Nerja is a seaside town along the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. It lies in the Malaga Province which is a part of the Andalucia Autonomous Community. It has a population of 21,000 which increases dramatically during the summer months as tourists flock to the Costa Del Sol from across Europe.
The town has distinctive white houses which are typical of the area. The town itself sits on a cliff overlooking the sea with fantastic beaches on either side of the cliff.
If you are sick of the beaches, good food and warm weather and are looking for a side trip, give the Cueva de Nerja or Nerja Caves a try. You can take a guided tour and the caves offer a nice break from the summer heat.
We were lucky enough to be given a tour by one of the men who discovered the cave system. He said that as a boy the caves were just a hole in the ground that the locals through their rubbish into. One day he and some friends explored the hole and re-discovered the cave system leading off it.
As well as amazing natural beauty, the caves contain Neanderthal cave paintings dating back around 42,000 years. The caves were declared a Property of Cultural Interest in the Archaeological Zone category, in 2006.
As well as many places to eat and drink, the town has many excellent shops including many specialising in linen wear. Prices are not that cheap, thanks to tourism, but the range is good.
The town is also well placed for day trips to Granada and Malaga.
“My tip for Nerja is to avoid it during the peak summer season. It’s just too crowded and you won’t enjoy the town as much as you would outside of July August.”
It’s a lovely town without the crowds.
The nearest airport is in Malaga which is a 1 hour drive away.
Nerja is about a 5 to 6 hour drive from Madrid.
Malaga lies just 55 minutes drive away.
Granada is a 1 hour 10 minute drive.