Curator’s statement
The Costa Del Sol is a vein of golden beaches and pretty whitewashed villages running along Spain’s southern coast. Nerja is a quiet jewel, with gorgeous beaches, plentiful chiringuitos and is wonderful for couples, families and retirees.
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Where to stay in Nerja, Spain
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Things to do in Nerja, Spain
Nerja has a gentle slowness during the day, perfect for walking through the markets, and plentiful food options with excellent seafood. The easy proximity to Malaga is great for seeing Picasso’s birth home and the Moorish Alcazaba.
* Nerja Caves are the vast bat caves with glittering stalagmites found by five young boys, and a must-must-see.
* Plaza Balcón de Europa is the central node of the town, with incredible views of the surrounding coastline as well as the beaches below it. Go to the beach. This is the Costa Del Sol, and the beaches are lovely and serene. Go find your own special patch of sand.
* Playa Burriana, a beach with a scene. Enjoy Burriana’s energy and inexpensive drinks.
* Playa Calahonda, with turquoise waters and dramatic rocky cliffs, this pebbled beach is generally packed and fun.
* Playa El Salón is a sandy and busy beach, and quite small like many of the local beaches.
* Playa de Mayo is a small, precious beach with lovely kayaking.
* Church of El Salvador is a small white church, serene and cool inside. This is one of the rare churches that acknowledges three archangels.
* Nerja Town center has sweet cobbled streets, small bars and all the little boutiques to browse in.
* Museo de Nerja is a quick stop. It allows you to understand the deep, deep history of the many peoples that made up this small part of Spain’s coast.
Walk through the chiringuitos, the small, often seasonal, beach bars, near the beach as the bustling atmosphere itself is an experience.
Frigiliana is a gorgeous, historic Andalusian village that is absolutely worth the visit.
Day trip
Frigiliana
Frigiliana is one of the exquisite white villages of Andalusia, often called the prettiest. It has been inhabited all the way back from the Phoenicans, the Romans, the Moors and the Christians. The architecture is witness to a true ancient melting pot. Walk around the steep streets and enjoy the fierce devotion the inhabitants put into their curb appeal! It is a short bus or car ride away from Nerja.
Places to eat & drink in Nerja, Spain
La Bottega Food & Wine: Mediterranean and Italian food and wine with a sea view.
Restaurante La Fuente: Italian food and gluten free options as well.
Goa Town Indian & Nepalese Restaurant Nerja: Tasty Indian food, and very very spicy vindaloo.
Restaurante Paparazzi: A fun pizza and more spot.
Tetería Zaidín: A sweet little tea spot before you head back out to the beach.
El Pulgilla: A Spanish marisqueria, essentially a seafood spot, with plenty of inexpensive tapas, drinks and atmosphere.
El Sotano Viejo: Affordable, Spanish food restaurant that is popular with locals.
Also try the sardine skewers and seafood paella at the chiringuitos, the small, often seasonal, beach bars.
Travel Advisor
Sandhya Moraes
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Spain. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Josie Arnold's guide, Three Days of Wine & Tapas in La Rioja, Spain Wine Country