57+ Things to Do in Nerja:
Your Ultimate Guide for a fun filled holiday in the Costa del Sol

Nerja is known as one of the most beautiful villages along the Costa del Sol (and of course home to the world famous Nerja Caves)... but it has SO much more to offer!!

If you're planning a trip to the area, take advantage of the endless number of outdoor activities that are available, from hiking in the majestic 'Sierras of the Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama' natural park to kayaking the calm seas along the Maro Nature Reserve...

And... don't forget to read about the TOP things to SEE in Nerja, like museums, churches, aqueducts, beaches, and the gorgeous Balcón de Europa...

Continue reading to discover more than 57 amazing things to do in Nerja on your next holiday...

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Things to Do within the Nerja Village - Top Sights

There are so many things to do in and around Nerja, but let's start in the village itself... From wandering through the charming old town, taking in the views from the iconic Balcón de Europa, to exploring the prehistoric caves. There is something for everyone.

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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.

This is a wonderful place to stroll in the evening and admire some of Nerja's incredible sunsets. During the summer months you will often find artists selling jewelry and other interesting crafts.

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Things to do in Nerja: Food, Nightlife & Entertainment

Take advantage of Nerja's vibrant culinary scene with an array of tapas bars, restaurants, and nightlife spots. Here is everything you need to know for a night out in Nerja...

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Cool off and have fun at one of the many water parks in the area. It's the perfect thing to do in Nerja for families with small children!

The closest water park is in Almuñécar called Aquatropic, it's located about 20 kilometers east of Nerja. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Costa Tropical, this saltwater park has a variety of slides and pools for all ages.

Heading west, about 20-25 kilometers from Nerja in Torre del Mar, you will find another park, the Aquavelis Water Park. It too has a variety of slides, pools and other attractions making it a popular choice for families. One last option, a little further away, is Aqualand Torremolinos (70 kilometers west of Nerja), it's one of the largest water parks in the area.

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Things to do in Nerja ➜ Beach & Water Activities...

Nerja and the surrounding natural parks are well known for their abundance of outdoor activities including kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and scuba diving, especially near the Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs where there is an abundance of marine life and sea caves to explore.

Sailing and boat tours are also available so you can enjoy Nerja's stunning coastline from a different perspective. With near perfect weather conditions year round, it's a great destination for nature lovers.

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One of the main reasons most people come to Nerja is for its beautiful coastline with over 20 picture perfect beaches, from secluded coves like Playa de Maro to wide sandy stretches like Burriana Beach. It's the combination of clear Mediterranean waters and a stunning mountain backdrop that makes Nerja's beaches so appealing.

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Rent a kayak and explore the coastline around Nerja, Maro, and the Costa Tropical. Kayaks are available from Playa Burriana and Playa La Herradura.

You can also take a VERY POPULAR guided kayak tour through the Maro Nature Reserve. On this tour, you will pass the Sea Wolf Cave, the Maiden's Waterfall, the Seagulls House on the Cliff and eventually reach the Maro waterfall. Several stops are made along the way for swimming and enjoying the sea.

During the summer, these tours leave every hour and fill up fast, so it's important to book in advance...

BOOK TICKETS NOW!

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Another popular sporting activity along the Nerja coast is scuba diving or snorkeling. Nerja sits right on the western end of a huge nature reserve that is well-known for its spectacular underwater sealife.

If you are looking for scuba diving options, there are several diving centers / schools in the area, one on Playa Burriana and others in the neighboring village of La Herradura (5-min by car), which is one of the TOP diving areas in southern Spain.

These companies will provide you with all the equipment you need for a day of diving plus transportation to and from the best dive sites.

If you are new to diving, they can also get you certified with a PADI diving course that is personalized to your needs.

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If you want to explore the coast on your own, renting a boat at Marina del Este in La Herradura is a great place to start. Located just a short drive from Nerja, this marina offers a wide range of boats for hire, including motorboats, sailboats and catamarans. The marina is well equipped with restaurants, shops and parking. However, it's important to book your boat in advance, especially during the high summer season, as availability can be limited.

You can also hire a boat directly from Nerja on Playa el Playazo and you don't need a boating licence.

Rent a boat and spend the day exploring the Costa del Sol. See all sightseeing cruises here.

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Paddle surfing is a unique way to see the most beautiful corners of the Nerja and Maro cliffs. Paddleboards can be hired from most of the beaches in Nerja and Maro. Or, if you want to go in a guided group, there are some great tours available!

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A cruise along the coast of Nerja or the Costa Tropical is an incredible way to explore the beautiful coastline of southern Spain. From the deck of a sailboat or yacht, you can take in breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs, golden beaches and crystal clear waters of the Maro Nature Reserve. But the real highlight of a sightseeing cruise is the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, including dolphins, which are a common sight in the area.

Here is our list of the top 10 sightseeing cruises along the entire coast of Nerja, Malaga, and Granada.

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Things to do in Nerja ➜ TOP Hiking Trails...

Hiking is another popular activity in Nerja, thanks to the beautiful landscapes that combine coastal views with rugged mountain terrain. You will find many wonderful trails in and around Nerja which are suitable for all fitness levels. Here are the most popular ones:

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• The Rio Chillar: Walk in or along the water through the Chillar River Gorge, famous for its waterfalls and rock pools where you can take a refreshing dip.

• The Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo: A hike along the cliffs with views of the Mediterranean Sea and rugged coastline, exploring secluded beaches and coves.

• El Cielo: The highest peak in the area at over 1,500 meters. The hike to the summit is challenging but has panoramic views of the coast, Nerja and on clear days, Africa.

• The Lost Village (El Acebuchal): Located in the hills between Frigiliana and Competa, the hike to the "lost village" is relatively easy.

• The Caminito del Rey: Located about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Nerja, this is Spain's most famous hike and the second most visited site in the country.

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The Rio Chillar, ("Los Cahorros") walk, is a unique and incredibly beautiful experience. It starts just behind Nerja heading into the Sierra Almijara mountains. The walk gets its name from the narrow gorges that you have to pass through on your way to the first pools. Part of the walk itself is through the Chillar river, so plan on getting your feet VERY wet, it's a unique experience and very pretty.

There are two options for this walk, both are rated "medium difficulty".

Option 1: Hike to the Nerja Dam "La Presa". This is the longest option and will take you 6 to 7 hours. It's 8km each way, there and back.

Option 2: A much shorter walk and fun for the kids, this option takes you to the first pool called "Vado de Los Patos", which is about a 5km walk round trip.

• Make sure you wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and bring plenty of snacks and water if it's hot! You can start the walk near the Nerja weekly market.

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The "El Cielo" walk is also a very popular walk and the scenery is amazing. El Cielo translates to "the sky" which is roughly where you will be when you finish. Just like the Rio Chillar walk, there are several options you can take...

Option 1: If you walk to the tip-top of the "Cuesta del Cielo" (Hill of the Sky), the hike will be about 9 km each way and take you 4 to 5 hours. The peak is 1,505 meters and is crowned by a mirrored cross... this is the most difficult walk.

Option 2: Another option is to walk until you reach "El Pinarillo" and the "Fuente del Esparto" which is a nice picnic and barbeque area about 5 km from the start of the walk. This option will only take you about 1 hr 15 min.

Option 3: Your third option is to continue walking past "El Pinarillo" until you reach the town of Frigiliana.

All of these walks start just before the entrance to the Nerja Caves and continue through a beautiful pine forest. After about 1 hour there is a fork in the road that will take you to either 'Option 1' or 'Options 2 & 3'. The path is fairly flat or gently sloping most of the way for options 2 & 3, but option 1 gets pretty steep! If you make it to the top, the views are well worth it!

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More Outdoor Activities in Nerja

But wait! That's not all! If you're feeling really sporty and adventurous, there are even more things to do in Nerja, from buggy tours through the Sierras to parasailing over the beaches and sea...

Check out these popular activities you can do in and around Nerja...

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Take a Buggy Buggy Tour and experience the thrill of driving through rugged terrain, splashing through streams, and navigating through off-road trails. Along the way you'll stop at scenic spots to enjoy a picnic and take in the coastal views. These adventurous buggy tours (leaving from Almunecar / La Herradura) will take you on an unforgettable journey through the mountains of the Costa del Sol just behind Nerja... It's a great day out for the whole family!

Here is a list of the TOP Buggy Tours in Malaga, Marbella & Granada.

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If you are looking for an adventure you will not soon forget... try sailing through the skies over Nerja. On any given day along the coast, the sky will be dotted with colorful sails floating gently overhead. If you are thinking of trying this, one of these companies will be happy to help...

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Just up the road from Nerja and into the mountains behind neighboring Almuñecar is an amazing nature reserve called the "Junta de Los Rios", or "Where the Rivers Meet".

This hike takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes each way and at the end you will be rewarded with a beautiful waterfall and a crystal clear turquoise pool. ➜ Junta de Los Rios - Complete Hiking Guide!

If you go, you will notice a lot of "canyoners" in the area... groups of people repelling and jumping from the rocks into the river as they make their way down from the waterfall. It's an exhilarating adventure that anyone can do!

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Cruise the streets of Nerja on a bike or scooter... it's a great way to see the sights at your own pace! Gatygo Rent has a wide range of vehicles for you to choose from, including scooters, cars and bikes. Their rentals are well maintained and and ready to go...

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29 More Things to Do in Nerja and Beyond...

1. Visit the Balcon de Europa: Enjoy the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains from this viewpoint.

2. Relax on Burriana Beach: Spend a day sunbathing, swimming, or trying out water sports on Nerja's most popular beach.

3. Take a trip to Frigiliana: Visit this beautiful whitewashed village just a few kilometers from Nerja for a quiet afternoon.

4. Visit the church of El Salvador: Visit this beautiful church near the Balcon de Europa, known for its unique mix of architectural styles.

5. Visit the Nerja Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Nerja and the surrounding area.

6. Relax at Torrecilla Beach: Another of Nerja's popular beaches, it's perfect for a day of lounging by the sea.

7. Admire the Eagle Aqueduct: Visit this 19th century aqueduct near Maro, a marvel of historical engineering.

8. Visit Calas del Pino: This less crowded beach offers peace and quiet and great snorkeling.

9. Take a stroll down Calle San Juan de Capistrano: Stroll down this picturesque street and enjoy the traditional Andalusian houses and local shops.

10. Climb the Tower of Maro: This historic watchtower offers great views of Playa de Maro, the town of Nerja, and the coastline all the way to Malaga.

11. Explore Punta Lara: This quiet residential area offers a beautiful beach and excellent restaurants.

12. Enjoy El Playazo Beach: Nerja's longest beach is perfect for a more laid-back beach day.

13. Visit Chanquete's Boat - La Dorada: A great photo spot for fans of the popular Spanish TV series, 'Verano Azul'.

14. Visit the Maro Waterfall: A beautiful natural waterfall best accessed by kayak or boat.

15. Visit the 'Lost Village' of Acebuchal: Explore this "Lost Village", abandoned during the Spanish Civil War and now restored to its former charm.

16. Explore the village of Torrox: Known for its fantastic climate, Torrox offers beautiful beaches and a charming old town.

17. Visit Competa: Known as the "Pearl of Axarquia", this village is famous for its local wine and the annual Noche del Vino festival.

18. Visit the Costa Tropical villages: Explore the coastal villages of the Costa Tropical, each with its own unique charm. Almuñécar is known for its Roman aqueducts and vibrant nightlife, La Herradura for its beautiful bay and water sports, and Salobreña for its Moorish castle on a hilltop and old town.

19. Join a wine tasting group: Discover the local wines of the region by joining a wine tasting group. This is a great way to explore the local vineyards and learn about the winemaking process.

20. Explore the villages along the Mudejar Route: This route takes you through several villages known for their Mudejar architecture, a style characterized by the influence of Moorish culture during the Christian Reconquest period.

21. Walk the Caminito del Rey: Once known as one of the most dangerous in the world, this famous trail offers breathtaking views as it winds along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro.

22. Visit Granada: A day trip to Granada is a must. Visit the Alhambra, one of Spain's most iconic landmarks, stroll through the Albayzín district, and learn about the city's rich history and culture.

23. Visit Malaga: Explore the birthplace of Picasso, visit the impressive cathedral, the Alcazaba, and enjoy the city's bustling marina.

24. Visit Almeria: Explore Almeria's rich history by visiting the Alcazaba of Almeria, a 10th-century fortress, and stroll through the narrow streets of the old town.

25. Visit the Roman Aqueducts: Discover the historic Roman aqueducts in the region, impressive remnants of ancient engineering.

26. Visit the Almuñécar Castle (Castillo de San Miguel): Explore this well-preserved castle with panoramic views of Almuñécar and the surrounding sea and mountains.

27. Skiing in the Sierra Nevada: During the winter months, take a trip to the Sierra Nevada mountains for some of the best skiing in Spain.

28. Visit the villages of the Alpujarras: Explore the villages of the Lower and Upper Alpujarras, each with its own charm, nestled on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

29. Hike to the summit of Mulhacén: Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit of Mulhacén, the highest peak in mainland Spain. The views from the top are truly breathtaking.

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30+ More Things to Do near Nerja (Costa Tropical)

The Costa Tropical is the coastal area of the province of Granada. It starts just 10 east of Nerja and it's main villages are Almunecar, La Herradura, Salobrena and Motril. If you are staying in Nerja check out these things to do just minutes away in the beautiful Costa Tropical.

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