Nerja is a small town situated along the Costa del Sol, Province of Malaga, where almost all the places of interest are concentrated in one place.
In the streets of the town, it is pleasant to wander, it is so narrow that cars are not able to pass; but you will have lots of fun admiring and observing everything on foot.
There are balconies decorated with flowers, and although it is in Andalusia, one can see a lot of flower balconies, but in Nerja they are presented in a special way.
Be sure to visit the caves of Nerja, and if you’re lucky, you can watch a concert of classical music that will leave a lasting impression.
Do not forget to visit the Balcony of Europe, enjoy the views and see the monument dedicated to Alfonso XII.
Best time To Go?
The best time to visit the seaside town along the Costa del Sol region is during the season of spring and autumn.
It is during these months when the days are long and sunny.
The major attractions are not that crowded amid these months and the climate rises up to 40°C.
Nerja is characterized by its Mediterranean atmosphere with long humid summers and cold winters.
The adjacent Sierra Nevada Mountains give insurance from cooler northerly climate to the city.
The city can be visited all year round and these are the ideal months to visit Nerja.
You can plan your travel itinerary depending on the season.
The summer season (June – September) sees a normal temperature of 28°C ascending to 31°C towards the month of July – August, and rising up to as high as 40°C.
The springtime season (March – May) and autumn (September – October) have average temperatures ranging from 22ºC to 28ºC.
The winter season (November -January) sees a normal temperature of 14°C with intermittent rains, torrential storms, and cold atmosphere.
Best things to do in Nerja
Here are the top attractions and things to do in the city of Nerja:
Church of El Salvador
is an authentic Spanish white church in the center of Nerja, near the Balcon de Europa.
It is situated on a square with old shady plane trees and cozy terraces and benches, where everyone can meet.
The church is richly decorated with various ornaments and an altar that is typical of Southern Spain.
The touching and beautiful images of the Madonna and the angel are carried through the streets during the procession, which is usually held every second week of October.
The first steps towards this church were created in the early 16th century.
In front, the facade is adorned with two ceramic trays (one image and one with history).
The church is very popular for weddings and also used for funerals.
The interior is less impressive.
By day, the doors of the beautiful church with a small chapel are usually closed, but at night the doors are wide open and you can just walk in.
What to do in Nerja?
Balcon de Europa
It has magnificent views of the sea, which gives the impression of having a solo moment with the world.
The small path below grants access to a beautiful small beach.
It has a good view of the beaches of Nerja.
The Balcon is quite a lively promenade; there are several sculptures and street artists at work.
The evening is not over in Nerja without visiting the balcony of Europe.
All around the balcony there are a lot of different cafes with beautiful views for every taste and budget.
It is worthwhile to visit the balcony, especially at sunset; it is beautiful to look at the changing colored lights illuminating the shore complemented by the view of the ocean and mountains in the distance.
From here you can see all of the wonderful beaches of Nerja.
The balcony is a good observation deck with two old cannons that remains preserved by time, a great telescope, and a monument to a man who has a direct relation to this interesting title.
In clear weather, you can see the Moroccan coast from the Balcony of Europe.
Nerja amazing things to see
Caves at Nerja
is a fantastic place, created by nature.
These are giant cave vaults under which people lived a few tens of thousands of years ago.
The underground caves are a very interesting place for the whole family with many informative corners.
Another cool feature of the caves; there is a hall where concerts are held.
It is not advisable for people who are afraid of closed spaces or claustrophobic, because there is not enough air inside the caves.
You must wear sneakers or shoes because the paths are very slippery.
The temperature is warm, so a sweater and windbreaker is not needed.
When you get to the cave, you’ll immediately capture the spirit of these monumental creations of nature.
At the same time, appreciate the place of calmness and tranquillity.
It will also lead you to understand those ancient people who chose these caves as dwellings.
The caves occupy a total area of 35,500 square meters and will amaze you with its beauty.
Also in the cave you can see pieces of pottery, rock painting and probably feel something that permeated the place; as if you are immersed in a time when it was just created.
The stunning stalactites and stalagmites, in huge, different, bizarre shapes and colors, the huge halls underground, that is quite of the theatrical adds a feeling of unreality of the world.
The attraction is highly recommended when in Nerja.
Places to visit near Nerja
Rio Chillar
Literally and figuratively, a cool walk through the riverbed of the Rio Chillar is one of the best things to do in Nerja.
It’s advisable to wear old sneakers, sunscreen and bring water.
You need to walk up by the water that ends at a waterfall with swimming pools.
The refreshing hike to the Rio Chillar is one of the best trails you can do in the region.
In summer, it is quite hard to accomplish because the weather can become too hot.
Do not wear water shoes with thin soles because you will feel every stone, especially after a few hours in the water.
If you want to go all the way to the source of the water you must hike 5-6 hours on the road.
Sometimes you will find yourself ankle-deep in the water and sometimes up to your knees.
Although there are many people who make this journey, it is not a long walk and you can enjoy doing it with your family.
You can do this best with children (from 7 to 10 years old) because the water never rises higher than half a meter.
There are no access paths, no food stalls, and no souvenir shops.
The entire tour is dedicated to pure walking and balancing yourself in the water.
Top activities in Nerja
Aqueduct of El Aguila (Aqueduct of the Eagle)
is located between the Caves of Nerja and the Hotel Nerja Club.
It was structured like the aqueducts of ancient Rome and was used to bring water to a sugar factory in Nerja.
On the way there are a few “pockets” where you can make pictures of the aqueduct that was built in the 19th century.
The closest approach is not possible, but the view from the side of the caves is good.
You can also admire the falls from a viewing platform on the road.
The aqueduct is situated not far from the road.
Everyone who goes to Nerja in the east will be pleasantly surprised by its scale.
What is most striking is the color of the aqueduct.
While there is not much to see, as seen from the road, the aqueduct does not go unnoticed by its striking color and good condition.
It consists of four floors of overlapping arches, brick arches and 37 arches, the large gap jumping to the Ravine Coladilla.
Despite being a work built for industrial purposes, it has been commissioned by the government to turn it into a tourist attraction.
Playa de Burriana
is one of the amazing and liveliest beaches in Nerja.
It has a nice little boulevard where you can eat or drink and swim at the beach afterwards.
In the area of Nerja, there are many black sand beaches, but this beach is not.
There are a number of tourist restaurants with good food.
Beach beds are cheap to rent ($3 per day for an excellent beach bed with a good mattress, thick cushions, and a parasol at Montemar) and parking is also free.
This is the largest beach in Nerja and it’s not as crowded with tourists here.
The beach is well kept and there are multiple opportunities to hire sunbeds.
Showers are provided on the beach and there is a playground designed for children.
Playa de Burriana is an organized beach when you compare it with the other beaches of Malaga.
It is a great beach for sunbathers located next to a bunch of hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
There are canoe rentals and numerous water activities.
On the beach there are clean water, volleyball court, and for active people; an organized tour by canoe.
It’s a cozy and picturesque beach with complete beach amenities.
The truth is there is not quite fine sand, rather small pebbles.
This is more convenient because it is easy to shake off.
Favorite Tourist Attractions in Nerja
Papagayo Beach
is located under the Balcony of Europe.
The beach itself is small and basically all about relaxation and sunbathing, almost no one was swimming.
On the cliffs above the beach there is a restaurant with a panoramic terrace, where the beach and the mountains offer peaceful views.
It is a bit crowded due to the small coastline and large concentration of tourists.
The small fisherman’s house gives a little character to this small beach.
The cliffs, the turquoise water, the yellow beach and no waves so that the little one could swim immediately make this beach ideal for couples with children.
The beach is accessible by stairs, because the town is located fairly high above sea level.
Walking down the stairs you can relax in a café near the beach.
Among the rocks is the way to a maze of rocks where a quiet and charming beach with a gorgeous sandy cove awaits you.
You only have to watch out for the sharp rocks and height, but the view is nice.
The beach has no beach amenities, but it has shops, cafes and rental equipment for diving shop.
Capistrano Playa
Nerja has many private beaches and Capistrano Playa is one of them.
It has beautiful views, cozy and tidy, it’s a short walk from the city center, but it’s worth it.
It is a private resort with its own reception / restaurant / shop / pool / garage.
The complex has been built in a U-shape design and runs from the top (entrance) to bottom.
In the complex, there is a beautiful pond with a large, well-kept garden, all with many stairs leading to the Burriana Beach (the complex itself is well sealed and monitored).
The beach is full of pebbles on the shore.
The interior is clean and the sand is firmly packed.
As for the sea, the water temperature, clarity, and lack of sea currents are very reassuring for families with young children.
The seaside restaurants are excellent and serve typical fresh seafood, caught and prepared the same day.
Arriving at this small beach you get the feeling of being on the island where the crystal clear water and almost tropical vegetation rocks give it a unique look.
Get there early in the morning on a weekday to enjoy its beauty in full.
Fun things to do in Nerja
Playa El Salon
is a good beach with a gentle slope and a view of the Balcony of Europe.
There are very small pebbles and dark sand, comfortable to walk, there is a toilet and shower, and the sunbed occupy a very small part of the beach.
Most tourists prefer to come early to avoid the huge crowd that increases towards noon.
Most of them will simply spread their towels on the sand and enjoy the tranquillity of this playa.
It is a fairly quiet beach, a good place to be with the family.
If you do not mind walking, and you’re in good shape, it’s the best beach in Nerja town, with the best sand of all others and close to almost everything if you get tired of walking in the sand.
It is a charming beach despite being tiny.
Playa de la Cala el Cañuelo
is a lovely beach with transparent and very clean waters.
It has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and although it is difficult to access, it is worth the day to spend there.
The beach is perfect for snorkelling and the water is always crystal clear.
You must take a hike to get there, but it is worth doing.
The road is asphalted and at one point you have to leave the car and make the descent on foot to reach the playa.
It is a cove of stones, not sand in Nerja, but it is well maintained even if the site is a bit secluded.
Its area is 350 meters by 10 meters wide.
The average occupancy rate is low.
It is mostly gravel, a private beach with difficult access located in a nature reserve.
Playa de la Alberquilla
Playa de la Alberquilla is not easily accessible by public transport, but the site is wild and the beach is beautiful and well located.
It’s a beach not far from the Nerja-MARO area and where it is fairly easy to park.
The descent is wild and the rough ascent lasts for more than an hour, but the view is so beautiful.
It is an excellent beach for snorkelling and there is a good variety of tropical fish to see in its clear waters.
The only downside is, you need to climb a steep hill to reach the beach area, but despite this, it is worth a visit when in Nerja.
Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja
is a magnificent auditorium that can accommodate 300 people.
The acoustics are great with its wood-panelled walls and acoustic ceiling.
The seats are comfortable and provides more than enough space between rows for the passage of viewers without getting up.
From jazz to classical concerts, flamenco shows, dance exhibitions, and conferences, most shows are offered in high quality for a price of around 10 Euros.
In this small cultural center, all great events for every taste are well catered for.
Things to do in Nerja costa del sol
Nerja is a gem that every traveler must discover in the Costa del Sol territory.
It not only provides stunning views of the coast, but the city is designed for short walks and the attractions are not that far from each other.
Aside from the nice rides, sunny beaches, and cultural attractions, Spanish cuisine rules all around with very good tapas and paellas highlighted by every restaurant in the city.
Nerja is a simple town where you can wander through its streets, enjoy the beaches, and visit its famous caves.
It is exceptional for having the best views of the Andalusia.
A little tricky to get because of its location, but Nerja is truly worth a visit.
