Nerja
Save33 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Palm-lined promenade on a headland above the Mediterranean
- Tip: Sunset
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Go at sunset
- Street musicians in the evening
- Cafes nearby are pricey, walk a bit for tapas
📷 Photos
- 2
Huge caves with prehistoric paintings and giant stalactites
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Bring a light jacket
- Bus from Nerja runs regularly
📷 Photos
- 3
Nerja most popular beach with chiringuitos and paella
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Try paella at the beach bars
- Good for families
📷 Photos
- 4
Baroque church beside the Balcón de Europa
3 tips
- Free to enter
- Look for the Mudéjar details
- Quiet respite
📷 Photos
- 5
River gorge walk through water in a canyon
3 tips
- Wear water shoes
- Check weather before going
- Best in warm months
📷 Photos
- 6
Whitewashed hillside village famed for its tiled streets
3 tips
- Bus from Nerja takes 20 minutes
- Wear comfortable shoes for steep streets
- Try local honey molasses
📷 Photos
- 7
19th-century brick aqueduct near Maro
3 tips
- Short stop on the way to the caves
- Best photographed in afternoon light
- Free to see
📷 Photos
- 8
Quiet whitewashed village near the caves
3 tips
- Visit the church of Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas
- Calmer than Nerja
- Pair with the caves
📷 Photos
- 9
Wild beach in the Maro-Cerro Gordo natural park
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Needs a hike or a boat trip
- Bring water and food
📷 Photos
- 10
Small cove beneath the Balcón de Europa
3 tips
- Reached by stairs
- Very photogenic cliffs
- Crowded in summer
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Nerja tips
Transportation
- Take the ALSA bus: ALSA coaches link Nerja with Malaga, its airport and nearby villages like Frigiliana.
- Ride the little tourist train: The road train links the town centre with the Nerja Caves, saving an uphill walk.
- Walk the old town: Central Nerja is compact, so park on the edge and explore the lanes on foot.
Security
- Keep bags close at the Balcon: The Balcon de Europa gets crowded, so watch for pickpockets.
- Mind the sun and sea: Use sunscreen and check the flags before swimming at beaches like Burriana.
- Lock rental cars: Do not leave valuables visible in cars parked near beaches and trailheads.
Saving
- Order the menu del dia: Many restaurants offer a set lunch menu that is much cheaper than eating a la carte.
- Enjoy free tapas: Some bars serve a small tapa with each drink, especially away from the seafront.
- Hike for free: The Rio Chillar walk follows a river through a gorge and costs nothing.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for sunny weather: Nerja enjoys mild winters and hot, dry summers, so bring sun protection.
- Bring water shoes for Rio Chillar: The trail involves wading through shallow water.
- Layer up in winter: Days are mild, but evenings can be cool, so bring a jacket.
Cultural
- Try espetos: Sardines grilled on skewers over open fires are a Costa del Sol classic.
- Eat late: Spaniards eat lunch and dinner late, so restaurants fill up late in the evening.
- Join local fiestas: Nerja celebrates festivals with processions and fireworks.
Local Hacks
- Visit Frigiliana: The whitewashed village nearby is one of Andalusia's prettiest.
- Kayak to Maro: Kayak tours take you along the cliffs to hidden coves and waterfalls.
- Book cave tickets online: The Nerja Caves are popular, so reserve ahead in summer.
1-day itineraries in Nerja
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Playa Calahonda and around
🕘 9:30–16:45📍 6 stops
- 1Playa de Carabeo
- 2Playa El Salón
- 3Playa Calahonda
- 4Balcón de Europa
- 5Iglesia de El Salvador
- and 1 more
Day 2 of 2
Cantarriján and around
🕘 9:30–16:30📍 5 stops
- 1Cantarriján
- 2Playa de Burriana
- 3Cuevas de Nerja
- 4Maro
- 5Acueducto del Águila
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