3 Day Itinerary for Nerja
Nerja is one of the prettiest towns on the Costa del Sol. White houses, hidden coves and a clifftop viewpoint set the scene. Better still, you can see the best of it in just three days. This itinerary mixes beaches, caves and a classic white village. First, you will explore the old town. Next, you will head underground. Finally, you will wander up into the hills. If you land at the airport, you can reach Nerja from Málaga in about an hour.
Day 1: Old Town and Beaches
Today is all about the heart of Nerja. You can walk almost everywhere, so leave the car at your hotel.
Start at the Balcón de Europa. This palm-lined viewpoint juts out over the Mediterranean. Legend says King Alfonso XII gave it its name. Go early, before the crowds arrive, and grab a coffee with a view. Get directions.
Next, step into the Iglesia de El Salvador, just behind the viewpoint. This whitewashed church dates back to the 17th century. It has a pretty Baroque interior and offers a cool, quiet break from the sun. Get directions.
Then, walk down to Playa de Calahonda. This small, sheltered cove sits right below the old town. The water is calm, so it is perfect for a quick swim. You can also watch the fishing boats rest on the sand. Get directions.
For lunch, head to Chiringuito Ayo on Burriana Beach. This beach bar is famous for its paella. The cooks make it in giant pans over a wood fire. They do not take reservations, so arrive early to bag a table. Get directions.
After lunch, spend the afternoon on Playa de Burriana. It is Nerja’s biggest beach. You can hire sunbeds, try a kayak or simply relax with a book. Get directions.
Finish the day with dinner at Casa Luque on Plaza Cavana. This restaurant serves Andalusian dishes in a lovely historic square. Order a few tapas and share them. Get directions.
Day 2: Nerja Caves and Maro
On day two, you will go underground and then explore the quieter coast east of town.
Spend your morning at the Cueva de Nerja. Five friends found these caves in 1959. Today, you can walk through huge chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Look out for the giant central column, which is among the biggest in the world. The caves also hold prehistoric art. Plan on spending about two hours here. Tickets sell out in summer, so buy your tickets in advance. Get directions.
Afterwards, continue to the tiny village of Maro. It sits above a rugged stretch of coast with cliffs and green hills. From the village, follow the path down to Playa de Maro. This quiet beach is perfect for a swim. Get directions.
For lunch, return to town and try Rincón del Sevillano. This restaurant sits on one of Nerja’s prettiest streets. It is known for its rice dishes, so order one to share. You can find even more ideas in our guide to where to eat in Nerja. Get directions.
In the afternoon, visit the Acueducto del Águila. This 19th-century aqueduct stands in the countryside just outside Nerja. Its brick arches rise in several tiers across a valley. It is free to visit and great for photos. Get directions.
Finally, head back to the Balcón de Europa for sunset. The sky glows orange over the sea, and the town feels magical at dusk. It is a lovely way to end the day.
Day 3: Frigiliana and the Río Chillar
Your last day takes you into the hills. You will visit one of Andalusia’s prettiest villages and then cool off on a river walk.
Start the morning in Frigiliana. This white village sits in the mountains, about 15 minutes from Nerja by bus or car. Wander the Barribarto, the old Moorish quarter. Its steep, narrow lanes are lined with flowerpots. Along the way, you will spot ceramic panels that tell the village’s history. Take your time and stop for a coffee on a terrace. Get directions.
Before you leave, look for the Ingenio Nuestra Señora del Carmen. This old factory makes sugar-cane honey, a local speciality. It is thought to be the last of its kind in Europe. Try some drizzled on a dessert. Get directions.
Back in Nerja, spend the afternoon on the Río Chillar walk. This route follows a river through a narrow gorge. Tall rock walls rise on both sides, and the water keeps you cool. Wear water shoes, and bring a bottle of water. However, check the weather first, and do not go after heavy rain. Get directions.
That is Nerja in three days. You will have seen the old town, the caves, the beaches and a classic white village. If you have extra time, take a day trip along the coast to Almuñécar. Either way, you are sure to leave planning your next visit.