Nerja is one of the most important tourist centres on the Costa del Sol. Situated in the most easterly part of the province, this municipality has a very special charm that distinguishes it from tourism on the western Costa del Sol.
Situated in the foothills of the high mountains of Sierra Tejeda in the Axarquia, the whole area has a unique scenic beauty, with some of the most enchanting coves, the Maro Cliffs Natural Park or the famous Nerja Caves.
Discover all there is to do during your visit to one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the Costa del Sol.
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Table of Contents
Nerja Beaches
As we mentioned before, its geographical location gives the beaches of Nerja a very special charm that the wide beaches of the western Costa del Sol lack: they are mostly coves surrounded by rocky formations.
Whilst the beaches closest to the town centre are easily accessible, there are also a number of unspoilt coves that are difficult to access, where you can enjoy a quiet day without crowds.
- Discover nudist beaches close to Nerja
- At this link you will find all the hidden coves on the eastern Costa del Sol
Playa del Salón Beach
This picturesque alley leads to the Playa del Salón beach. It is located next to the Balcón de Europa.
Carabeo Beach
Playa de Carabeo is a small cove, accessible on foot by a stairs, between large rock formations.
Burriana Beach
This is probably the most popular and frequented beach in Nerja. It has a large number of services, restaurants, beach bars and water leisure activities.
Carabeillo Beach
This small cove in the westernmost part of the Burriana beach is almost an unspoilt paradise, with no infrastructure, surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation.
Playazo Beach
It is a long and wide beach in the westernmost part of Nerja and less frequented.
Las Alberquillas Beach
This beach is difficult to access, surrounded by vegetation and located in the natural setting of the cliffs of Maro. It is usually frequented by nudists.
El Cañuelo Beach
This cove is also difficult to access, located in Maro. Due to its length, together with the existence of two beach bars, this beach is quite popular in summer.
Cala del Pino Beach
An unspoilt cove, difficult to access, located in the natural area of Maro Cerro Gordo.
La Caleta Beach
This small secluded cove is also located in Maro. It does not have any kind of services, so you have to take everything you need to spend a great day on the beach or snorkelling in its crystal clear waters.
Playa de Maro Beach
Another wild beach with vegetation in Maro. It is a very popular beach with all services, surrounded by wooded hills. Kayak rental is available.
Molino de Papel Beach
It is an isolated rocky beach with difficult access. It is a mixed beach, as it is also frequented by nudists.
Natural Park Maro Cliffs-Cerro Gordo
This area of cliffs has a singular beauty. It is a protected natural area.
There are several walking routes to enjoy these beautiful views, and it is not uncommon to occasionally meet mountain goats along the trails.
But the natural site is probably best known among diving and snorkelling enthusiasts for its impressive rock formations that give its turquoise waters an exceptional transparency.
Sierras Tejeda, Almijara & Alhama Mountains
From a good part of the province you can see the highest peaks of the province, with the Maroma with over 2,000 metres.
In the months of January and February, they can leave us with images as beautiful as this one, with their snow-capped peaks.
This whole area is known as the Axarquia, an area of outstanding natural value and home to many beautiful white villages of Moorish origin.
Things to do in Nerja
Route along the River Chillar
The Chillar River Route is very popular during the hot summer months, as during the whole route you in direct contact with the refreshing water.
In fact, this route is so popular, that the Nerja town hall in summer has started to regulate access to protect the fauna and flora.
To do this route, an intermediate level of fitness is required. All you need to know to do this beautiful route, here.
Yoga in Nerja
Here are the links to attend individual outdoor Yoga classes given by Yogadventure and NerjaYoga. Classes are given in Spanish and English. On their pages you can also find offers for Yoga Retreats in Malaga.
- And here are some more great ideas for healthy holidays in Malaga!
Water activities in Nerja
In Nerja you can enjoy a wide range of water activities for all ages and conditions. Along the promenade of Burriana Beach there are a large number of companies offering their services, such as parasailing, boat trips, snorkelling, paddle surfing, pedal boating, kayaking or diving.
Kayak in Nerja – Maro
Personally, we can recommend kayaking in Nerja, a total success.
It is a guided tour of about 2 hours in turquoise waters along the spectacular cliffs of Maro. We can personally recommend the company Educare.
During the tour they take photos with the gopro which are then uploaded free of charge to their website for downloading.
Diving in Nerja – Maro
Whether you are already an expert or just want to try diving for the first time to discover the wonderful underwater world: Diving in Nerja.
The best place on the Costa del Sol are the waters of the natural area Maro Cerro Gordo.
Although it already belongs to the province of Granada, nevertheless, we include it if you do not want to miss this experience.
We personally recommend Buceonatura en La Herradura, with Rafa Camacho at the helm, an expert diver and passionate underwater photographer.
Things to see & do in Nerja
Nerja Cave
Probably Nerja’s most outstanding attraction is its impressive cave, located just over 3 km from the town centre.
Also called the Cathedral of the Costa del Sol, due to its impressive formations of stalagtites and stalagmites in huge underground rooms.
It is a must visit when you are in Nerja. We have dedicated a full article to the Nerja Cave with everything you need to know to visit it.
Nerja Cave Music Festival
Every summer this popular festival takes place in the gardens of the cave, with performances by national and international artists. Here you have this year’s programme .
Aguila Aqueduct
This impressive aqueduct was built in the 19th century to transport water to the mills of the old sugar factory.
It is situated 3 km from Nerja and parking is easy by the side of the road. Walking from Burriana Beach it is about 2 km and takes about 30 minutes.
Nerja Museum
The Museum of Nerja, located in the old town, offers visitors a journey through the history of Nerja from prehistoric times to the present day, in an audio-visual and interactive tour.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm. July, August and Easter from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Free admission: 28 February (Andalusia Day), 18 May (International Museum Day), 27 September (International Tourism Day). For citizens of the European Union: Sundays from 4 pm to closing time. Combined visit (Museum + Cave): 11 €.
Balcón de Europa
This beautiful balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea is probably one of the most photographed places in Malaga.
Located in the old town of Nerja and flanked by its most popular coves, it is inevitable to get there and enjoy the beautiful views.
The square hosts many events throughout the year and is a highly attractive place at any time of the day.
And if you get hungry or thirsty, don’t worry, there are numerous bars, cafes and restaurants close by to choose from.
Frigiliana, balcony to the Sea
Frigiliana is probably the most visited and well-known village in the Axarquia if we don’t count the coastal villages.
Because it is situated only 7 km from Nerja, it receives a lot of tourist visits, very similar to Mijas Pueblo and Fuengirola.
Frigiliana stands out for having the best preserved historic quarter of Moorish origin in the whole of Spain. How to get there.
Street Markets in Nerja
There are two street markets in Nerja.
On Tuesdays there is a market with fruit, vegetables, clothes etc. from 8 am to 2 pm.
On Sundays there is a flea market with second hand goods, from 8 am to 2 pm.
Both markets are located on the esplanade next to Mirto street.
Nerja all year round
Nerja is together with Torrox one of the warmest municipalities in Europe during the winter months as it is protected by the high mountain range from the icy winds.
If you want to know more, here are the best reasons to spend the winter on the Costa del Sol!
Interactive Map of Nerja
On our interactive map you can find all the places of interest mentioned in this article.
How to get to Nerja
Public Transport
Despite being a popular tourist destination, public transport from Malaga airport and Málaga Maria Zambrano train station is limited to an hourly bus service. The journey time is between 1:30 and 2 hours, depending on the connection.
The Nerja Bus Station is located opposite the roundabout in Plaza Cantarero, a ten minute walk from the centre of Nerja.
Car rental and transfer
Therefore, if you don’t want to add several hours to your journey to reach your destination, we recommend our car hire at Malaga airport or our transfer to and from Malaga airport.
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