Famous for its spectacular caves, Nerja is one of the most natural and unspoilt resorts in Andalucia, and is just over an hour´s drive from Malaga.

Much of the old town remains the same as it has for centuries, with winding streets, cobbled squares and whitewashed houses.  The famous caves are home to archaeological treasures such as 20,000 year old paintings 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, and visitors flock from all over the world to visit this amazing area.

The equally impressive Balcon de Europa, once the site of a Moorish castle, is now a promenade stretching along the cliff edge, offering visitors stunning views of the Mediterranean and the craggy shoreline below.  Although Nerja is well known for its beautiful, unspoilt beaches, it is also a mecca for scuba divers, as there are plenty of rocky coves to be found along the shore.

Once a mass producer of sugar cane, Nerja is now known for growing semi-tropical fruits such as mango, and papaya and the ever popular avocado.  This is the most eastern town in the area known as the Axarqui-a and a fifth of its population are foreign residents, including many British. In the summer months, tourism swells the population several times as Nerja boasts one of the best climates in Europe. It is also becoming a significant centre for walkers, thanks to the dramatic mountain scenery of the nearby Sierra de Almijara and Sierra Tejeda.

The imposing Church of El Salvador dates back to the 17th Century, and is well worth a visit.  The colourful, manicured Gardens of Capistrano Playa also have visitors enthralled with their natural beauty.
There are restaurants and bars a plenty in Nerja, and every type of food imaginable can be found here.  English cafés sit alongside Indian restaurants and fine dining establishments.  Seafood and fresh fish is among the best you will find on the Costa del Sol, and there are plenty of bars and nightclubs to keep the crowds entertained.

Nerja holds many festivals and special events throughout the year, including the annual carnival in February each year.  This colourful event lasts for three days and includes processions, dancing, singing and live music.  The Easter processions also take place annually, and involve a much more solemn procession through the streets of the town.  The Crosses of May Festival at the beginning of the month sees local residents make up flower crosses and perform traditional music and dancing.  The Romeria de San Isidro in the middle of May is a pilgrimage by local people to celebrate the town´s patron saint, and many ride horseback in traditional Spanish costume.  The main Nerja fair takes place every October, and attractions include fairground rides, street processions and beautiful displays of traditional flamenco.   All of the dates for these events may change slightly, and you are recommended to contact tourist information close to the month of the event.

Nerja boasts over 400 bars and restaurants, and like most towns, they vary in price and quality.
Our favourite restaurants in Nerja are a little off the beaten track but well worth the effort in locating them.  Cortijo Hidalgo is located in a riding school on the road to Frigiliana, and is great for an informal lunch or dinner.  There is no menu or wine list, but the home cooked food is superb and you will be hard pushed to find better fayre anywhere in the surrounding area.

The Restaurante Sevillano is situated just inside the Old Town, past the Balcon and serves excellent fish, seafood and meat dishes at great prices.  The welcome is friendly and the decor is attractive.  Well worth a visit and gets busy with tourists and locals.

Situated in the Burriana Beach Area is Restaurante Moreno which serves, in our opinion, the best paella in town, and crowds flock here at weekends and during the summer to sample the freshest fish and seafood imaginable.  You can also enjoy a mean sangria here, and great house salad.

Two highly recommended hotels are the Los Arcos and the Riu Monica, which are well known in the area for a high standard of service and good facilities.  The Los Arcos is perfect for holidaymakers who want to take it easy and enjoy some peace and quiet, and the larger Riu Monica is ideal for families with plenty of facilities for the kids.

Surrounded by areas of natural beauty and offering all the facilities of the busier resorts on the Costa del Sol, Nerja continues to grow in popularity.

This is the perfect holiday resort for visitors who like to combine the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside with a vibrant town centre and some of the best restaurants on the Costa del Sol.