Directions to Nerja by Bus and Coach

Nerja is the largest resort on the eastern Costa del Sol and is a popular holiday destination for young and old alike. It boasts of having the best climate in the entire region, having more days of sunshine than anywhere else in Europe. This one time fishing village, found some 45 minutes east of Malaga airport, is not only surrounded by impressive mountain scenery of the Sierra Almijara, but also has amazing views of the Mediterranean. Nerja has resisted the stereotypical Costa del Sol developments in favour of a more traditional and relaxed atmosphere in a picturesque Andalucian environment, retaining its original charm and character.

Nerja has been awarded almost every year with the “Town Caring” prize from the “Junta de Andalucía” assuring both tourists and locals that a continuous effort is made from the Town Hall to keep all the beaches clean, as well as keeping to a strict guideline for all developments ensuring all Villa’s and apartments are to within a high standard and no more than 3 storeys high. Due to this, Nerja is classed as one of the best kept secrets of the Costa del Sol, having kept its ambience and quiet enchantment feel of the old Moorish town yet has all the local amenities one would require from a city.

The popularity has increased year on year due to cheap airfares and the completion of the freeway, which has brought trade and income to the locals. During the past 6 years property has boomed, nearly doubling in value of which many investors bought to rent to holiday makers, making Nerja a hugely popular holiday location and as a result there are many excellent villas and apartments to choose from.

In the Old Town, there are plenty of small shops who offer local craftworks and products of the area, including sweet wine, olive oil, honey and tropical fruits. There are plenty of excellent restaurants and bars in and around town to suit all tastes, including the local beach restaurants, famous for their daily catch of fresh fish, some with views of the Balcon de Europa, Playa El Calahonda and El Chorrillo beaches. The winding cobbled streets lead you to something different with each corner you turn.

One of the main attractions is the Balcon De Europa (which was constructed around 1487 and named by King Alfonso XII on a visit in 1885), which offers a palm lined promenade leading to a Former 9th Century Castle, which is now a spectacular viewpoint carved out of the rocky headland above the sea. Here you can relax in one of the bars that surround the square or wander down to one of the coved beaches that lie below the headland. To the side of the Balcón, you will find the 17th Century El Salvador Church, constructed in baroque-mudejar style, where you may witness one of the many Spanish weddings that take place here over the course of the summer.

There are a number of streets to walk around, lots of stalls and various restaurants and bars to visit in the area. There is also a street market in Frigiliana every Thursday.

Above the area of Burriana Beach are the beautiful Gardens of Capistrano Playa, where you will find lush tropical gardens which descend down towards the beach.

Nerja’s most spectacular attraction is undoubtedly the Caves of Nerja (Cueves de Nerja). Discovered by five young people from Maro in 1959, it was then opened to the public in the following year. Here you will find paintings of animals and humans dating some 20,000 years old, together with pre-historic remains. The hall of Bethlehem is an amazing site with its stalagmites and stalactites, one of which is the largest on the world. The stalagmite and stalactite meet in the middle of the cave and measures an incredible 32 metres. The largest of the caverns is known as the Hall of the Waterfall, which has been transformed into a magnificent concert hall where many performances are conducted throughout the summer. Located just 3 kilometres outside of Nerja, this is a must for the holiday enthusiast.