Nerja is the most important resort on the Costa del Sol east of Málaga. Unlike the resorts on the west coast, Nerja is not littered with concrete resort complexes and hotels, but its environment is much more natural. The town sits on a cliff above the sea and at the foot of the photogenic Sierra Almijara mountain range.
Nerja is often described as a small fishing village, but its main livelihood is now tourism. In addition to the beaches, Nerja offers several other natural and historical attractions.
Beaches and swimming
Don't expect kilometres of straight beaches here, but rather smaller ones sandwiched between rocky cliffs, creating some spectacular scenery. There are several beaches right in Nerja, usually between 100 and 600 metres long.
All local beaches offer all the necessary facilities, from sunbed and umbrella rentals to restaurants and free showers and toilets.
The largest beach in Nerja is the more than half-kilometre-long Playa de Burriana, which is bustling with life day and night. It is here that there is the greatest concentration of beach bars and restaurants, as well as water sports on offer.
Other notable beaches right in town include Playa la Torrecilla or Playa la Caletilla.
The bottom drops quite steeply into the sea, making the beaches particularly suitable for swimming and water sports.
Balcon de Europa
The most popular attraction in Nerja is the viewpoint called the Balcon de Europa , located right in the centre of the town on a cliff above the sea. From the tangle of narrow streets in the centre, you suddenly find yourself on a wide pedestrian promenade which, after about 100 metres, takes you to a semicircular lookout over the sea, the coast and, on very clear days, the distant shores of Africa.
Sights and attractions
Nerja is a pleasant town with narrow streets and mostly just low houses. You won't find any high-rise hotels or modern buildings here. At the same time, however, all services are fully accessible here, from large supermarkets to dozens of restaurants.
In Nerja and its surroundings you can visit other attractions besides the Balcony of Europe. Among the most famous is the Cuevas de Nerja, a huge cave system that deserves a separate mini-guide.
Other notable sights include the highly photogenic Aqueduct del Águila, which towers 40 metres above the gorge of the Maro River. It was built in the 19th century to transport water to the mills of the sugar factory. It was completely restored in 2010, but unfortunately the aqueduct can only be reached by car. Park in the small car park under the road bridge, from where the aqueduct can be reached on foot along a path for about 150 metres.
A popular place for short trips from Nerja is the mountain village of Frigiliana, with its typical Andalusian houses and beautiful views.
Accommodation Nerja
Nerja is one of the cheaper resorts on the Costa del Sol, and even during the main summer holidays you will have a choice of hotels here with prices from around 66 eur per night in a 2-bed room.
From the cheaper well rated accommodation we would choose for example Hostal Tres Soles right by the beach or Hotel Bajamar Centro about 400 meters from the coast in the town centre.
Transportation
If you go to Nerja by car, you can park on the streets for free unless otherwise indicated by a sign (for example, parking is not possible in the historic centre, but it is at the beaches). There are also many paid guarded parking lots in the city, priced around 25 eur per day or around 6 eur for 3 hours.
There is no railway into town, so the only public transport option is buses. Intercity transport to Nerja is provided by buses from Alsa, Spain's largest bus company. Especially in the summer season, ideally buy tickets online at alsa.es to ensure availability. Most frequent connections from Nerja:
- Málaga: 1-3 times per hour, the journey takes about an hour and a half and costs around 5 eur
- Vélez-Málaga and Torre del Mar: 1-3 times per hour, the ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around 2 eur
- Motril: 1x per hour, the ride takes about an hour and stands around 5,50 eur
- Granada: 4-6 times a day, the ride takes about 2.5 hours and stands around 11,50 eur
Local transport around Nerja is provided by 2 bus lines, supplemented by a third in high season. Tickets can be bought from the driver at prices around 1,30 eur.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Costa del Sol.
