Nerja
 
 

A place still exists on the Costa del Sol which lies between small coves, surrounded by an impressive mountain range and yet only approximately 50 km from Malaga - NERJA - which retains much of the character and charm of its past.  As you approach Nerja you will see a pretty arrangement of stacked houses on a rocky outcrop stretching into the sea.  Nerja has a feeling of a real town with pretty, neat and tidy streets. It has escaped high-rise development and there is a heavy emphasis on self-catering accommodation - typified by the smart El Capistrano Village to the north east of Nerja.

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The historic central focus of the town is the Balcon de Europa, a wonderful promenade which juts out into the sea, given its colourful name by the visiting King Alfonso XII in 1885 who enjoyed the splendid views.  The area is dotted with palm trees and lined on one side by bars, restaurants and hotels. As well as several small cove beaches tucked below the cliffs, Nerja has a large popular beach at Burriana with ample bars, restaurants, sunloungers and umbrellas.  If too busy for you, there are plenty of smaller beaches to enjoy. The winding, narrow streets of the whitewashed old town are fun to explore, with typical shops selling ceramics, perfume, leather, jewellery and art.  There are many beach restaurants selling fresh fish, whilst the many international restaurants in Town offer a wide variety of menus to suit all tastes. Nerja has managed to retain a very laidback atmosphere; the attractive streets and pleasant ambiance make a return trip a must!


Nerja retains its traditional festivals - the October fair, Holy Week (Easter), the San Isidro pilgrimage and the festivals of San Juan and Dia del Carmen to name a few.  There are a wide range of cultural events throughout the year.  Of particular note is the acclaimed 'Nerja Caves Festival' during the summer which takes place amongst the stalactites and stalagmites which were formed over millions of years.  The Nerja Caves are currently the third most visited monument in the whole of Spain consisting of complex grotto-like chambers with stalactite formations including the world’s longest specimen at 61 metres.

Whilst retaining much of its' old charm and character of a former fishing village, NERJA has become one of the most popular unspoilt typically-Spanish resorts east of Malaga on the Costa del Sol.  Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Almijara mountain range, Nerja has preserved its traditional Andalusian construction of low rise white-washed villas and apartments sheltered from the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains.  Nerja is just 45 minutes from Malaga Airport and 90 minutes from the Sierra Nevada ski resort; the most Southerly in Europe.  Whether it be swimming in the Mediterranean, wandering through the narrow cobbled streets and enjoying the delightful Andalusian squares or visiting the picturesque villages of Frigiliana and Competa, you are sure to enjoy the peace and tranquility on offer. Frigliana is situated just a few kilometres North of Nerja and a visit to this beautiful Village (photo's below) is a must.

To the East of Nerja you will find the Cuevas de Nerja, Maro, La Herradura, Marina del Este, Almunecar and Salobrena.

Just a few kilometres to the North of Nerja, a visit to the small town of Frigiliana is a must. The history of Frigiliana dates from prehistoric times. The village has been inhabited by numerous civilisations from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Arabs, who had the greatest impact on the town's development. During the Christian reconquest, Frigiliana was the site of numerous battles culminating in the famous battle of the Roch of Frigiliana in 1569 which ended in the complete expulsion of the Moorish people.