About Nerja

Nerja is a small town on the Costa del Sol situated between small coves and relatively untouched by development and surrounded by an impressive mountain scenery. Only 50 kilometres from Málaga and within a 1½ hour drive from Granada, you will find Nerja a humming town, where village life goes hand in hand with tourism. Thanks to its mild climate, this is a destination you will enjoy at every time of the year. Relax and go local, taking advantage of the relaxed way of life of a village that still retains much of the character of its moorish past. Today, Nerja offers an excellent range of quality restaurants, bars and leisure time facilities. Discover the differnt beaches over a total length of 13 kilomteres, including the famous Burriana beach that has once again been awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union.

Quick facts on Nerja

Surface Area:

84.4 square kilometres

Population:

about 18,000 permanent residents

What the natives are called:

Nerjeños. Nickname: Morralleros

Monuments:

the old centre of Nerja, Balcón de Europa, the El Salvador church, Las Angustias hermitage, Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas church (Maro), El Águila aqueduct, Cueva de Nerja (Nerja Cave), Chanquete’s boat

Geographical Location:

situated in the most eastern part of the region of La Axarquía, on the foothills of the Sierra de Almijara. Nerja is located about 30 meters above sea level and is 50 kilometres from Málaga. It has an average rainfall of 460 millimetres per year and an average temperature of 20º C.

Tourist Information:

Nerja Tourist Office, Calle Puerta del Mar, 2. Telephone: 952 521 531

Natura lovers will enjoy the wonderful countryside in the area. For those who seeking an active holiday, there is fishing, diving, waterskiing, canoeing, water bikes, hiking, cycling, horseriding, jeep safaris, paragliding and much more.

Nerja's old centre begins at the Balcón de Europa (Balcony of Europe), constructed around 1487. Once a former 9th Century Castle, it is now a panoramic view point elevated above the sea. On the back of you will find the 17th century El Salvador Church, constructed in a baroque-mudejar style. You may also visit the 16th Century Nuestra Señora de las Angustias Hermitage with its paintings by the master Alonso Cano.

In the old quarter of town, typical small shops offer local craftworks and products of the area, including the sweet wine from then area and olive oil, honey and tropical fruits. At the beach and fish restaurants you will enjoy the “pescaito frito” (fried fish), whilst the many international restaurants in town offer a wide variety of menus to suit all tastes.

Nerja retains its traditional festivals: the Fair, Holy Week (Easter), the San Isidro pilgrimage and the festivals of San Juan and Día del Carmen are also celebrated in their own special way. There are a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. Of particular note is the acclaimed “Nerja Caves Festival”, which takes place amongst stalactites and stalagmites, which were formed over millions of years. The Nerja Caves are currently ranked on the 3rd postion of monument visitor numbers in Spain.