Discover Nerja

Nerja, Spain

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Nerja ➜ in the Costa del Sol ➜ and the TOP #20 Things To Do!

Nerja is one of those charming white-villages in Spain that everyone is talking about. You know, the ones with the white-washed houses, beautiful old towns with winding streets and alleys full of brightly colored flowers and vines clinging to the balconies, small plazas full of quaint restaurants and tapas bars serving delicious Andalucian cuisine, and stunning white sandy beaches that meet the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea...

And, when people visit Nerja (and its pretty neighbor Frigiliana) they often say... that these are the two MOST beautiful villages they've seen in Andalucia... AND, the two they enjoyed visiting the most.

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If you're thinking about visiting Nerja, don't miss the Costa Tropical villages of Almuñécar, La Herradura, and Salobreña, just minutes away...

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Day Trips to Nerja From Malaga or Granada

Nerja, a small town on the sunny Costa del Sol, is a popular day trip destination from either Malaga or Granada. You can plan an excursion on your own or take one of these guided tours available from each of these nearby cities... if you want to leave the planning to the professionals.

Read our guide on the TOP day-trip excursions to Nerja, Frigiliana, and the Nerja Caves and why you can't miss them!

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BEST Hotels & Where to Stay in Nerja

We recommend prioritizing location when choosing where to stay in Nerja. It’s a small village, and if you love walking half as much as we do, consider one of these hotels within the old town. This way you don't need to worry about taxis or public transportation.

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20 Incredible Things to Do in Nerja!

Nerja has some seriously beautiful things to see and some seriously fun things to do, so don’t just waste your time lying around on the beach... well... do that too... But take advantage of these 20 amazing things to do while in Nerja. You won't regret it!

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1. Visit the Nerja Caves

This is one reason why SO many people come to Nerja, to see the world-famous Nerja Caves! These caves are extraordinary, so much so that they are listed in the "Guinness Book of World Records" for having the biggest stalactite in the world! What is a stalactite you ask? Read our article on The Ultimate Guide to the Nerja Caves and find out.

A trip to the Nerja Caves will take you about 1-2 hours, but it's well worth it. The general ticket also includes entry to the Nerja Museum but you can upgrade your ticket to also include a ride on the Nerja Tourist Train. The kids will love that!

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2. Shop the Nerja Markets!

Almost every town in Andalusia has a daily market, and Nerja is no different. You will always find a wide assortment of fruits, veggies, spices, teas, plants and flowers... as well as handmade pottery and handicrafts that make great gifts or souvenirs.

There are also a ton of Moroccan items... Nerja has two weekly markets you can visit: the fresh food and spice market and the Sunday Rastro (which is a flea market or car boot sale). If you have the time, visit both!

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3. Tour the Old Town on the Nerja Train

Something the kids will LOVE is to take a spin on the Nerja Train. This is a great way to get your bearings when visiting a new place!

The train starts in Plaza Fabrica de los Cangrejos, next to Playa Torrecilla, and goes from Nerja to the village of Maro (past some of the most important sites) then to the Nerja Caves.

Note: If you plan on visiting the Nerja Caves and don't have a car, this is a great way to get there...

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4. Explore the Balcón de Europa!

The thing that Nerja is most well-known for, besides its insanely beautiful beaches, is the Balcón de Europa at its center. 'Balcón de Europa' translates to 'Balcony of Europe'... and OH, what a balcony it is...

ALWAYS bustling with activity, you will find tourist admiring the stunning Mediterranean Sea views, enjoying a tapa in one of the cafes, watching the local artists paint, or just relaxing and taking in the festive atmosphere... The Balcón de Europa is truly a magical place to be!

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5. Take a Photo with King Alfonso

A bronze statue has been erected in honor of King Alfonso that stands at the end of the Balcón de Europa promenade and is very popular with tourists. Don't forget to snap a photo with the dear king while you're in Nerja.

King Alfonso XII was the king of Spain from 1874 to 1885 and was the son of Queen Isabella II. He died of cholera in 1885.

On a visit to Nerja, after the great earthquake, King Alfonso was so delighted by its magnificent beauty and spectacular sea views that he declared... "He had found the balcony of Europe"... from which our dear Balcón received its name.

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6. Take a Stroll Along the Playa Calahonda Walkway

Just before you reach the Balcón from the shopping area, there is a doorway that leads down to Calahonda beach (behind the blue fountain). Take the stairs down to the beach and follow the path under the Balcón, past Playa Caletilla, and up the stairs on the other side until you reach Playa el Salon. From there you can take Via Calle Salón back to the Balcon Plaza and past the Church of El Salvador.

It is a wonderful place to stroll in the evenings and watch some of Nerja's incredible sunsets. During the summer months, there are often artists selling jewelry and other interesting crafts.

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7. Peek Inside the El Salvador Church

This pretty church in Nerja sits on the western end of the Balcón de Europa and is host to many weddings, festivals, and religious processions during the year... most of which include singing, dancing, music, laughter... and lots of confetti.

Even in its quieter moments, the Church of El Salvador it worth a visit. The interior is less ornate than others but it contains representations of all three archangels (one of the few churches in the world to do so). The archangel of St Michael is highlighted as it is Nerja's patron saint.

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8. Take a Ride in a Horse and Carriage

Another fun thing to do with the kids in Nerja is a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town. This option is only available during the summer months, but it is a fun and relaxing way to see the town. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes.

  Nerja Horse & Carriage Tours:

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9. Take a Stroll through the Shopping District

Walking from the Balcón de Europa on Calle Puerta del Mar you will come across a labyrinth of small streets and alleys full of interesting shops and galleries. The area forms a loop and can easily be covered in an hour or so. It's also full of great restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars if you need a break from your shopping.

What Kind of Shops Will You Find? Nerja has everything from clothing boutiques (men, women, and children's), art galleries, pottery shops, local craft shops, locally-made leather goods, to well-known chain brands like Desigual and Springfield. There are also specialty food shops, book stores, Moroccan goods, small supermarkets, and so much more...

Second Shopping area: Heading away from the Balcón (behind the El Salvador Church) cross the plaza and head to the left. You will find many more shops. As you walk towards the 'Plaza Fabrica de los Cangrejos' you will find four or five small souvenir shops that are great for buying gifts.

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10. Take a Photo of the Eagle Aqueduct

One of Nerja’s most interesting sites is the STILL working Eagle Aqueduct, also known as el Puente del Águila or "The Eagles' Bridge" in English. You will find it on the road to Maro going east just before you reach the Nerja Caves... and it’s quite striking!

The Aqueduct is regarded across Andalucia as an "historic jewel of Spanish architecture". It was built in the 19th century and has been used ever since. In recent years, the aqueduct was given a "mini facelift" as sections of the arches have been painted yellow...

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11. Check out the Famous Boat from the 'Verano Azul' TV Series

Nerja was made famous back in the 1980's by a Spanish TV series called 'Verano Azul', which translates to 'Blue Summer'. The show was about a group of kids and their lives while on vacation in a typical Spanish Mediterranean village on the Costa del Sol. It was extremely popular among the Spanish and had up to 20 million viewers at the time.

One of the main characters on the show 'Chanquete' lived on an old fishing boat... a replica of this boat can be found in the Parque Verano Azul on the western end of Nerja. Check it out!

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12. The Ermita de las Angustias

On the northern side of Nerja, you will find this small, but pretty, 18th-century chapel located in the 'Plaza de la Ermita'. The Ermita de las Angustias is a tribute to the patron saint of Nerja, "Our Lady of Anguish", and was recently renovated and its colorful murals were restored. It's definitely worth a visit!

Just behind the Chapel, you will find the Sala Mercado or "Exhibition Hall". It is the home to various art and photography exhibitions held throughout the year. If you are nearby, pop in and you might find something interesting...

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13. Party the Night Away in the Tutti Frutti Plaza

Nerja is known for its nightlife! Unlike some of its quieter neighbors, this town likes to party!

If you are traveling with younger people or those that like to 'party into the night'... Nerja is the place to be!

Start with cocktails in the old town, the busiest area is along "Calle Almte Ferrandiz" where you will find the Buddha Bar Lounge and several other great tapas bars. Later, head over to the Tutti Frutti Plaza where you will find no less than 10 bars and music venues, they don’t open until around 11:00 or so and stay open well into the night.

If you're still raring to go... you have the option of a few late-night discotheques that don't close until around 4 am... Don't forget to drink lots of water!!

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Nerja's Best Bars:

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14. Visit the Nerja Museum

Tucked behind the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall and Visitors Center) in the Plaza de España you will find the Nerja Museum. It houses interesting items excavated from the nearby caves which include a very impressive female skeleton that is thought to have lived in the caves more than 18,000 years ago.

Explore its three floors of interactive exhibits that will give you a complete overview of the history of the area, starting from Paleolithic times until the present.

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15. Spend the Day at a Beautiful Nerja Beach!

Ahhhhh... THIS is why you come to Nerja... For its exquisite sandy beaches and spectacular Mediterranean Sea views.

Nerja has 10 beaches for you to enjoy, all offering a wonderful assortment of water sports activities, delicious seaside chiringuitos, a shallow surf, and gentle waves. Rent a sunbed for the day and go for a swim! A day spent at any of these Nerja beaches would be a day spent, well ... in Spanish heaven...

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16. Check Out One of the Nearby Costa Tropical Villages

While in Nerja, take advantage of being so close to about 7 other amazing cities and towns and visit them all!! Most of these villages can be reached in less than 30 minutes... and the two larger cities of Malaga and Granada in under one-hour.

Check Out: La Herradura, Almuñécar, Salobreña, Motril, Frigiliana, Maro, Granada, Malaga, Torrox Pueblo

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17. Visit Frigiliana

Just behind Nerja, and heading up into the Sierra de Tejeda Natural Park, you will come across one of the “Prettiest Villages in Spain” ... Frigiliana.

Frigiliana is a small, typical white-washed Andalucian village which can easily be seen in just a few hours. Take a stroll through its winding streets and alleys, browse its charming boutiques and craft shops, visit the historic sights, and then enjoy a tapas on one of its balconies overlooking the mountains with the Mediterranean Sea and Nerja in the distance... It's simply stunning.

• Check Out This Tour to Frigiliana & the Lost Village of Acebuchal... from Nerja
• If you're planning to visit... Check out the "Best Frigiliana Restaurants" Guide!

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18. Visit the Town of Maro & its Beaches

Just east of Nerja is the small village of Maro, a picturesque farming village that sits on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea with beautiful views of the Costa del Sol, it is especially known for the beauty of its beaches...

Maro is located right in front of the caves of Nerja, so you can visit the caves and then take a walk through the old town of Maro. Once you cross the small footbridge, you will find the parish church, an old sugar mill and a small square where you can enjoy a light meal or a coffee...

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19. Drive 5-Minutes Down the Coast and Explore the Nature Reserve along the Cliffs

Starting in Maro and heading east is the magnificent Maro / Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve. The best way to see this area is by car. From Maro to the end of the reserve (La Herradura) will take about 15 minutes.

The Paraje Natural de Maro / Cerro Gordo is an untouched area along the coastal border of Malaga (Nerja and Maro) and Granada (La Herradura) with rocky cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea... creating small bays and coves.

The reserve boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, ancient Roman towers, Iberian mountain goats (that have found a home in the reserve), the Maro waterfall (only visible from the sea), fantastic hiking trails, and a wealth of flora and fauna.

• Guided tours are available within the reserve, either by land or by sea.

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20. Have More Time? Check Out These Excursions...

If you have a car, there is a LOT more you can see nearby in Andalucia; the Camino del Rey, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Mudejar-style white villages, and much more... See our FULL list of excursions FROM Nerja to take advantage of your time here!

If you need a cheap car rental, we recommend RentalCars.com as a GREAT low-cost option.

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More Active Things to Do - Hiking Around Nerja

One of the great things about Nerja is that although it’s a very touristy resort area it’s also right next to the Costa Tropical, which is well-known for its outdoor adventure activities.

Nerja is also just in front of a large mountain range, the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, which lies across both the Malaga and Granada provinces and is fantastic for those who like hiking... It's easily accessible from Nerja or any of the neighboring villages.

Below you will find the 10 most popular activities you can do in and around Nerja...

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Eat in One of Nerja's BEST Restaurants!

• Check out: "The Best 20 Nerja Restaurants"

• Check out: "The Best 3 Frigiliana Restaurants"

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For More Information About Nerja:

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Important Information You Should Know About Nerja

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1. Distances to Other Important Towns from Nerja:

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2. When is the Best Time to Visit Nerja

• During May and October, you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures in Nerja that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F).
• The hottest months in Nerja are June, July, August, and September.
• Nerja has dry periods in June, July, August, and September.
• On average, Nerja's warmest month is July.
• On average, Nerja's coolest month is January.
• November is the wettest month in Nerja. This month should be avoided if you are not a big fan of rain.
• July is the driest month in Nerja.

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3. Nerja's Gastronomy

Nerja's gastronomy is centered around its natural environment. It's known for its typical healthy Mediterranean diet and most of its popular dishes come from fresh products harvested from the garden, vineyards, local farms, and the sea.

Nerja, as part of Malaga, feasts mainly on stews, grilled fish, gazpachos, rice dishes (paella), and fresh salads.

In addition to enjoying the special flavors of the day, the Nerja people are also known to frequent the beach bars and chiringuitos to combine the joy of eating with the magnificent views and spectacular nature all around them.

4. Nerja Fiestas

If you plan to visit Nerja during any of these festivals below, be sure to check with the town hall as to what activities will be taking place...

Nerja’s top celebrated fiestas are:

The Nerja Fair - Mid-October - One of the biggest celebrations of the year in Nerja with processions, singing, dancing, eating, and drinking.

San Isidro and La Virgen del Carmen - 15th May & 16th July - These are two celebrations in honor of two highly regarded patron saints. Nerja honors them with flamboyant processions and huge parties.

The Three Kings Parade - 5th January - On the afternoon of January 5, the people of Nerja put on their best costumes to receive the procession of their Majesties... the Three Wise Men.

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Nerja ➜ How to Arrive & Directions

Nerja is an easily accessible town, only 45 minutes east of Malaga and 50 minutes south of Granada.

You can easily make a day trip to Nerja from either of these two cities. A visit will take about half a day... but if you have the time, we recommend staying for a day or two! There is plenty to see and to do in the area.

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That should be all you need for an amazing vacation in Nerja! Have a safe trip!! ;-)

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