Nerja: a day trip from Málaga

About Nerja

Nerja is a town on the eastern Costa del Sol, in the Axarquía area, about 50 kilometres from Málaga. Here the mountains run right down to the sea, so instead of a long promenade there are rocky headlands, little coves and white houses on the cliffs. It's calmer and cosier than the big resorts west of Málaga.

The main draws are the Balcón de Europa viewpoint in the centre, the famous Caves of Nerja a couple of kilometres away and the sandy beaches. Up in the hills nearby is the white village of Frigiliana with its steep cobbled lanes.

The Caves of Nerja

The Caves of Nerja are a chain of underground halls nearly 5 kilometres long. They were found on 12 January 1959 by five friends who squeezed in through a narrow sinkhole. Part of the system is open to visitors, with wide paths and stairs leading past huge stalactites and stalagmites, flowstone curtains and columns.

One column is said to be among the tallest in the world, and one hall forms a natural amphitheatre where festival concerts are held. Cave paintings some 18,000–20,000 years old were found in halls closed to the public. It's around 20 °C inside all year, making the caves a good choice on a hot day.

What to see in Nerja

• Balcón de Europa — a terrace over the sea in the centre.
• The Caves of Nerja — halls of stalactites.
• Burriana beach — the town's largest beach.
• The old town — white lanes and squares.
• Frigiliana — a white hill village nearby.
• El Águila aqueduct — 19th-century arches by the road.

Balcón de Europa and the beaches

The Balcón de Europa is a broad palm-lined terrace on a rocky headland in the heart of Nerja. On one side are coves of sand below the cliffs, on the other the mountains, with the surf right below. Street musicians play here and cafés and ice-cream shops line it. It's the town's best-known spot and the place for sunset.

Nerja's beaches are small coves of sand and pebbles. The largest is Burriana, with paella restaurants and kayak hire; closer to the centre are cosy Calahonda and La Torrecilla. Kayaks paddle along the cliffs to neighbouring coves and waterfalls you can't reach on foot.

Tips for your trip

Bring a swimsuit and towel for a swim after the caves and a stroll around town. In summer Nerja's beaches fill up by noon, so arrive early for the best spots. The caves are cool, so pack a light layer.

For Nerja without crowds, come in spring or autumn, when the sea is still warm and the town is calm. Winter is mild and quiet, though too cool for most swimmers.

With children, the caves are one of the coast's highlights: vast underground halls, stalactites and cool air. Paths are good but include stairs, so a buggy is difficult.

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How to do it right

• Caves in the morning.
• Sunset at the Balcón de Europa.
• Bring a swimsuit.
• A layer for the caves.

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