Nerja Holidays

Plaza Balcón de Europa is the heart and soul of Nerja both day and night; from the iconic Balcón de Europa viewing platform with its ancient cannon that looks out to the sea and the whitewashed 17th-century Church of El Salvador; to the many bars, restaurants, and shops that line the square and neighbouring streets offering everything from authentic tapas and paellas and jugs of sangria to souvenirs, locally-made pottery, and artisan ice-cream. 

With no less than ten beaches lining Nerja’s 13-kilometre-long rocky shoreline and beyond, you’re sure to find a patch of sand to chill out, swim, sunbathe, and try water sports – from Playa Burriana on the outskirts of town, accessed from the paved promenade; the tiny Carabeillo beach accessible from the Mirador del Bendito on Calle Carabeo; the El Salón old fisherman’s beach and the much-photographed La Calahonda beaches either side of the Balcón de Europa; and the 300-metre swathe of golden sands that make up the Blue-Flag La Torrecilla beach at the opposite end of the resort.

Tour the town on the blue and white tourist train or travel more elegantly on a horse-drawn carriage. Hop on the bus or take a taxi to Cueva de Nerja – discovered in 1959 by a group of local boys - to experience the unusual stalagmites and stalactites and rock paintings on a tour and the atmospheric summertime concerts. Stop by Nerja Museum on Plaza de España to learn about the history of the caves and view local exhibits. Leave the town behind and head: north to the white village of Frigliana with its Mudéjar-style old town, east to the sleepy village of Maro with its beach and calendar of fiestas, and west to Torrox with its old pueblo and newer bar and eatery-lined coastal promenade. 

No holiday to Nerja is complete without sampling authentic tapas including Croquetas, Patatas Bravas, Jamon Iberico, Chipirones, Tortilla de Patatas, and Queso de Manchego. Local specialities like Fideua, Escalivada, Paella, and Esqueixada are a tasty option too. If you fancy some bubbly, opt for a glass of cava; if wine is your thing, then choose a local Rioja or Ribeiro; or for beer lovers there’s Cruzcampo and Mahou. You’ll also find everything from fast food fare to international favourites served at Nerja’s restaurants, cafes, and takeaways.