Nerja Holidays

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Seaside bliss on the Costa del Sol

Offering an impressive range of beaches, excellent places to dine and record-breaking caves to explore, Nerja holidays are an alluring prospect. Once a rustic fishing village, Nerja retains an easygoing vibe, despite now being a popular resort. At Nerja’s heart is the Balcon de Europa, a cute square with glorious views – the perfect place to stop and enjoy an ice cream.

The days can be whiled away at Nerja’s various beaches, which range from long, sun-baked stretches to tucked away, sandy coves, and the nights spent eating fresh seafood at one of the town’s restaurants or drinking cocktails at a beach bar. Away from the sea, popular excursions include the Cuevas de Nerja – an enormous cave complex where massive stalactites drop into a cathedral-like space – and Frigiliana, an arty, luminous village in the hills. With so much to offer, beach and besides, holidays to Nerja showcase the best of the Costa del Sol.

Best things to do Beaches

Journey into the deep
Nerja’s cave complex is easily accessed from the town. Tours take you through tunnels and up staircases, past eerily lit natural features and into epic caverns.
Sample the sands
The beaches around the old town are small and backed by cliffs, making an atmospheric place for a dip. Further along the coast, more open stretches offer the chance to spread out.
Head to Frigiliana
The inland town of Frigiliana makes a splendid day trip, with cobbled streets snaking up steep hills. Gaze down at the shimmering sea from one of its many bars and restaurants.

Explore our map of Nerja

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Your Nerja questions, answered

What’s with the caves?

Nerja’s caves stretch for some 5 kilometres. Discovered in the 1950s, they feature a 32-metre natural column – the largest in the world – formed when a stalagmite and stalactite joined.

How do you say it?

It’s pronounced ‘nair-ha’. The town gets its name from the Moors, who occupied this part of Spain for centuries and called it ‘Narixa’, which means abundant spring.

When’s the best time to visit Nerja?

Nerja has a Mediterranean climate, so it’s warm and pleasant all year-round, with hot, dry summers. June to August is the most popular time to take holidays in Nerja. If you can visit outside these months, you can often find a lower price, and there’s plenty to do outside of peak season. Visit at Christmas for some winter sun and festive events, or in February for Nerja Carnival. Easter brings traditional parades and processions while, in May, you can enjoy Noche en Blanco, with outdoor cultural events like theatre and live music.

Does Nerja have good beaches?

There are several beautiful beaches just a short walk from town so, if you take holidays in Nerja, you can explore different spots from peaceful to lively. Beaches close to Nerja tend to have darker sands, due to their mineral content. Most of them have a mixture of sand and shingle. There are many Blue Flag beaches, so exceptionally clean and with places to swim safely. You can easily rent water sports equipment and enjoy a relaxing day in a kayak, or something more adrenaline-fuelled.

What’s ‘Verano Azul’?

One of Nerja’s claims to fame, ‘Verano Azul’ was a popular 1980s Spanish TV series filmed in town. You can find a replica boat from the show in a park by the river.

What’s the nightlife like in Nerja?

Most of Nerja’s nightlife can be found around Tutti Frutti square. This cobbled area with whitewashed buildings is packed with bars, restaurants, and venues. At night, you can have a few drinks before heading to a nightclub until the small hours, seeing a band, or even visiting a flamenco club for some traditional music. There’s something to suit all tastes. During the summer, Nerja holds several music festivals, so you can make the most of the warm evenings and enjoy music from all over the world.

Is Nerja family-friendly?

Nerja is a laid-back town popular with families. The beaches are a big draw for tourists with children as there’s plenty of places for them to swim, and kids will love taking a tour of the caves or going out to sea on a boat ride. There are several hotels and apartments suitable for families, many of which have pools and extras such as kids’ clubs or evening entertainment, making it easy to keep them busy when you visit. The walking trails to nearby towns are also good for tiring out active kids.

Can you walk from Nerja to Frigiliana?

The walk from Nerja to Frigiliana takes from one and a half to two hours, much of it uphill. If you want to walk between the two towns, it’s better to get the bus or a taxi to Frigiliana, then walk back along the riverbed to Nerja. This is a gentler walk, mostly downhill, and should take you about 90 minutes. You’ll need to wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven, and make sure you bring water. Try to avoid the walk during the midday heat, especially in summer.

Does Nerja have an old town?

Nerja’s Old Town has a classic Andalusian style. Down the cobblestone alleys, there are whitewashed houses with red tile roofs and you’ll find lots of cosy, traditional restaurants and shops selling handmade items. In the gently sloping streets, you’ll come across historic old churches built in traditional styles, so you should take some time during your holiday to explore.