Things to do in Nerja that you shouldn’t miss!
We recently visited one of our favourite holiday places outside of the Costa Blanca, spending a week in the seaside town of Nerja in Andalucia.
I first visited with my family when I was about 18 years old and it was on this holiday that I decided I wanted to move to Spain one day! Pete & I also visited back in 2008, for our first wedding anniversary, and this time we celebrated our 17th anniversary in Nerja along with our 13 year old daughter. How time flies!
If you fancy a trip to this Andalucian seaside town, or have already planned a holiday to Nerja and are wondering what there is to do and see, read on for our recommendations of things to do in Nerja that you shouldn’t miss.
There are lots of great Nerja attractions to discover and we’ll cover some of the best things to do in Nerja in this post.
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About Nerja
Nerja is a beautiful coastal town located in the province of Malaga, in the Andalucia region of southern Spain. It’s known for its stunning beaches, picturesque narrow streets, and the famous Balcon de Europa viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Where is Nerja?
Nerja is situated on the Costa del Sol, approximately 50 kilometers east of Malaga. It’s nestled between the Sierra de Almijara mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
How to get to Nerja
There are several ways to reach Nerja. If you are arriving by air, the nearest airport is Malaga Airport, which is well-connected to various international destinations via budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet.
To get from Malaga airport to Nerja, you can easily hire a taxi, take a bus, or rent a car.
If you are heading to Nerja from other parts of Spain, you can also take a bus or train to Malaga and then transfer to Nerja. Buses in Nerja are easy to get, and can be found at the bus station around 15 mins walk from the town centre.
For those driving to Nerja, the A-7 motorway takes you to the town.
Is Nerja worth visiting?
Obviously we’re going to say yes! We’d highly recommend visiting Nerja, whether for a week or two on holiday, or just for a day trip or weekend if you find yourself staying near by.
It’s a really pretty town with so much to do, beautiful views and scenery, fantastic beaches, and lots of great bars and restaurants.
When is the best time to visit Nerja?
Nerja can get very busy in the summer months, so if you don’t like crowds it’s probably best to visit out of peak season.
However, if you want to fully enjoy the beaches and the sea, then you will want to visit between June – September when the water is clear and warm enough to swim in. Even at the end of June we noticed how cold the sea was compared to the Costa Blanca!
Visiting Nerja during the winter is ideal if you prefer quieter towns, but while the weather is mild during the day it can be quite chilly at night.
Things to do in Nerja
We found that Nerja is a great place for a holiday, whether as family or as a couple, as there’s so many different things to see and do.
To find out what to do in Nerja, take a look at our list of some of the most popular things to do and see…
Explore the Caves of Nerja
One of the top things to see in Nerja are the caves. These ancient caverns are a must-visit, and unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere. They feature stunning rock formations some of which are over 20,000 years old, making the caves in Nerja one of the oldest cave systems in Europe.
There are also prehistoric cave paintings, depicting animals like goats and horses, and the “Cathedral,” a large chamber with incredible acoustics, perfect for music lovers.
You can spend an hour or 2 wandering through the caves and marveling at the height and size of the stalactites and stalagmites. You also get access to a brilliant VR museum where you’ll learn more about the history of the caves, and there’s also a park, botanic garden, and restaurant on site.
If you’re looking for things to do in Nerja with children, these caves should be top of your list – especially if you jump on the land train from Playa de Torecilla.
I’d recommend buying tickets to the caves in advance to avoid queuing, especially in peak season. We bought tickets to the caves with a ride on the land train to avoid driving up there, though there is a big free carpark.
Relax on the Beaches
If you want to spend the day at the beach in Nerja, you’re in luck because there are plenty to choose from. This is of course, also one of the best free things to do in Nerja as you can easily spend a whole day on the beach.
Nerja has several stunning beaches, including the popular Burriana Beach, Playa de Calahonda, and Playa Carabeo. These are the best beaches in Nerja because their crystal-clear waters and are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
We stayed near Torecilla beach which is only a short walk from the heart of Nerja and was much quieter than the main beaches.
Visit the Balcony of Europe
The Balcon de Europa is an iconic viewpoint, and one of the must visit places in Nerja. It offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline and is a great spot to watch the sunset.
The surrounding Plaza de Europa has plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by.
Stroll through the Old Town
We enjoyed walking through the narrow, winding streets of Nerja’s historic old town of an evening. These streets are filled with traditional Andalusian architecture, lovely shops and boutiques, and some fantastic tapas bars and restaurants.
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Nerja, take a walk through the old town and you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Enjoy Water Sports
Nerja is an ideal destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddleboarding, and there’s plenty of water sports activities in Nerja, with several schools and rental services available along the coast.
We saw many people parasailing, kayaking, and on banana boats throughout the week.
Go on a day trip to Frigiliana
I love a Pueblo Blanco, and Frigiliana is definitely one of my favourite white-washed Spanish villages.
Frigiliana is a charming village perched in hills of the Sierra Almijara, just a short drive from Nerja. You’ll find some fantastic views out towards the coast, I left Frigiliana looking for villas on Idealista!
Known for its narrow, winding streets with houses adorned with colourful flowers and tiles, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
In the Moorish old town you can stroll through cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops and cafes, and stop at the Mirador de la Torre which has stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
We recommend getting some lunch in one of Frigiliana’s restaurants so that you can take in the views!
We caught the bus from Nerja to Friliana which takes about 15 minutes and cost us 1.30 per person each way.
Visit the Nerja Museum
Located in the town center, the Nerja Museum known as the Museo de Nerja, is worth a stop after visiting the caves. If you’re visiting out of peak season, this would also be a good place to keep on your list of things to do in Nerja when it rains!
The museum is small but showcases the area’s rich history, in particular the significance of the nearby Nerja Caves. There are archaeological finds from the caves on display here, including prehistoric tools, pottery, cave paintings, and even skeletal remains that date back thousands of years.
There are interactive displays and informative panels to keep kids amused!
Enjoy dinner looking out over the sea
We ate out every night for a week and were really spoilt with choice by the restaurants in Nerja.
If you want dinner with a view, we recommend Antica Roma restaurant for Italian food, or Cochranes if you want something like a burger, as they both have fantastic views over the sea.
Do some shopping
If you want to buy some souvenirs or local crafts, the old town streets of Nerja is the place to go. From home wares to clothes, food to art, you can find everything here.
Visit the Cascada de Maro
Somewhere we didn’t have time to go to but is on our list for next time we visit Nerja, is the waterfall at Maro.
You can only see this impressive waterfall from the sea, so you’ll need to hire a kayak from Burriana beach or Maro beach, or book onto a boat trip.
Where to stay in Nerja
The best places to stay in Nerja is really down to preference, and what kind of accommodation you’re after. Nerja offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Apartments in Nerja can be found right in the centre by the beach, as well as slightly further out in the quieter areas of town. The best hotels in Nerja can be found in the centre of the town, as well as on the outskirts.
Some of the most popular areas to stay in Nerja include:
Burriana Beach – ideal for beach lovers, this area offers many beachfront hotels and apartments with stunning views and easy access to the sand.
Old Town – If you want to stay in the heart of Nerja’s historic center, surrounded by charming streets, restaurants, and shops this location is for you. Accommodation here ranges from traditional guesthouses to modern boutique hotels.
Torrecilla Beach – This beach area is only a 10 minute walk from the centre of Nerja, and is a little bit quieter. It’s still close to the sea and has lots of good restaurants and bars. We were looking for an airbnb in Nerja and ended up staying in this area.
A few of the best places to stay in Nerja include:
Parador de Nerja – There don’t seem to be any 5 star hotels in Nerja but if you’re looking for luxury, you can’t go wrong with a Parador! One of the best hotels in Nerja, this luxury hotel is set on cliffs overlooking the sea and combines traditional Andalusian architecture with modern amenities. The beautiful gardens and infinity pool make it a peaceful retreat, and it’s close to the famous Burriana Beach. See more about the Parador de Nerja hotel.
Hotel Balcón de Europa – This beachfront hotel features stunning views of the Mediterranean and is located right in the heart of Nerja. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the sun, the beach and have easy access to shops and restaurants. See more about the Hotel Balcon de Europa.
Villa Las Palomas – Families may prefer to rent a villa in Nerja. Many options, like Villa Las Palomas, offer private pools and breathtaking views. It’s ideal for families or groups looking for more space and privacy. See more about Villa las Palomas here.
Hostal La Ermita – For a more budget-friendly option, this hostel offers cosy, comfortable rooms with a charming Andalusian vibe. It’s a just short walk from the center of Nerja town and is known for its friendly service and lovely patio. See more about Hostal La Ermita here.
Hotel Riu Monica – If you’re looking for an all-inclusive hotel in Nerja, this hotel provides a range of amenities, including multiple dining options, pools, and direct beach access, all just a short stroll from Nerja’s lively atmosphere. See more about Hotel Riu Monica here.
Top Tip: Carparking in Nerja is a nightmare, so if you’re going to be driving make sure you find accommodation that has parking options!
Where to eat in Nerja
Nerja is a food lover’s paradise, offering a great mix of traditional Andalusian cuisine as well as international restaurants.
Some of the best places to eat in Nerja can be found in the old town, there are several streets full of restaurants so you’re sure to find somewhere to suit your tastes.
If you’re looking or a Chinese restaurant in Nerja we had a great meal at a restaurant called Asian Ben just off the Plaza de Europa.
For an amazing Italian meal we’d recommend Trattoria Italia in Nerja old town. The food was fantastic and the service was so friendly.
For the best tapas in Nerja, head to El Pulgilla, especially if you love fish and seafood. This bar is located in the center of the old town and very popular with locals which is always a good sign!
If you’re looking for a good night out, then some of the best bars in Nerja can be found in the busiest and most popular party areas for partying of Plaza Tutti Frutti, Calle Antonio Millón and the surrounding areas
Day trips from Nerja
If you want to explore further afield, there are also some fantastic places to visit and things to do around Nerja.
We stayed in Nerja for a week and went on a few day trips, both by bus and by car. Nerja is a great location to explore the surrounding areas, and is well connected to other Andalucian towns and cities.
Some great places to visit near Nerja are…
Malaga
One of the top places to visit from Nerja, Malaga is located approximately 45 minutes away. We took the coach from Nerja bus station to Malaga bus station instead of driving, which cost 6 euros per person each way. If you get the bus, we’d recommend getting off at the port rather than the bus station as it’s nearer to the old town!
Malaga is a vibrant city on Spain’s Costa del Sol, known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and beautiful beaches. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world as well as the birthplace of Picasso so there’s plenty of things to see and do.
Torrox
Torrox is a picturesque town on Spain’s Costa del Sol, located around 15 mins drive from Nerja. Nestled between the Sierra de Almijara mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Torrox is made up of two disctinct parts: Torrox Pueblo, the charming white-washed village perched in the hills, and Torrox Costa, which features beautiful beaches and a lively promenade.
Almuñécar
Almuñécar is a charming coastal town located on the Costa Tropical in southern Spain, known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and lush tropical vegetation. Almuñécar is approximately 24 km from Nerja, which usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes by car along the scenic coastal road, making it an easy day trip if you’re staying in Nerja.
Ronda
Ronda is a stunning mountaintop town in the Malaga province, famous for its dramatic clifftop location over a gorge and its rich history. Located approximately 97 km from Nerja and the drive typically takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
We had wanted to visit Ronda for ages, so decided to take a day trip from Nerja while we were in the area. The scenic route through the mountains is very picturesque, so the journey from Nerja to Ronda isn’t bad at all.
Granada
One of our favourite places in Spain, Granada is a must visit if you find yourself in the Nerja area and have time for a day trip. The journey is roughly an hour by car, and you can also get a bus or coach from Nerja to Granada.
Granada is an beautiful city that blends history, culture, and stunning landscapes. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Alhambra is the most popular attraction in Granada and shouldn’t be missed.
If you are planning a trip, we hope that this list of things to do in Nerja, as well as where to stay and where to eat, has given you lots of helpful suggestions for your visit.
