Nerja Holidays

Widely considered to be the jewel of the Andalusian coast, there are lots of things to do in Nerja, no matter what your interests. From walking and architecture to sun, sea, and sand, Nerja has it all.

• There are so many beaches in Nerja that you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a beach getaway. One of the best beaches in the area in Burriana Beach; a sprawling Blue Flag beach of soft sands with a wealth of amenities and facilities to help you make the most of your day out.
• The 19th century Eagle Aqueduct is simply not to be missed. It’s actually one of the top sights on the popular walk from Nerja to Maro; a 45 minute route that passes by some of the region’s best sights and attractions, before ending in the quiet, picturesque town of Maro, dominated by its 17th century church.
• While Nerja is a stunning location, it’s well worth making time to explore other destinations on the Costa del Sol while you’re here. With the coastal town of Motril just to the east, and the lively party city of Malaga to the west, there are plenty of places to enjoy day trips along the southern Spain coast.

There are so many beaches in Nerja that it can be difficult to choose between them! If you’re looking for a holiday where you can sit back and relax, take a dip, and try out some watersports, Nerja is for you.

• Burriana Beach in Nerja is located just to the east of the town, and features a healthy mix of soft fine sands and pebbles. You can hire a sun bed and relax with a good book, or take a more active approach to a day at the beach, trying your hand at water skiing, sailing, or even scuba diving… there’s lots of choice.
• Another great option is Playa El Salon in Nerja; a fantastic family-friendly beach accessed through Nerja’s old town. The gentle slope down to the clear water is ideal for children, and there are facilities here including toilets, showers, and cafes. The promenade behind, lined with palm trees, is simply beautiful.
• The best time to enjoy Nerja’s beaches is between June and September, when temperatures can reach 30 degrees. At this time of year, the warm waters are perfect for swimming, although the beaches in Nerja can be more active in the cooler months than you might think, with visitors still flocking to the sands.
• If you want to stay close to the water, you’ll have no problem finding accommodation with easy access to Nerja’s best beaches. Whether you’re looking for impressive 4-star hotels or simple self catering options, there's a wide range of coastal accommodations that'll keep you in the heart of the action.

As with most Costa del Sol holidays, one of the most rewarding things to do in Nerja is eat! Southern Spain is famous for its mouthwatering dishes, and Nerja is bursting with incredible Andalusian cuisine.

• Tapas is a big deal in Nerja, and you’ll find lots of welcoming tapas bars serving up all sorts of small plates… with plenty of drink to go along with it. Rich gazpacho soup, tortillas (Spanish omelettes), beautifully sliced ham and cured meats, and fresh breads dipped in local olive oils are just some of the specialities.
• Churros are arguably one of the most delicious things to come out of Spain, and they can be found absolutely everywhere, right from Seville to the resorts of the Costa del Sol. A long, fried donut sprinkled with sugar, these sweet treats may not be all that good for you, but they’re so tasty you won’t care!
• Competition is fierce to earn the title of Best Restaurant in Nerja, and there’s a whole host of worthy contenders. While they all serve up different dishes, you’ll actually find that most of them all have one thing in common: sangria, and San Miguel! For a true taste of Spain, these drinks are amongst the best.

Nightlife in Nerja is second to none. If you want to make the most of both day and night on your holiday along the Costa del Sol, you’re in luck, as once the sun goes down Nerja really starts to come to life.

• Many of the best bars in Nerja are centred around Plaza Tutti Frutti; a big square that forms the heart of Nerja nightlife. While the square is relaxing and quiet during the day, it becomes much more lively and energetic in the evenings, and the parties continue well into the morning during the weekends.
• If you’re looking for a great place to spend an evening, head to the Tropicana Bar in Nerja, located just outside the main town. This down-to-earth place is ideal if you don’t really fancy dressing up, and if you’re worried about missing the sporting action from back home, this place shows all major games.
• Whether you’re in search of bustling bars, vibrant restaurants, or even a bit of live music, you’ll find it all in the nightlife hub of Nerja. From a pint of Guinness, served with good old Irish hospitality, to traditional flamenco dancing, you may find yourself wanting to return to Nerja each and every year!

If you want to visit the Costa del Sol with the family, Nerja is a great choice. As one of the quieter resorts on the coast, you’ll be close to some of the more energetic towns, while staying in the serenity of Nerja.

• Take the whole family down to Playa Burriana for some fun in the sun. You can relax on the pebble/sand beach while the kids go for a swim, or even try out some watersports. This beach has some great facilities and amenities nearby, so it’s not too far to go for refreshments or for a toilet break!
• Perhaps one of the sweetest things to do in Nerja is spend the afternoon in the shade of Tropy Sol; a little cafe that has ice creams that are so big your kids won’t be able to believe their eyes! And if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, don’t worry; the coffees on offer here are also incredible.
• If your kids have been given a bit of spending money by their grandparents, take them to the Tuesday market just off Calle Hernando de Carabeo. There’s a huge range of stalls, many selling local handicrafts which make for amazing souvenirs of your trip. You might even pick something up for yourself!
• Family day trips are a lot of fun in this part of the world, and there are lots of options for where to go. Popular choices are Torrox Costa and Torre del Mar which have beautiful beaches and are easily reachable by local bus, or you could head further west to Malaga to really dive into Spanish culture.

As one of the quieter and more serene resorts on the Costa del Sol, Nerja is a great choice for a couples getaway, especially if you travel during term time when the number of families visiting is lower.

• Nerja’s beaches are great, but if you want something more, the resort is less than 2 miles from the fascinating Caves of Nerja; an amazing place for couples to explore. The caves are home to amazing archaeological treasures, including prehistoric remains and paintings more than 20,000 years old.
• If you and your loved one are visiting over the summer, you can enjoy the Nerja Caves Festival; concerts and other entertainments held within the cave system itself. This make for an incredible atmosphere, and the acoustics are fantastic!
• ^ For a truly intimate, romantic getaway, visit Nerja in January or February. The winter sun is remarkably strong here, although the cooler temperatures keep the crowds away resulting in quieter, more peaceful streets. While cooler, it’s still very mild; the perfect weather for walking around the Nerja countryside.

Nerja may well be small, but it’s home to some pretty big landmarks! And with the Nerja Cultural Centre bringing annual events for the whole family, there are lots of opportunities to learn about the local culture.

• The Cueva de Nerja — the local caves — are a main cultural highlight. It’s here that you can walk for 2.5 miles through the complex cave system that was once inhabited by Palaeolithic hunters, and view the famous Nerja cave paintings. The caves can easily be accessed by bus from both Nerja and Malaga.
• If you visit during the summer, you’ll find all sorts of local dance performances taking place, especially flamenco. Flamenco forms a big part of the Nerja Cultural Centre’s annual events programme, and this is a great opportunity to experience live displays of local culture. Kids will love these performances, too.
• The town’s museum, Museo de Nerja, holds various displays of artefacts from the nearby cave system, enabling visitors to enjoy a great insight into the town’s heritage. Kids will be fascinated with the skeletons and old stone tools recovered from the caves, providing an in-depth look at local history.
• Like most of Spain, festivals play a big role in the celebration of local culture in Nerja. Noche de San Juan — the Feast of St John — is a very exciting time in Nerja, with one of the best beach parties this side of Malaga. There’s also a great fishing boat procession for the Virgen del Carmen celebrations.

Is there a train from Malaga to Nerja?

There are no trains from Malaga to Nerja, but it’s still easy to travel the 42 miles between the two destinations. It takes just 1 hour to drive, or there are regular buses departing throughout the day.

What airport do you fly to for Nerja?

The nearest airport to Nerja is Malaga Airport, which is served by many airlines from the UK. Malaga airport lies just west of the city, and transfer time between the airport and Nerja is just over 1 hour.

How much is a taxi from Nerja to Malaga Airport?

A taxi from Nerja to Malaga Airport should typically cost between €65 and €70 for a standard car. However, if traffic is particularly heavy, the transfer could cost as much as €80, perhaps more.

Can you get a bus from Malaga Airport to Nerja?

There is no direct bus from Malaga Airport to Nerja. However, it's possible to take a taxi, bus, or train from the airport to Malaga’s Maria Zambrano train station, and then catch an ALSA bus to Nerja.