Nerja is one of the most important tourist spots on the Costa del Sol. It's 50 km from Malaga and has a charming old town with whitewashed houses and narrow streets that makes this place one of the most beautiful in the region. The name “Nerja” comes from the Arabic word “narixa” which means “bountiful spring” referring to the importance -and great amount of- water in the area.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in and around Nerja:
LAS CUEVAS DE NERJA
One of the most famous places in Nerja are the Nerja Caves, these prehistoric stalactite and stalagmite caves -where you can also find Paleolithic paintings- were discovered in 1959 by a group of local boys.
The caves open daily from 10am to 1pm and 4 to 6:30pm (until 7:30pm in July and August). Admission is 9€.
BALCON DE EUROPA
Balcony of Europe vantage point offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire coastline and is a favorite spot to watch the sun set.
Verano Azul is the name of the most popular TV show in the history of Spanish television. It was first broadcast in 1981 and there have been reruns for years. The show tells the adventures of a group of youngsters while on summer vacation in Nerja. La Dorada is the name Chanquete, the most beloved character in the show, gave his boat. The ship no longer exists but there is a replica in the Verano Azul Park where you can find more references to the show.
- Playa de Burriana - Burriana Beach
Burriana is the most famous and biggest beach in Nerja. This beach has the quality flag awarded by the Spanish authorities. It offers a variety of services including watersports, shops, restaurants and bars.
- Playa El Salón - El Salon Beach
Much smaller than the previous one, it's frequented by the locals.
- Playa de Calahonda - Calahonda Beach
It's right next to Balcon de Europa and surrounded by restaurants that look over it from a cliff. Many people go there to take pictures of the peculiar "hippie house" you can see below.
- Playa de Maro - Maro Beach and the little sister La Caleta de Maro - Maro Cove
Hidden waterfalls, underwater caves and turquoise waters just a few kilometers away in the village of Maro.
One of the most famous places in Nerja is the Eagle Aqueduct. Located just outside the town, this structure was built in the nineteenth century and continues to be used today. In the early days the bridge was used to transport water into a sugar cane factory, today the aqueduct is used for local irrigation.
Our favorite place to hang out and have dinner was the old town. It's full of all sorts of restaurants, bars and traditional ice-cream parlors. Fried fish (pescaito frito) is popular all around Andalusia which is something you absolutely have to try. Other popular dishes we found -and loved- in Nerja were seafood cocktail -with shrimp and avocado- and battered eggplant with honey.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at El Parador de Nerja. If you follow the blog you know we are big fans of this state-run hotel chain that often adapts former castles, monasteries and other historical buildings. Read about other Paradores we've been to here.
This 4-star hotel sits on a cliff above the sea on the coast of Malaga which endows it with magnificent views. The pool is surrounded by beautiful gardens with a variety of trees that make up a little botanic garden that ends in a long balcony where you can spend hours looking at the sea. The best part? there's an elevator that takes you from El Parador to Burriana beach. As in any Parador the service is remarkable and the food spectacular.
FRIGILIANA
I had never heard about Frigiliana until a few weeks ago when I was preparing this trip. Now it's everywhere, even on the news. This little village situated 7 km north of Nerja has quickly become a favorite among tourists in the area. It's one of those Pueblos Mas Bonitos de España (most beautiful villages in Spain) and it's the only one in the region of Malaga in that list. Frigiliana's charm lies in its beautiful streets where you can find white houses with colorful doors and bougainvillaea, closeness to the beach and its location at the foot of a mountain range. The people who live here take good care of the village, walls seem to be recently painted, streets are immaculate, there are beautiful flower pots everywhere and restaurants look like they've been decorated by professionals.
Intersting facts about Frigiliana:
- One third of its 3000 inhabitants are not Spanish and come from up to 20 different countries.
- Some of the local products include honey, artisan chocolate, craft beer, mango and avocado.
- The village is divided in two parts. The lower section which is newer and the older Mudejar neighborhood, the upper section which is the one you have to visit.
Best time to visit this picturesque village is between 6-8 pm. If you go earlier you'll probably melt in the heat, if you go later you will have to share the place with many more people. Those visitors go to Frigiliana for the sunset and to have dinner at one of the many lovely restaurants with a view in the village. Many of the restaurants and bars have rooftop terraces overlooking the village and the valley below. Best way to explore the city? Wander the maze of cobblestone streets and find the hidden gems. If you get tired, stop and try one of their craft beers.
How to get there:
You can either drive there or take a bus from Nerja, it's just a 15-minute drive. There are lots of sign so if you are driving, you can't miss it. You have to take road MA-5105 that climbs the mountain and ends up in Frigiliana.
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