Are you looking for a nice spot in the Mediterranean countries but don’t know where to go? Choose Nerja – a charming town in southern Spain! Situated in the historic region of La Axarquia, in Andalusia, it boasts beautiful beaches, romantic coves, and magnetic cliffs. Moreover, you will find narrow streets with charming corners, 🍤 seafood restaurants and other fascinating attractions. It sounds like the perfect vacation plan, right?
Holidays on the Costa del Sol, where Nerja is located, guarantee perfect weather and excellent beach conditions. And although it’s hard to believe that until recently it was a sleepy fishing village, its extraordinary charm and rich history still resonate in the whitewashed houses and traditional bars. Nerja has retained its authentic character which, combined with modern attractions such as the famous Nerja Caves and the Balcon de Europa viewpoint, makes it the perfect place to relax and discover Spanish culture.
The well developed tourist infrastructure makes Nerja an excellent base for exploring the surrounding attractions. These can be easily and quickly reached by public transport or by car. The town itself is also well located. Situated just 50 kilometres from Malaga, it offers easy access to the international airport and other popular coastal destinations such as Marbella and Torremolinos. Nerja also has access to the beautiful mountain trails of the Sierra Almijara, ideal for trekkers and Nature lovers. There is something for everyone.
So don’t wait any longer, just come to Nerja – southern Spain is waiting for you. Check out the dates available and get ready for a fantastic holiday. Don’t forget to book your accommodation – there are plenty of great places to stay in this part of the Costa del Sol, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the Spanish coast even more. From spacious villas to cozy chalets in the middle of the forest. It’s easy to find something to suit your needs. So pack your bags – the Mediterranean Sea awaits you!
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Nerja Caves
12 incredible beaches
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Balcony of Europe
The Maro-Сerro Gordo Natural Park
Cascada de Maro
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Why is it worth visiting Nerja in the south of Spain?
- For stunning beaches and coves – Nerja is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, including the famous Burriana Beach and the secluded Maro Beach. These places offer crystal clear waters and perfect conditions for sunbathing, swimming, 🏊♀️ and water sports. Away from the busier main beaches, the picturesque coves offer peaceful retreats. All you need is here.
- For Nerja Caves – The Nerja Caves are one of the most inspiring Spanish attractions. Featuring spectacular natural formations and ancient cave paintings, it also provides a space for concerts, workshops, and other cultural activities. A visit to this place is a journey back in time and a chance to experience one of the most valuable historical treasures in the world.
- For vibrant local culture and cuisine – Nerja in southern Spain provides a rich culinary experience with its abundance of seafood restaurants and tapas bars offering traditional Andalusian flavors. 🥘 The town is also known for its lively festivals, such as the San Isidro Festival and the International Music and Dance Festival, which reflect the vibrant culture of the region.
- For outdoor activities – beyond the beaches, Nerja offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and scuba diving. The nearby Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara, and the Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve provide excellent hiking trails with stunning views and diverse wildlife for Nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
- For day trips – located close to major cities such as Malaga and Granada, Nerja is an excellent base to explore other parts of Andalusia. Visitors can easily plan day trips also to the Alhambra in Granada, explore the Picasso Museum in Malaga, or wander through the historic streets of Seville, making Nerja a versatile location for further explorations.
Nerja in southern Spain – what to see?
Nerja is located in the south of Spain, so there are many interesting places to visit. Blessed with white beaches, mountain backdrops and several masterpieces of architecture, it is the beating heart of the sunny region of Andalusia. 🌞 It has everything you need. And not just for a weekend. We guarantee that once you’ve been immersed in its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, you’ll want to extend your stay, or at least return.
From exploring the famous Caves of Nerja, a series of caves with prehistoric paintings, to strolling along the Balcon de Europa for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, Nerja offers a variety of activities to suit all tastes and ages. The town’s culinary scene is equally inviting, with delightful seafood restaurants dotted along the coastline where you can savour fresh dishes while watching the sun set. 🌅 Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an adventurous escape, Nerja offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. You will find that an extended visit is necessary to fully experience the beauty of the town.
Nerja is just one of hundreds of magical places in Spain. Would you like to discover the others? Check our article about villas in Spain and find inspiration for your next holidays.
#1 Nerja Caves (La Cueva de Nerja)
Want to see what the largest stalagmite in the world looks like? This is what awaits you in the Nerja Caves (La Cueva de Nerja). Discovered in 1959, it is one of the largest caves in Spain. It has almost two kilometres of underground galleries where you can admire surprising rock formations from past centuries. A unique place is the Sala de la Cascada. This is where the famous Cueva de Nerja Festival is held. It brings together the most famous personalities from the world of music, dance and the performing arts. It’s well worth coming here to enjoy a concert in exceptional surroundings.
The cave is also interesting for its archaeological structure, which houses a collection of cave paintings from the Palaeolithic period. Add to this the high vaults and spacious rooms decorated with columns, stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations, and it’s no wonder that the Nerja Caves have been described as a ‘prehistoric cathedral’. Come and see for yourself if this nickname is true.
#2 Nerja Southern Spain: Beautiful beaches
Located at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol, Nerja has a mix of features that make it attractive to any visitor. The beautiful beaches are one of the natural treasures of the area. 🏖 The most important (and the most beautiful!) is Burrana Beach. Surrounded by buildings, it stretches for 700 meters and is equipped with all kinds of services. If you like water sports and parties until dawn, you won’t find a better place on the whole coast.
There are 12 beaches within the municipal boundaries of Nerja, – apart from Burrana Beach, there are some secluded spots hidden between the cliffs where you can enjoy the sea in peace. La Caleta, La Cala Barranco de Maro, and Calas del Pino are just some of them. Don’t miss the beach of the Acantilados de Maro Nature Reserve. This is Maro Beach, famous for its crystal clear waters, underwater caves, and hidden waterfalls. We are sure you will have a wonderful time here.
#3 Nerja Old Town with the Balcony of Europe
You can also see a lot of historic architecture in Nerja in the south of Spain. The best gems you will find in the Old Town. This historic part of the city is characterized by white, traditional buildings, which have cultural and aesthetic values. There is no shortage of religious buildings in the town center, especially the 16th-century Nuestra Señora de las Angustias chapel, with its frescoed dome, and the 17th-century El Salvador church, which combines different architectural styles.
One of the most iconic spots is located on the remains of a coastal bastion. The Balcón de Europa is a lively promenade that ends in a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the sea and the beach. It is safe to say that this is the beating heart of Nerja – concerts, artistic performances, and various fiestas take place here. It is also where you will find the best seafood in the city. Try it, and you won’t regret it!
#4 Nerja in southern Spain: The Eagle Aqueduct
If you want to stretch your legs in the morning, it’s worth climbing the surrounding hills for a stunning view of the Eagle Aqueduct. Situated just outside Nerja, it is one of the most magnificent pieces of local architecture. Built in the 19th century, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, it is still fully operational today – locals use its water to irrigate their farmland. What’s more, it’s a public building, so you can go there whenever you like, for free!
This magnificent example of industrial architecture is made up of four levels of superimposed arches, crowned by a central tower and entrance pavilions. In one of them, we can see the signature of Francisco Cantarero Senior, the first factory’s owner. And this is just one of the highlights of the place. Want to know more? Visit the Eagle Aqueduct – it’s worth it!
#5 Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve
As you already know from the previous paragraphs, Nerja and its surroundings offer many surprises for the tourist. Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve. It is a protected area, stretching for 12 kilometers, much of which is occupied by a headland with picturesque cliffs. The views from here are magnificent. The combination of the Mediterranean Sea and sandy beaches will enchant everyone.
Beautiful views are just the beginning. The Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve is also home to countless species of flora and fauna, all supported by the region’s unique ecosystem. Along with wildflowers and birds, you might spot an Iberian ibex, the local mountain goat. 🐐 The coves are also home to amazing water-dwelling creatures. Most of them you can find only in the Nerja area. Do you need more recommendations to go there?
#6 Nerja Southern Spain: Cascada de Maro
A 15-metre waterfall plunging into the sea sounds like a fairy tale, but it is real. More than that, Cascada de Maro is one of the secret places hidden in the Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve. The sea and the mountains go hand in hand to create landscapes that capture the imagination. Every step you take is another opportunity to enjoy this natural spectacle.
You can visit the Cascada de Maro by boat, kayak, 🛶 or canoe – it is an incredible experience to be splashed by the water as you pass through these impressive torrents. And this is not just an attraction for sports enthusiasts. Everyone can enjoy the magic of the Nerja Cascades. The best time to visit them is in April or May when they are less crowded. Are you feeling motivated? Don’t hesitate and come to Nerja in the south of Spain now!
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Nerja: Southern Spain – useful information
When planning your adventure in this coastal heaven, you should be prepared for any circumstances. The most important thing is transportation to the city. There are several options, including car, bus and plane. Nerja in southern Spain doesn’t have flight connections, but you can travel to the nearest airport in Malaga (Costa Del Sol Airport AGP) and rent a car there to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Don’t forget about the accommodation – you shouldn’t have any problems booking a nice spot, but please remember about the holiday season. If you’re planning a trip during summer, be prepared for hot temperatures and tourists in every corner. It’s better to organize a trip in May or late September when the temperature is lower and the streets are without crowds.
Transportation and accommodation are important, but you should take care also of packing. Don’t forget the essentials like sunscreen, comfortable shoes for walking, and swimwear for beach days. Headwear, a dress made of natural materials, and sunglasses are also welcome. And don’t forget about your camera – you should have some nice photos to remember the fantastic time you spent in Nerja!
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Nerja in southern Spain: questions and answers
The best time to visit Nerja is during the spring and early autumn months, from April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the crowds are less intense than during the peak summer months. It allows for a more relaxed experience, whether you’re exploring the beaches or wandering around the town.
Yes, Nerja has good public transport. Buses run regularly between Nerja and nearby towns, making it accessible to tourists without a car. Within the town itself, due to the compact nature of the centre, most attractions are within walking distance, but local buses and taxis are also available for convenience.
Besides the stunning Caves of Nerja and the panoramic Balcon de Europa, be sure to visit the baroque church of El Salvador, located in the city center. Also, spend some time at Playa Burriana, Nerja’s largest and most popular beach, and consider a hike or a leisurely walk along the Rio Chillar to enjoy the natural scenery. Don’t miss out on exploring the charming streets of the Old Town, full of shops, cafés, and traditional tapas bars.