Nerja is an ancient fishing village which has bloomed into a sophisticated modern resort without being scarred with high-rise blocks. The old town has narrow winding streets with typically Andalucian whitewashed houses and wrought iron terraces.

In the centre is a splendid promenade, the Balcón de Europa, or ‘Balcony of Europe’ which runs along the edge of a towering cliff where a Moorish castle once stood. Standing against a dramatic mountain backdrop, it affords magnificent views of the Mediterranean below with its small coves and sandy beaches. Another interesting feature are the caves just 3km from the centre, where archaeological treasures and 20,000 year old paintings are to be found. The central cavern is enormous and is used to host concerts and ballet performances throughout the summer months. There is also a 17th century church El Salvador and the beautiful Gardens of Capistrano Playa which descend intio Burriana beach.

Nightlife in Nerja tends to be relatively low key, and dining at a local restaurant is usual. De La Doncella (red mullet) and pescaito frito (fried fish) are local specialities, but there is also a wide range of international cuisine including egg and chips!

Local Beaches

Playa Calahonda - This fishermen’s beach is immediately to the left of the Balcon de Europa and is small, scenic and sheltered from the wind. Although there are rocks on either side, the beach itself is a mixture of small pebbles and soft sand. A restaurant is open during the summer months, and sun-beds and umbrellas can be hired. This is a great beach if you fancy a quick sunbathe or just a beer by the sea. The beach is reached via a pathway down the left side of the Balcon de Europa. The walk down the pathway is quite steep.

Playa Burriana, Nerja - Nerja has 16km of beaches with grainy white sand and crystal blue water. Playa Burriana is the largest and most famous beach in the area, and is also the most commercial. Fine white sand and pebbles, palm umbrellas and sun-beds for hire, beachside bars and restaurants are all features. Plenty of water sports and activities are available including introductory scuba diving and day cruises along the coast.

Playa Torrecilla, Nerja - Torrecilla is located close to the town centre and has undergone substantial renovation to make the area wider. As a result the sea is very calm, making it an ideal beach for families with young children. The water is clean, warm and shallow and there are many watersports on offer including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. You can hire sun-beds and umbrellas.

Take time to go…

on a cultural tour of Granada. Visit Alhambra Palace, the famous fortress and monument to Arabic architecture and Charles V’s palace and gardens at Generalife, or the gypsy quarters of the Albacin.

take the children to the local water park. Aua Tropic at Almuñecar is a good size water park with plenty of shady areas for parents to keep watch.

visit the famous caves at Nerja with its dramatic formations and vast central chamber, home to music concerts. This historic monument is home cave paintings demonstrating that they were inhabited from 25,000BC to the Bronze Age.

take the family to Mini Hollywood, in Almeria is where over 100 films were made, including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, The Magnificent Seven and A Fistfull of Dollars. There is a small zoo here and visitors can enjoy a daily mock bank hold-up or a drink in a Western-style saloon.

join in a local fiesta and take part in the Spanish experience, with fireworks, funfairs, fino sherry and all night dancing.

take a round of golf at a local world class course.