Nerja
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.
Things to do
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 threw their rubbish into. One day he and some friends explored the hole and rediscovered 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.
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. There are many places to eat and drink and recharge for more shopping; we’ve got some great traditional, fine-dining and budget-friendly options covered in Where to Eat in Nerja.
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, when the crowds aren’t around.
Getting to Nerja
Nerja does not have its own train station or airport, but it is easy to reach from several nearby transport hubs. The closest major airport is Málaga Airport, located about 70 kilometres away. From the airport, visitors can hire a car, take a bus or use a private transfer to reach Nerja. Book flights.
Driving is one of the easiest ways to get to Nerja. The journey from Málaga Airport usually takes around 50 minutes via the A-7 motorway. A hire car also makes it simple to explore nearby beaches, white villages and attractions along the Costa del Sol. Compare car hire options here.
For travellers using public transport, buses connect Málaga city and the airport area with Nerja. The journey takes around one hour and offers a convenient option for visitors without a car. Check current routes and schedules before travelling. Buy Tickets.
The nearest train services operate from Málaga. High-speed and regional connections arrive at Málaga María Zambrano station, which links the city with many destinations across Spain. Buy Tickets. From Málaga, continue by bus or taxi to Nerja.
If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.