Costa del Sol welcomes thousands of visitors year-round. From its luxury beach clubs in Marbella to more tranquil and family-friendly seaside towns, this stretch on the southern coast of Spain has something for every traveler. About 1 hour east of Málaga, you’ll find Nerja, a charming resort town along the Mediterranean coast.
This typical Andalusian town will charm you with its white-washed houses, stunning sea views, and turquoise sandy beaches. It has become quite a popular destination during the summer months and a recent trip helped me understand why!
The small town provided the perfect mix of beach time and relaxation with a bit of sightseeing. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach holiday or a more active excursion, Nerja is sure to impress!
If I’ve managed to convince you to book a trip to this charming coastal village, then keep reading for my Nerja travel guide.
NERJA TRAVEL GUIDE
WHEN TO VISIT:
This small town in the South of Spain has a Mediterranean climate, meaning that winters tend to be mild and summers are quite hot and humid. If you’re looking for some sun and beach time then the best time to visit would be between June and August. Keep in mind this is also the most popular season to visit Nerja, therefore plan accordingly if you don’t want to splurge too much on transport and accommodation.
WHAT TO DO:
Take in the View from Balcón de Europa
Plaza Balcón de Europa is the focal point of Nerja, which means it’s hard to miss! As the name entails, Balcon de Europa is in fact a balcony/ observation deck overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. In the evenings, you’ll most likely find artists, musicians, and street vendors throughout the plaza. It’s the ideal spot to people watch, enjoy an ice cream, or simply take in the stunning surrounding views!
Go Swimming
Costa del Sol is famous for its turquoise waters and long stretches of sandy beaches. In fact, Nerja is home to some of the best beaches along Costa del Sol. With several smaller calas and inlets, Nerja has many options when it comes to beaches.
Carabeillo Beach: This small picturesque cala is a favorite for many. It’s surrounded by cliffs, lush vegetation, and dark sand and pebbles. Carabeillo Beach tends to be quieter as it’s only accessible via a long winding staircase from the old town. Try going early in the morning or later in the afternoon to ensure you find a spot.
Burriana Beach: Burriana beach is without a doubt the most popular beach in Nerja. It’s the largest of all the beaches and has several beachfront shops, restaurants, and cafes along the water. Burriana is a must for water-sport fans, with kayak, standup paddle, and paddle boat rentals! However, if you prefer to relax all day while enjoying the sea and sun you can also rent a lounger for only 6 euros.
El Salon Beach: Playa El Salón was my personal favorite! The small beach on the other side of Balcon de Europe is never too crowded making it the perfect option for any time of the day. Out of the three beaches we visited, I found the water to be clearer and calmer at El Salon Beach.
Torrecilla Beach: Another popular blue flag beach along the Nerja coast is Torrecilla Beach. Just west of the old town center, the beach has several surrounding bars and restaurants nearby. We sadly didn’t have time to visit this beach as it was always quite crowded, but if you go early in the morning you should be able to find a decent spot!
Roam the Old Town
I loved wandering the small picturesque streets of the town center! Similar to many other Andalusian cities, the old town of Nerja is full of white-washed houses, winding pebbled streets, and local shops and restaurants. Have a coffee at one of the many cafes, try some tapas, or shop for some ceramic and leather products. During the day enjoy the sights and visit the Nerja Museum and El Salvador Church. In the evening, the center and its many plazas come alive with people and live entertainment.
Visit the Caves
You may not think to visit caves on a beach holiday but the Cuevas de Nerja or Nerja Caves are worth a visit. I honestly wasn’t expecting much prior to going and even contemplated not purchasing tickets but I’m very happy I did in the end! The caves span almost 5km underground and are home to one of the largest stalagmites in the world. Inside you’ll find impressive caverns and stalagmite formations that seem to go on for ages.
The caves of Nerja are open daily from 9:30 to 15:00 in the winter and 9:30 to 18:00 in the summer. Tickets cost around 13 euros and I highly recommend booking them online beforehand, especially during the summer months.
If you’re staying in the center of Nerja and don’t have a car to access the caves you can purchase the entry and tourist train ticket. The small train picks you up at Plaza de Los Cangrejo and drops you off at the entrance of the caves. The ride is about 25 minutes of breathtaking views and seaside panoramas. You also pass one of the famous aqueducts on the way! Tickets for both the caves and the train cost about 17 euros.
Rent a Kayak
There are several coves, caves and waterfalls along the coast of Nerja that are only accessible via the water. For those seeking a bit of adventure rent a kayak for a few hours to explore the hidden caves on your own or join a guided kayak tour. Kayak excursions typically leave from either Burriana Beach or Maro Beach. I, unfortunately, wasn’t able to check this activity off my list as we ran out of time but I’ve heard great things and recommend it nonetheless!
Morning Excursion to Frigiliana
The small white-washed town perched on the mountain near Nerja actually holds the title of the most beautiful town in Spain! Frigiliana is known for its Moorish Old quarter with narrow streets, and ceramic tiles. Head up to the many viewpoints, and get lost in the winding streets of the historic center. I promise you’ll come across more than one photo-worthy spot along the way! If you don’t want to walk up the steep streets you can either opt for a tuk-tuk tour of the old town or the small tourist train to take you around!
This cute town is just a short bus ride from Nerja. The bus leaves every hour from the main station and takes about 15 min to make its way up the mountain. Tickets for the bus cost about 1 euro each way. During the summer it’s best to visit Frigiliana in the morning as there are less people and it’s not as hot.
Go to Málaga
If you have extra days in Nerja and wish to explore another part of Costa del Sol, head to Málaga for the day. The seaside city has plenty to see and do. Wander the center of the city, go to the Picasso Museum and visit the impressive Málaga Cathedral. Or spend the day eating and drinking at the many terraces and go shopping along Calle Larios for a more low-key afternoon.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, two must-sees while in Málaga, are the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro Castle. The ancient Moorish ruins are perched high above the center and have breathtaking views of the city. Tickets to visit both monuments cost 5.50 euros and can be purchased online or on-site.
Tip: If you happen to visit Málaga on a Sunday, tickets to the Alcazaba are free after 2 pm.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:
Cochran’s Terrace
For a drink with a view head to Cochran’s Terrace near the Balcón de Europa. This was our first stop in Nerja and it was the perfect place to rest our feet and enjoy a refreshing beer after a long journey. The terrace has some of the best views of Nerja overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding beaches. To top it off, the prices were all very affordable which was surprising for such a prime location!
El Náutico Beach Club
A trip to the beach means lots of delicious and fresh seafood! If you’re looking for a lunch spot with amazing sea views and mouth-watering fish and seafood, don’t skip El Nautico Beach Club. Located inside the Balcón de Europe Hotel, this seaside restaurant is a popular spot for hotel guests and outsiders. A reservation is essential if you wish to eat here during your stay as it gets booked very quickly!
Ayo Burriana Beach
Although it’s not Valencia, (aka the birthplace of Paella) eating Paella on the beach in Spain is always a good idea! For the best Paella head to none other than Ayo Burriana Beach. They make fresh Paella every day and you can even order it by portion. The lines are always quite long as it has become quite a popular place so get ready to wait or arrive for an early or late lunch to avoid the queues.
Cerveceria el Pulguilla
Bar el Pulguilla is a great spot for some traditional tapas and fried seafood. The bar is much larger than it appears, with a typical bar setup up front and an outdoor garden dining room in the back. The service was fast and the food was quite inexpensive. If you plan to go for dinner, make sure to arrive prior to 9 pm as the restaurant gets quite crowded and you will most likely have to wait for a table.
Malibu Cocktail Bar
This tiki-style bar was our go-to cocktail spot during our stay. They have a large list of cocktails, as well as, wine and local beers. So if you’re looking for a delicious piña colada in a fun glass or a flavored Mojito, then Malibu Cocktail Bar is a must.
HOW TO GET THERE:
If you’re arriving from outside of Spain then the best and easiest way to reach Nerja is to fly to the Málaga Airport.
There is no direct train or bus from the airport to Nerja, so you will have to take the train from the airport to the Málaga Maria Zambrano Train Station. Tickets for the Cercanias train cost about 2.50 euros and the journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
From the Málaga train station, you can then take a direct bus to Nerja. We booked tickets online beforehand and they cost 5 euros each way. The bus ride is around 1 hour and 15 minutes to the center of Nerja.
From the Málaga airport, you can also rent a car and drive to Nerja if you wish to have access to a car during your trip. This is definitely the easiest and most comfortable option, as the journey is around 1 hour from Málaga.
Whether you decide to go for a week or a long weekend, I can assure you that a trip to Nerja is always a good idea!
Safe Travels,
-Vip <3
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