Nerja's the Costa del Sol's best-kept secret – a whitewashed fishing village that's managed to hold onto its charm. With dramatic clifftop views, hidden cove beaches, and one of Spain's most spectacular cave systems just up the road, this is an elegant place for a Spanish beach holiday in the sun.

🎉 Good to Know

• ☀️ Weather – Nerja basks in over 300 sunny days a year, with summer temps hitting 28-31°C and the sea warming to a gorgeous 23-24°C by August. Even winter stays mild at around 14-15°C.

• 💶 Prices – A caña (small beer) costs around €1.50-2, and you can get a solid menú del día for €10-12. Fresh fish on the beach is pricier but worth every penny.

• 🎬 Fun fact – Nerja shot to fame as the filming location for "Verano Azul," Spain's most beloved TV series. You can still see the replica of the famous boat "La Dorada" in the town centre.

✨ Highlights

• 🏖️ Burriana Beach – Nearly a kilometre of golden sand with kayak hire, volleyball courts, and legendary wood-fired paella at Restaurante Ayo

• 🌊 Balcón de Europa – The clifftop promenade with jaw-dropping views across the Med that made King Alfonso XII declare "this is the balcony of Europe"

• 🦇 Nerja Caves – Home to the world's largest stalactite and prehistoric cave paintings dating back over 40,000 years

• 🏔️ Sierra de Almijara – Dramatic mountain backdrop with brilliant hiking trails and the gorgeous white village of Frigiliana just 15 minutes away

• 🍤 Seafood scene – Chiringuitos serving fresh-off-the-boat fish and the best espetos (sardine skewers) on the coast

🏨 Hotels in Nerja

Nerja's hotel scene ranges from clifftop paradores with infinity pools to family-friendly aparthotels right on the beach. See all our Nerja hotels, or check out our top picks below.

For Couples

• 🏨 Hotel Balcon de Europa – This historic 4-star beauty sits right above La Caletilla beach in the heart of the old town. The heated infinity pool offers spectacular coastal views, and you're steps from the famous promenade. Most rooms have sea-view balconies, there's a sauna, and that unbeatable location makes it perfect for a romantic Nerja break.

• 🏨 Parador de Nerja – Perched on dramatic cliffs with panoramic Mediterranean views, this upmarket parador delivers proper Spanish elegance. The gardens with fountains are gorgeous for evening strolls, and the restaurant serves excellent regional cuisine. A refined choice for couples who want something special.

• 🏨 Riu Monica – A solid 4-star right by Playa de la Torrecilla with outdoor pool, gym, and that reliable Riu quality. The rooms come with balconies or terraces, and you're perfectly placed between the beach and the old town. Great for couples who want comfort without the fuss.

For Families

• 🏨 Marinas de Nerja Aparthotel Beach & Spa – Directly on the sandy beach with 216 spacious apartments (studios up to two-beds), this is brilliant for families. There's a kids' pool, playground, mini club in summer, and the all-inclusive option means no stress about mealtimes. Live music and entertainment keep everyone happy.

• 🏨 Villa Flamenca – Set in beautiful gardens with traditional Andalusian charm, this family-friendly hotel has mountain or garden views from the rooms. The mini-club keeps little ones entertained, there's a decent pool, and it's an easy walk to the beach. Good value for families.

• 🏨 Nerja Club by Dorobe – On the edge of town near Capistrano, this friendly hotel is about 1km from Burriana beach. There's a pool with sun terrace, buffet restaurant, and tennis courts opposite. A solid budget option for families who don't mind a short walk to the sand.

Something Different

• 🏨 Rural Almazara Hotel – Tucked into the hills between Nerja and Frigiliana, this sustainable boutique hotel is perfect for nature lovers. Indoor and outdoor pools, steam baths, massage services, and that peaceful countryside setting. About 5km from the beach, so you'll want a car.

• 🏨 Playamaro by Dorobe Hotels – In the tiny village of Maro near the famous caves, this hotel offers a rooftop bar with stunning sea views and a more tranquil vibe than central Nerja. The beach is a short drive or 20-minute walk away.

🎭 What to Do in Nerja

Nerja's got that brilliant balance of beach time, culture, and adventure – you can spend the morning kayaking to hidden coves and the afternoon wandering cobbled streets with a cold tinto de verano in hand.

For Families

• 🏖️ Burriana Beach – The family favourite with calm, shallow waters, lifeguards in summer, children's play areas, and all the facilities you need. Kayak and paddleboard hire keeps older kids entertained, and the chiringuitos mean nobody goes hungry.

• 🦇 Nerja Caves – A brilliant day out that'll genuinely wow the kids. The 45-minute audio tour takes you through enormous caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites, including the world's largest column at 32 metres tall. Book the tourist train from town for extra fun.

• 🚣 Kayaking from Burriana – Family-friendly kayak tours run hourly in summer, paddling along the coast to hidden coves and sea caves. Tours last about 2.5 hours and cost around €20 per adult – brilliant for active families.

• 🎢 Aquatropic (La Herradura) – About 20 minutes drive, this water park has slides and pools to keep everyone cool on scorching days.

For Couples

• 🌅 Sunset at Balcón de Europa – Grab a table at one of the terrace bars overlooking the promenade and watch the sun sink into the Med. Properly romantic stuff.

• 🍷 Tapas trail through the old town – Wander the narrow streets hopping between traditional bars. Try pescaíto frito (fried fish), gambas al pil pil (garlic prawns), and local Málaga wines.

• 🏝️ Maro Beach – A bit more effort to reach (park up top and walk down), but the crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliff backdrop make it worth it. Brilliant for snorkelling and that Robinson Crusoe feeling.

• 💆 Spa day at the Parador – Treat yourselves to massages and treatments with those clifftop Mediterranean views.

For Groups & Culture

• 🏛️ Frigiliana day trip – Just 15 minutes by bus or car, this whitewashed village clinging to the hillside is regularly voted Spain's prettiest. Wander the Moorish streets, shop for ceramics, and lunch with mountain views.

• 🎨 Nerja Museum – Small but fascinating, covering everything from prehistoric cave finds to the town's history as a silk-trading hub.

• ⛪ Church of El Salvador – This 17th-century church in the old town has a stunning Mudéjar-style ceiling and peaceful courtyard.

• 🥾 Rio Chillar hike – A popular river walk where you literally wade through the water – refreshing in summer and gorgeous scenery throughout.

🏖️ Nerja Beaches

Nerja's coastline is a mix of golden sandy stretches and tucked-away coves beneath dramatic cliffs. Here are the best spots for your Nerja holidays:

• 🏖️ Burriana Beach – The main event. Nearly a kilometre of golden sand with Blue Flag status, volleyball courts, kayak hire, pedalos, and a brilliant promenade lined with restaurants. The legendary Restaurante Ayo has been serving wood-fired paella here since the 1970s. Gets busy in summer but there's room for everyone.

• 🏖️ Calahonda Beach – Nerja's postcard beach, tucked beneath the Balcón de Europa. This small, photogenic cove has dark sand, crystal-clear water, and is accessed via a charming stone pathway. Perfect for a quiet morning swim.

• 🏖️ Playa de Maro – About 5km east near the caves, this is proper Costa del Sol paradise. Crystal-clear water, dramatic cliff backdrop, and excellent snorkelling. Less developed than Burriana with a more natural feel. Part of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park.

• 🏖️ Torrecilla Beach – The most central beach, easy to reach from the old town. Coarse sand with all facilities – sunbeds, showers, chiringuitos. Good for families who want convenience.

• 🏖️ El Playazo – Nerja's longest beach at nearly 2km, stretching west towards Torrox. Quieter than the central beaches with a more local feel. Mix of sand and pebbles.

• 🏖️ Carabeo Beach – A hidden gem accessed via steep stairs from Carabeo street. Small, secluded, surrounded by cliffs – worth the effort if you want to escape the crowds.

🚗 Day Trips from Nerja

Nerja's perfectly placed for exploring eastern Andalucía. Here's where to head:

• 🏔️ Frigiliana – Just 15 minutes by bus or car, this whitewashed village clinging to the mountainside is regularly voted Spain's prettiest. Winding Moorish streets, stunning views down to the coast, and excellent tapas bars. Don't miss the local sweet wine and cane honey.

• 🏛️ Málaga – About an hour west, the Costa del Sol's capital is packed with culture – Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba fortress, brilliant tapas scene, and gorgeous rooftop bars. Easy to reach by bus.

• 🌊 Torremolinos – Classic Costa del Sol resort with long beaches, water parks, and legendary nightlife. About 45 minutes by car if you fancy a livelier day or night out.

• 🏰 Granada & the Alhambra – Around 1.5 hours by car, the Alhambra palace is one of Spain's most breathtaking sights. Book tickets well in advance – this is bucket-list stuff.

• ⛰️ Cómpeta – Another gorgeous white village in the Axarquía mountains, famous for its sweet muscatel wine. Less touristy than Frigiliana and equally charming.

• 🌊 La Herradura – About 20 minutes east, this horseshoe-shaped bay is popular for diving and has a more laid-back vibe than Nerja. The water park Aquatropic is here too.

• 🌴 Almuñécar – Just 25 minutes east on the Costa Tropical, this historic town has Moorish castle ruins, a great aquarium, and lovely beaches without the crowds.

🏘️ Nearby Resorts

Fancy exploring more of the Costa del Sol? Here are some nearby destinations:

• 🌊 Málaga – The cultural heart of the coast with Picasso connections, brilliant nightlife, and city beaches

• 🏖️ Torremolinos – Classic family resort with water parks, long beaches, and lively atmosphere

• 🎾 Fuengirola – Family-friendly favourite with Bioparc zoo, 8km of beach, and the famous Tuesday market

• 💎 Marbella – Glitz and glamour with a beautiful old town and the superyachts of Puerto Banús

• 🏰 Benalmádena – Theme parks, marina glamour, and the traditional pueblo up in the hills