Information on Nerja

Nerja is the Costa del Sol's most easterly resort, 50 km from Malaga airport. Originally a sleepy fishing village it is now a thriving resort but has retained its undoubted character and charm. It is still at heart a Spanish village and the old part of the town has narrow, winding streets with whitewashed houses where  you can find shops selling local art and craftwork, typical jewellery and local products.

Built on the site of a 9th Century Moorish fortress the Balcon de Europa, in the heart of Nerja, overlooking the sea with spectacular views of cliffs all along the coastline and of the pretty coves and small beaches below. From here you can also see the spectacular mountains of the Sierra de Almijara. The avenue leading to it is lined with palm trees and benches and provides a shady respite from the hot sun.  You will often see locals sitting around and chatting. From here you can take a tour of the sites of Nerja which include the 17th Century El Salvador Church, the gardens of Capistrano Playa and the 16th Century Nuestra Señora de las Angustias Hermitage.

Given that many visitors come to the Costa del Sol for the beaches Nerja is a perfect choice with 1.5 km of sandy beaches the best of which is thought to be Burriana beach at the far east of the town which has been awarded the Blue flag of the European Union on various occasions but there are many small, beautiful beaches for those looking for something more quaint.  There is a walkway which runs along from Burrianna in the east to 'Chaparil' in the west. As in most of the resorts on the Costa del Sol there is a full range of water sports available in Nerja including water skiing, scuba diving and canoeing.

Nerja is probably most famous for its caves which lie some 6km inland. Discovered in 1959 by some boys chasing bats they discovered the entrance to a huge system of limestone caverns. The caves are protected and have been well preserved with many parts still closed to the public including areas with prehistoric paintings of animals & humans figures. It is estimated that the caves were inhabited between 20,000 BC and 1,800 BC. Visitors are treated to a series of well lit chambers & displays of archeological finds. Of interest are the Hall of Bethlehem which is full of stalactites and stalagmites. The Hall of the Waterfall, which is the scene for the Festival of the Caves held in July. And the Hall of the Cataclysm, whose fallen rocks indicate an earthquake long ago, the centre piece in the Hall of Cataclysm is the central column, formed when a stalactite and stalagmite met and joined after thousands of years of growth.  It is the tallest of its kind in the world at some 32 metres.

The countryside around Nerja offers those not wanting to spend all their time on the beach a range of other activities. You can go walking in the Axarquia where there are plenty of trails for walkers of varying levels.  You can also go cycling or mountain biking, horse riding, paragliding or take a jeep safari.

For those looking for nightlife you should go to Tuti Fruti Square where the disco pubs are located. Many are run by English speaking people so it should be no problem to order what you want.

Nerja has much to offer for food lovers such as a wide range of fish restaurants all the way along Burriana beach where you can sample local specialities such as pescaito frito (Fried fish) and paella, many traditional tapas bars and restaurants situated in the old part of the town which give a free tapa with every drink.

Many of the traditional festivals are still celebrated in Nerja some of which include the town Feria between 8th October and 12th October, Holy week and the festival of San Isidro celebrated on May 15th with a parade starting at the Balcon de Europa and ending at the caves with a big country style party.

Situated between the Sierra de Almijara mountains and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Nerja enjoys one of the best climates in Europe with around 320 days of sunshine each year. The summer temperatures tend to be around 30ºC whilst in winter they are around 20ºC.  These mild winter temperatures allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy an outdoor quality of life all year round.

Only 7 km north of Nerja you can find the pretty white village of Frigiliana in the mountains. Several buses run daily from Nerja and it is well worth a visit if only to sample some of the local wine.  In June they run Bulls through the narrow streets a great festival experience.