Nerja is a small seaside town, located an hour’s drive from Malaga airport. In winter the city has approximately 14,000 inhabitants (2017). In high season the number triples. The seaside resort is located in the province of Malaga and tourism is clearly the main source of income here. In Nerja you will find many restaurants, tapas cafes and small souvenir shops.
Balcon de Europa
Right in the center of Nerja you will find Balcon de Europa (or: Balcony of Europe). This is a boulevard with a fantastic view. The balcony is located on a projecting cliff, 23 meters above sea level. Below the balcony there is a restaurant, from where the view is just as magnificent. There are two cannons on the Balcon de Europa. These remind of the time when there was a defensive fort at this location. The statue located on the Balcony of Europe is the statue of King Alfonso XII. Alfonso XII was king of Spain from 1874 to 1885. His statue is here because this king gave this boulevard the name Balcon de Europa in 1884. This was because he was impressed by the view.
The caves of Nerja
In these caves you can find paintings from the time of the Neanderthals. Unfortunately, these paintings can only be seen on images. They cannot be visited because the paintings are fragile and the location is difficult to reach. However, the cave itself is worth a visit. The largest columns in the world consisting of stalagmites and stalactites can be found here, which is why the cave is also called the natural cathedral of the Costa del Sol. These columns have been listed in the Guinness Book of Records since 1989. If you want to visit the cave, it is wise to order tickets in advance via the internet. This is to avoid disappointment. It is very busy at the caves. The caves are well signposted from junction 295 of the A7 with the sign Cuevas de Nerja. When you pass the aqueduct (Acueducto del Águila also known as the Eagle Aqueduct, built between 1879 and 1880), you are close to the caves. The cave has a parking lot, a souvenir shop and a restaurant.
Source: Skitterphoto, Pexels
Beaches
Playa de Burriana
The most famous and most visited beach in Nerja is Playa Burriana. It is wise to reserve sunbeds and parasols in advance. If this is not possible, it is wise to bring your own. Because of the crowds, everything is guaranteed to be full during the high season. The beach is located on a boulevard where there are plenty of eateries and shops. The beach is surrounded by rocks.
Playa de Maro
This beach is also called La Cala de Maro and can be found on the N340. The pebble beach is located right next to the Los Acantilados de Maro Natural Park and is surrounded by cliffs. There is only one beach café. It is possible to rent sunbeds or a kayak. There are toilets available. The water is very clear, which makes snorkeling a fun activity. The Maro waterfall can also be found here. In high season the beach can be very busy and parking is difficult.
Papagayo Beach
Papagayo Beach is located near the center of Nerja. It is a small beach, not so far from the Balcon de Europa. From this beach you can walk further to the other small beaches near the center such as Playa Calletilla and Playa Carabello. Located near the center so the beaches are crowded.
Nerja Centre
The center of Nerja has plenty of nice eateries and lots of small shops. There are quite a few tapas restaurants. You can go out on the Tutti Frutti square, where all the bars, clubs and discos can be found.