-de-tejeda-almijara-y-alhama/
The Caminito del Rey
Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.Toads in Spain
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
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