From Wikitravel

Nerja is a seaside resort on the Costa del Sol, in the region of Andalucia of Spain. It is the first resort going away from Malaga to not be dominated by large ugly concrete hotels and is situated in the attractive foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountains.

[edit] Understand

Don't be misled by holiday brochure descriptions of Nerja as a fishing village. Tourism must now be its main industry. The few fishermen with their boats still to be seen along the beach provide a picturesque scene for visitors and a slim livelihood for local families. Until 10 or 12 years ago the town retained a strong Spanish identity, but during recent years the influx of both northern European visitors and residents has eroded significantly the genuine charm of a truly Spanish working town.

However, compared to many other Costa Del Sol destinations, especially to the west of Malaga, this is still worth a visit. The tourist mix is not exclusively northern European and many Spanish people use this resort for holidays, together with French and Italians.

The town centre itself consists of an older part with white streets partly pedestrianised mainly to the east of the Balcon de Europa , but beyond the 17th century church and the plaza cabana more modern development takes over and the town seems like any other recently developed spanish costa resort.

The Balcon De Europa is a promenade built out onto a natural headland and gives spectacular views of the coast and the mountains inland, where they rise to over 6000 feet. This is the natural focus of the evening walk for both locals and holiday makers and is often the venue for fiestas and events such as the Virgen Del Carmen in July and New Year's Eve.

The absence of high rise developments on the coast, the charm and beauty of the coast line and proximity to many of the white villages, historic cities and a wide choice of accommodation make it an attractive place for perhaps a short , or for some , a week or two.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By boat

The nearest port is in Malaga, with services from North Africa. There is also a port in Almeria.

[edit] By car

From the West: The A-7 E-15 motorway runs parallel to the coast, Nerja is situated 10 mins from it, and is clearly signposted.

[edit] By plane

The nearest large airport is in Malaga, which is served by flights from across Europe and America. From Malaga Airport, take the A-7 E-15 motorway in the direction of Almeria and Motril.

[edit] By train

There is no train station in Nerja.

The nearest train station is Malaga which is located about 56 kilometers west of Nerja. Easiest way to continue to Nerja from Malaga is by bus from the bus station just across the street, or by car/taxi.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By car

There are two large central carparks. One is situated off Calle La Cruz, right in the middle of town, which charges a reasonable rate per hour. There is a larger (and free) car park off Prol Carabeo, which is 5 mins walk from the town centre, this is the one that all the locals use.

[edit] By foot

The centre of Nerja is small enough to be able to be seen by walking around. Park your car in the car park and get out and have a wander!

[edit][add listing] See

• The Balcón de Europa (Balcony of Europe) is a recently reconstructed promenade in the centre of town with good views along the coast. Originally was constructed around 1487 in the place of a former 9th Century Castle. The tourist information in Nerja makes a really big deal out of this although there's not much to do except look up and down the coast.

• El Salvador Church. Near the Balcón de Europa, you will find this attractive 17th Century church constructed in baroque-mudejar style.

• Nuestra Señora de las Angustias Hermitage, a 16th Century church with paintings by the Alonso Cano.

• The Caves of Nerja

The caves are not a suitable place if you have any walking difficulties.

• Beaches. There are thirteen kilometers of beaches in Nerja, including the internationally famous Playa Burriana that has once again been awarded by the Blue Flag of the European Union and several smaller, more secluded coves.

• El puente de Aguila or the Eagle´s bridge, is a 19th century aqueduct, similar to the ones built by the Romans. It was designed to bring water to the nearby village of Maro, one of the oldest settlements around the area. Visible on the way to the caves.

• The Rio Chillar Waterfall A beautiful waterfall located along the old river, near the Sunday Market.

[edit][add listing] Do

• The Nerja Donkey Sanctuary, [1]. Open to visitors every day 10-4 (10-2 Weekends). You can visit the donkeys, feed them and even help to take a donkey for a walk (or one of the many dogs that they're trying to find homes for). Admission free.  edit

• Sticky Fingers Cookery School, La Parra Restaurant, Burriana Beach, Nerja, 29780, ☎ 95 252 3127, [2]. Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays. Made famous on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. On Monday nights adults can learn how to cook a great meal and then get to eat it and kids can have fun learning how to cook on Saturdays and Wednesdays. edit

• Jeep Tours in Nerja, Life Aventure SL, Calle Antonio Ferrandiz, no39 2-2, Nerja, 29780, ☎ 0034 677 894 002 (info@lifeadventure.es), [3]. A great way of exploring the Sierra Almijara discovering the flora and fauna and natural habitat. edit

[edit] Walks

Nerja is set in the attractive foothills of the Sierra de Almijarra, and has plenty of good walking routes for all abilities nearby.

• Pick up the free Nerja walks guide book in the Tourist Information office near the Balcon de Europe. The book details a wide variety of walks in the area, with maps and directions for where to walk, and interesting facts about the places you pass.

• Senderismo de Nerja (Nerja walking club), [4]. For like minded walking enthusiasts to explore the area in great company. edit

[edit] Learn

• Centro de Idiomas Quorum, [5]. Centre offering Spanish language courses to help you appreciate coming to Spain. The centre if accredited by the Cervantes Institute (a major accreditation for Spanish schools). The staff are very friendly and helpful and they know how to have a good time. edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are markets on Sundays (Boot Market, now located near the Almijara and Flaming Urbanisations) and Tuesdays.

• Smiffs Bookstore, La Galeria, 10 Calle Almirante Ferrándiz, 29780 Nerja, ☎ 952 52 3102, [6]. The wryly named Smiffs Bookstore, hidden away down a small arcade near the Post Office, stocks a wide range of English language bestsellers, local books, maps and guides, including many walking routes for the area. edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Although superficially there appears to be many foreign owned tourist restaurants, there are a significant number of Spanish owned places to eat.

• Casa Luque, Plaza Cavana, 2. Expensive, attractive tapas bar and restaurant. edit

• El Cietto Lindo, Calle El Barrio. Mexican food. Nice indoor garden and good selection of tequilas. edit

• Coach and Horses, Calle Cristo. Where some British holidaymakers come to enjoy real fish and chips, John Smiths Bitter and Coronation street. This place is also sometimes still known by its Spanish name, The Bodegon. edit

• El Gato Negro, Calle carabeo 23. Pizza and flamenco on Wednesdays. edit

• Havelli, Dalle Almirante Ferrandiz, 44-49. Indian food. edit

• Marisqueria La Marina, Plaza la Marina. Located on a small square in the west of town, this informal seafood tapas bar has a few tables inside and a number more outside. The drinks are cheap, the language is Spanish and each drink comes with a tapa of seafood salad or a plate of gambas. It works, as you will be inevitably tempted to enjoy more fresh shellfish and seafood at a table outside. The service is a little rude and hectic in summer, but the prices are reasonable. edit

• Merendero Ayo, Burriana Beach. Good restaurant owned by the discoverer of the Nerja caves. Serves Spanish cuisine. edit

• Moreno, Burriana Beach. Good seafood and meat cooked on a BBQ. edit

• El Nino, Calle Almirante Ferrandiz, 83. Spanish cuisine that is very popular with the locals. edit

• Pata Negra, Plaza la Marina. Excellent Spanish cuisine and good tapas. edit

• Posada Ibérica Restaurant, Calle Nueva. Offers some of the best and most inexpensive food in Nerja. Run by an Argentinean couple that has maintained the Spanish flavour, the place is one of the most traditional you can find in Nerja. They occasionally have live music during the weekend. edit

• El Pulgilla, Calle Almirante Fernandez, 26. Amidst the bustle of shops and restaurants is a typical Spanish marisqueria (fish and shellfish tapas/restaurant), that is perhaps the one place that best sums up Nerja. The clientèle is usually at least 90% Spanish with the occasional adventurous holidaymaker. the drinks are cheap, the tapas are free and the seafood is excellent. There is a large open air terrace open during the summer. edit

• Restaurant 34, Calle Hernando de Carabeo, 34. International cuisine. Upmarket, and prices reflect this! edit

• Sollun Restaurant, Calle Cristo 53, [7]. a One of the newer restaurants in Nerja, but is actually one of the best. The Chef, Juan Quintanilla, was previously owner of a 1 star Michelin restaurant in Marbella. Great food and excellent wine. edit

• El Sotano Viejo, Calle Lose Heurtos. Run by local businessman Pepe Mesa, this is one of the finest affordable restaurants in town. Food served covers a variety of tastes, and many Spanish dishes are on the menu. The decor is of fine wood, and there are always plenty of wines and drinks on offer. Gambas Pil Pil is a speciality. edit

• Scarletta's, Calle Almirante Ferrandiz, 38. International and American style cuisine. edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Tutti Fruti square is the main area where to spend the evenings.(If you are under 35!) There are more than 10 bars, pubs, restaurants, etc and are open everyday. Most bars get busy around 1.00 am, so don´t expect much action before that. Closing times vary from 4.00 am in the winter to 7.00 during the summer.

• El Molino Bar is one of the most typical flamenco bars in Nerja. It is believed to be the oldest bar running in Nerja, and the building has been used for over 350 years (first as an olive oil mill, therefore the name). Live Music played every night.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Self catering apartments and villa rentals Nerja, Holiday Nerja, Calle Cerro Marino, Nerja, 29780, ☎ 0034 95 252 0748 (rentals@holidaycosta.com), [8]. Offering a vast selection of private self catering apartments and villas for holiday rental accommodation in Nerja costa del Sol. edit

• Hostal Azahara, Avda. de Pescia No 1, Nerja, ☎ +34 952 520 426 (info@hostalazahara.com), [9]. Book on-line the recently renovated Hostal Azahara is open 24 hours a day all year round. This is a very friendly and comfortable Hostal with 13 bedrooms all ensuite with TV, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities. Hostal Azahara is within easy reach of wonderful beaches and restaurants. The Balcon De Europe is only a 10 minute walk away and the bustling nightlife is within walking distance. edit

• Hostal Bronce, Calle Bronce, 25 29780 Nerja, ☎ +34-95-252-8776 (hostalbronce@hotmail.com, fax: +34-95-252-8776), [10]. Check out: Doubles from €24 to €38 a night. Located in the old section of Nerja, the Hostel is a newly-constructed building (May 2004), yet maintains the traditional Andalusian manor style and is exquisitely decorated throughout. The Hostel comprises 7 well-appointed rooms, TV, ensuite bathrooms, sun terrace and Jacuzzi. It is only 5 minutes from the beach and a short 2 minute walk from the parking. edit

• Hostal Miguel, Calle Almirante Ferrandiz 31 29780 Nerja, ☎ +34 95 25 21 52 3 (hostalmiguel@gmail.com), [11]. Check out: by 10AM. Very attractive hostal situated centrally in Nerja and 5 mins walk from a free carpark. Run by a very friendly and helpful British couple who also serve breakfast for guests on the rooftop terrace with great views over Nerja towards the Sierra Almijara and also out to sea. Doubles from €35 to €49 a night.  edit

• La Roca Rara, ☎ (bookings from UK)Office: (44)208 663 0552 Mobile: (44)79 3241 0725 (info@larocarara.com), [12]. Luxury Spanish Villa for Rent. Designed in the style of the Alhambra. At at the foot of the Sierra Almijara Mountains 5 minutes to Nerja or Frigiliana Village. Very private secluded estate, tennis court,heated pool, 7 bedrooms, 40 minutes from Malaga International airport. edit

[edit] Get out

• Frigiliana - a white Andalucian village only 5 miles inland, the village itself is a labyrinth of charming narrow whitewashed streets with old Andalucian houses. Around the village are a series of tiled wall displays telling the story of the village during the Moorish occupation and the Reconquista (the expulsion of the moors from Spain).
• Granada - once one of the most important cities in Spain, and home of the world famous Alhambra.
• Malaga - home of Picasso
• Maro - charming neighbouring village with good beach
• Almunecar
• Sierra Nevada - the tallest mountains in Spain.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!