Out And About

Nerja is on the Costa del Sol about 50 kilometres east of Malaga.

The name is derived from the Arabic for " place of water " and there have been settlements here from the earliest times.

There is now excellent access to Nerja on the new autovia, which puts Malaga airport easily within 40 minutes drive. Once a sleepy fishing village, the town now has a cosmopolitan population plus many visitors.

Nerja has retained its heart and character and is unmistakably Andalucian. it is a traditional old Spanish town, lying amongst avocado groves, boasting some dramatic coastal scenery, Believed by many to be the area's most attractive resort.

The climate is very pleasant with an average temperature of 20°C and 8 hours sunshine a day. Temperatures can reach 30°C and over in August. The summers are typically Mediterranean.

The town also has a great range of shops and amenities. but is not overwhelmed with touristy souvenir shops like other places on the Costa's !

Local Activities: cycling, diving, fishing, golf, horse riding, mountain biking, mountaineering, sailing, swimming, tennis, walking, wind-surfing

Nerja is flanked by the dramatic Sierra Almijara mountain range. The Almijara range is a walkers paradise. There are walks for all levels of ability, from the very easy 1 or 2 hour rambles along beautiful river beds to challenging all day treks, all of which give the walker the opportunity to spot fantastic wildlife ( Eagles, Deer, Wild Boar, Rare Birds. ).

The old quarter of the town is still virtually unchanged with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses with wrought iron terraces overflowing with geraniums, on which a canary can sometimes be heard singing..

The heart of Nerja is its spectacular Balcón de Europa, the "Balcony of Europe" A magnificent promenade along the edge of a towering cliff, once the site of the great Moorish castle, with sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the small coves and beaches below, against an awesome backdrop of hazy blue mountains and some say on a clear day the coast of North Africa can be seen!.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here to choose from ( check our links page ). You can also hire a horse-drawn carriage, a great way to explore the most romantic corners of the town.
The town's monuments include the 17th century Church of El Salvador and the beautiful Gardens of Capistrano Playa, which descend to Burriana Beach.

However, Nerja's most famous and spectacular attraction is undoubtedly its fascinating caves, located just three kilometres from the center of town. They include archaeological treasures such as paintings over 20,000 years old and other pre-historic remains. One of the enormous natural caverns has been transformed into a concert hall, where many performances are staged during the summer.

Nerja cuisine as you would expect, ranges from top international to traditional rustic    specialties. including De La Doncella (red mullet) and Pescaito Frito (fried fish). One of our favourites is the regional speciality Roast leg of Lamb, which you can get from a wonderful local Restaurant which is 200 yards from the front door of the Villa via a path through the lovely gardens.

The strong Andalusian character, almost perfect climate, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, has made Nerja one of the most attractive holiday hotspots on the Costa del Sol. Who wouldn't envy Nerjas 16 km. of coastline, over 3.500 hours of annual sunshine and temperatures that average 25º C in summer and an average 15º in winter. A place still exists on the Costa del Sol, which lies between small coves untouched by development and surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. Only 40 minutes from Malaga and within 1½ hours drive to Granada.