Nerja holidays

How to reach Nerja

• Flight time: There are no direct flights to Nerja; the nearest major airport is in Malaga. Flights from London to Malaga Airport take about 2 hours 45 minutes.

• Transfer time: The journey by car or coach from Malaga Airport to Nerja averages about 45 minutes.

• Price: A taxi or private transfer from Malaga to Nerja can cost between €70 and €75, depending on the time of day and season. Alternatively a coach ticket starts at around €5 one-way.

Best time to visit Nerja

Whether you favour sunny beach days or sightseeing in cooler temperatures, knowing when to visit Nerja will help you make the most of your Nerja holidays.

• April to June boasts warm and pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C. This is an ideal time for exploring the area's many attractions before the peak summer rush.

• July to August can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. This is also peak tourist season, so expect crowded beaches and a lively night scene.

• September to October sees the heat subside to a more comfortable 22°C to 28°C. The water remains warm, though, making it perfect for swimming without the peak season tourists.

• November to March is a great period for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed holiday. Some tourist services may be reduced but visitors benefit from enjoying Nerja without the crowds. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C at this time of year.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish is the official language in Nerja, but English is widely understood and spoken in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Nerja has a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. Afternoon siestas are prevalent, and dining out late in the evening is a popular social occasion.

• Currency: Spain uses the Euro. ATMs are easy to locate throughout the town and credit cards are widely accepted.

• Getting around: Nerja can be easily explored on foot but local buses are available for longer trips, such as to nearby villages, with tickets costing €2–€5. It’s best to rent a car if you plan to explore more rural areas or want flexibility in your travel schedule.

• Electricity and plug types: Continental-style, two-pin sockets and 220 volts are standard in Spain; UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: The Costa del Sol operates on Central European Time, 1 hour ahead of the UK.

Local dishes in Nerja

Discovering Nerja's food culture, which combines Mediterranean influences with traditional Spanish cuisines, is one of the great pleasures of holidaying there. Whether dining seaside or in the bustling town centre, here are some things to watch out for:

Typical dishes in Nerja

• Ajoblanco: This cold soup is made from almonds, garlic bread and olive oil, and is often served with grapes or melon.

• Migas: Originally a breakfast for farmers, this hearty dish is traditionally made from breadcrumbs, cooked with garlic, peppers and chorizo.

• Espeto de Sardinas: Commonly enjoyed on the beach, these sardines are skewered and grilled over an open fire.

Tapas dishes

• Boquerones en Vinagre: A typical Malaga province delicacy where fresh anchovies are marinated in vinegar with garlic and parsley.

• Chorizo al Vino: This flavourful tapas dish is simply chorizo cooked in wine.

Meat dishes

• Choto al Ajillo: A local speciality not commonly found outside the region, the tender goat meat is cooked in a garlic sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Moraga de Sardinas: A traditional fishermen's dish, sardines are stewed with tomatoes and peppers.

• Fritura Malagueña: This mix of fried fish, including anchovies, squid and mackerel, reflects Nerja's coastal location.

• Pulpo a la Gallega: Octopus is served with paprika, rock salt and olive oil in this simple yet flavourful dish.

Sweets and desserts

• Tarta de Almendra: Almond cake is a moist and flavourful dessert that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

• Churros con Chocolate: No visit to Spain is complete without trying these sugary fried pastries, especially popular in Nerja’s cafés on cool mornings.

Local drinks

• Vino de Málaga: The sweet fortified wines from the nearby Malaga region are a perfect complement to desserts or tapas.

• Sangria: This refreshing beverage is made with red wine, a splash of brandy and fresh fruit, perfect for enjoying on balmy summer days.

Best things to do in Nerja

Nerja, nestled on the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, may be renowned for its natural beauty and good beaches but is also worth visiting for its historical town centre, ancient caves and vibrant nightlife.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Balcón de Europa: From this stunning promenade jutting out into the Mediterranean, there are far-reaching views of the sea and surrounding coastline.

• Nerja Caves Lookout: The town of Nerja and its surroundings can be admired from the lookout located near the Nerja Caves.

The best districts

• Old Town Nerja: The Old Town’s winding streets are filled with traditional whitewashed houses, little shops and quaint cafés.

• Burriana Beach area: This bustling area is dotted with restaurants, bars and shops, and is home to Nerja's most well-known beach.

Historical monuments

• Nerja Caves: These prehistoric caves, which feature ancient paintings and spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, are not just a natural wonder but also a cultural treasure.

• Church of El Salvador: Close to the Balcón de Europa, this 17th-century church is a stunning illustration of Baroque architecture.

Day trips in the area

• Frigiliana: This picturesque village, which is just a short drive from Nerja, is famed for its Moorish old quarter and incredible vistas of the surrounding countryside.

• Granada: It’s well worth making the 100km journey to the city of Granada to visit its iconic Alhambra Palace.

• The Axarquia: The Axarquia is a less-touristy region dotted with vineyards, olive groves and traditional villages.

• Maro: This seaside village is renowned for the Maro Cliffs and offers secluded beaches ideal for snorkelling and kayaking.

• Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park: Featuring rugged landscapes, deep gorges and rich wildlife, this natural park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

Activities for families in Nerja

Centred around its safe sandy beaches, holidays to Nerja are perfect for families. Away from the beach, venture a bit further afield and you will find a wide variety of other activities that cater to kids.

• Torrecilla Beach: Torrecilla Beach offers safe swimming and plenty of space for kids to build sandcastles and play games. Amenities are extensive and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

• Water sports: Activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding are fun for older children and teens, and are available at most of Nerja’s beaches.

• Playgrounds and recreational areas: Verano Azul Park has a large playground and is a venue for family-friendly events throughout the year. Verde Mar Garden, near the heart of the town, is a serene green space where children can let off steam, ideal for a quieter afternoon away from the beach crowds.

• Mini golf: A fun challenge for the whole family, there is a mini-golf course located near Burriana Beach.

• Boat trips: All kids love a boat trip, and a boat trip from Nerja offers the chance to see the unique Jurassic coastline, fort ruins, watchtowers, and visit a protected marine reserve. Donkey Sanctuary

• Water parks: There are two water parks within a 20-minute drive of Nerja: Aquavelis and Aqua Tropic, both offering a variety of thrilling slides, areas for younger children and lots more.

Free things to do in Nerja

There are a number of activities and attractions you can enjoy in and around Nerja without putting a strain on your wallet. Here are a few ideas of free things to do:

• Walking trails: It costs nothing to explore the walking trails around Nerja, such as the Rio Chillar walk, a gentle hike suitable for families. The path takes you through shallow waters and scenic views.

• Beach days: The majority of Nerja’s beaches are free to use and offer a full day of entertainment swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.

• Festivals: Take advantage of local festivals, such as the San Isidro festival in May or the Nerja Fair in October, which often feature free parades, performances and activities.

• Street markets: Visit the weekly market, which is held on Tuesday, to peruse locally made goods and take in the ambience without having to make a purchase.

Wellness in Nerja

• Spas and thermal baths: Many hotels and independent spas in Nerja have full-service spas offering a range of treatments, including massages, facials and body treatments using local ingredients.

• Yoga and meditation: Beachfront yoga classes cater to all levels, providing a peaceful way to start or end your day, with stunning sea views.

Nature and outdoor activities in Nerja

• Hiking: The hiking trails around Nerja are a great way to get out and enjoy nature. The popular river walk through the Rio Chillar offers a unique experience where you can wade through crystal-clear waters surrounded by dramatic canyon walls.

• Snorkelling: The clear waters of the Mediterranean make Nerja’s extensive shoreline an ideal location to participate in snorkelling.

• Caving: The Nerja Caves are not only a spectacular natural attraction but also offer adventurous caving tours through the extensive network of underground caverns.

• Paragliding: Paragliding over the cliffs of Nerja provides wonderful aerial views of the town and its surrounding scenery.

• Biking: Renting a bike is a brilliant way to get around: explore the countryside surrounding Nerja or go on a leisurely ride along the coast, taking in scenic vistas and fresh sea air.