There are a wide range of stunning seaside towns that one could choose as a holiday destination in Spain but among the most beautiful and perfect has to be Nerja. Known primarily for its incredible natural bounty and picturesque landscape, Nerja is located on the southern tip of Spain, along the Costa del Sol. Framed by the majestic peaks of the Sierras de Tejeda mountain range in the background and made up of perfect pale beaches lapped by turquoise waters, impressive rock formations, lush greenery, and row upon row of white-washed apartment buildings and houses rising up from the coast, this is an elegant gem of a coastal resort that is known to be one of the best holiday spots along the famous and beloved tourist region of the Costa del Sol. If you’re looking to hike gorgeous cliff walks and mountain trails, swim in crystal clear water, visit prehistoric caves that once acted as homes to ancient civilizations, dine on fresh paella while taking in sea views, dance all night, try out water sports like SUP and snorkelling and kayaking, or simply wander around a picture-perfect historic Spanish town centre, then browse our wonderful villas in Nerja and come and take it all in for yourself!
Food-lovers rejoice
One of the best things about Nerja as a destination is that it is not only generally pretty cheap to eat out but there are lots of incredible places to eat and delicious food options to choose from. It is also one of those Spanish towns where the tradition of free tapas with drinks often still stands so, if you choose your bars correctly, you’ll find your budget stretching even further throughout your vacation in Nerja. Most of the traditional Spanish tapas bars of Nerja are tucked away in back streets and when you get to them you order a drink and then, usually, a tapa will be brought out to accompany it. This is a light snack and there are many potential options so a lot of diners and revellers go by a rule of moving venue after each drink so that they get to try a different tapa at each stop and get to enjoy a variety of different kinds. If you’re not sure about whether there is a charge for the food, you can ask to make sure when you’re ordering. Similarly, if you order a drink and a tapa isn’t brought out automatically, you can always ask for one. Some places just don’t offer them automatically but should have no problem bringing you one if you ask. The very lively, local, and somewhat rough and ready atmosphere of these tapas bars can be a bit daunting for some tourists but it is well worth braving it to mix with Nerja residents, soak up the atmosphere, and get a bargain while you’re at it! Because, while prices can vary quite a bit and are always higher in more touristy parts of town, you should expect to pay between just €1.20 and €1.80 for a beer or wine and have your tapa included in this. Again prices may vary and not everyone offers the free tapas today but many do and you can always double check upon arrival.
There are, of course, also plenty of luxurious restaurant options in Nerja as well but no matter your budget, you can really eat well while in the area. Furthermore, while there are lots of restaurants and bars serving up Andalusian and local dishes and cuisine, Nerja actually boasts a whole range of worldwide cuisines including beloved Indian, Italian, Laotian, Japanese, Chinese, Turkish, and Greek restaurants. Paella is another key element of the foodie scene of Nerja, with some truly delicious options on offer throughout the city. The most famous paella spot in town, however, has to be Chiringuito Ayo, a chiringuito that has become world-renowned and has been run by the legendary Francisco Ortega Olalla ‘Ayo’ since 1969. Making gigantic paellas with fresh seafood caught daily, this gem at Playa Burriana is a must-try for any self-respecting foodie planning a holiday in Nerja.
Natural delights
There are 16km of beaches with powdery golden sand and crystal clear and calm waters to choose from in and around Nerja. The main beaches of Burriana and Torrecilla are both blue flag beaches and in addition to enjoying the food at Burriana Beach, both are popular spots for water sports such as snorkelling, water skiing, scuba-diving, SUP, kayaking and sailing. Various tour operators in the area will also offer SUP, kayak, and sailing trips along the coastline so that you can visit several inlets and beaches at once – a perfect way to get to know the coast while on holiday in Nerja! For a quieter option, there is Maro Beach, which is a few kilometres from the centre of Nerja and is a scenic little alcove tucked into a cliff side that is usually less busy and more relaxing. This is a truly gorgeous and somewhat hidden gem that is ideal for lazy days at the beach if you have found a vacation rental in Nerja. Hiking is also really popular in and around Nerja, with the trail up El Cielo being a perfect option. The tallest coastal mountain in this part of Spain, its peak sitting at 1,508m, it is certainly a proper trek and challenge. Only those who are up for a whole day of hiking up an incline and prepared for the weather (with the right shoes, clothing, sun-coverage, water and snacks, etc for the time of year of your trip) should undertake it but those who do will certainly be rewarded when they get to the top! Taking in sweeping views over other mountains, the countryside, and out over the ocean, it is a truly breathtaking place with unforgettable panoramas.
While you’re hiking, if you don’t mind getting wet and trying rather adventurous routes then you should definitely look into the Rio Chillar river walk. A beloved summer outing, this activity and natural gem attracts people from all over and is a magic trek along the river through the Sierras de Tejeda and the Alhama Natural Park, surrounded by gorgeous landscapes all the while! Another of the must-see natural wonders of the area are the Nerja Caves, a vast cave system that served as prehistoric dwellings and was then rediscovered in 1959. Today, you can take guided tours and see the wildly impressive rock formations and other quite otherworldly features. So, if you like getting active and/or pretty views, then a villa in Nerja is actually a perfect option!
Historic beauties
We have already mentioned that Nerja boasts a lovely historic centre and while the town at large is an impressive resort, the core remains rather traditional. Expect narrow and winding little cobblestone streets for pedestrians that are dotted with pretty little shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as some impressive old architectural gems. This is a brilliant place to stroll, take photos, enjoy your surroundings, visit some landmarks like the 16th century Nuestra Senora de las Angustias Hermitage with its lovely paintings by Alonso Cano, grab some food or a drink, and generally enjoy the pace of life and picturesque looks of a typical historic town centre in Spain. If you’re willing to continue your strolling out of town, you will discover the Acueducto del Aguila, or Eagle Aqueduct, a stunning 19th century aqueduct that was built at the peak of the industrial revolution and is still used to this day. This striking historic monument is impressive, to say the least, but is also another delightful place for a walk and is set in lovely natural surroundings. Finally, if you’re exploring the scenic and historic parts of Nerja, you must make a point to head to the bustling and beautiful Balcón de Europa. Built in the 17th century on a fortress that dated back to the 9th century, this plaza takes in views over the coast, with the beaches of Calahonda and Burriana beach and neighbouring coves and the village of Maro, home to the aforementioned Nerja Caves, all visible from the so-called, “Balcony of Europe”. Supposedly given its name by King Alfonso XII (1857 – 1885), this is a focal point of the city, with ice-cream parlours, bars, cafes, and restaurants all nearby and regular performances by local musicians and festivals taking place in the plaza right through the summer months. It is a perfect place to enjoy gorgeous views, some music, excitement, a bit to eat and drink, and magnificent sunset scenes if you find a vacation rental in Nerja and are spending time in the city.
So, whether you like to hike and explore, try out water sports, laze about on picture-perfect beaches, wander pretty and historic city centres, go on foodie tours, take in stunning views, admire architectural gems, or simply sit out with a wine or coffee and watch the world go by, you are sure to find what you need if you book a holiday rental in Nerja and come explore this charming part of Spain! Check out our villas in Nerja and book your next getaway today.
