Nerja Travel Guide | Spain
Updated: 1 day ago
Nerja is one of my favourite places in southern Spain! Located on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia, this beautiful coastal town offers much more than just beaches. You'll find incredible coastal scenery, mountains, hiking trails, and plenty of water activities. I originally spent two amazing days in Nerja, enjoying the beaches, exploring the town, kayaking, and experiencing an unforgettable river walk. I loved it so much that I returned the following summer!
In this guide, I'm sharing my favourite things to do in Nerja, along with practical tips on getting there and where to stay.
How to Get to Nerja
Best Things to Do in Nerja
Where to Stay in Nerja
Best Time to Visit Nerja
How Many Days Do You Need in Nerja
How to Get to Nerja
The closest airport to Nerja is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, located approximately 70 km away.
By car: Renting a car is one of the easiest ways to reach Nerja, especially if you're planning to explore the surrounding area. The drive takes approximately 50 - 60 minutes via the A-7 motorway, depending on traffic.
By bus: ALSA operates bus services between Málaga and Nerja. From Málaga Airport, you may need to travel to Málaga's main bus station first, although direct services may be available depending on the timetable. I recommend checking the ALSA website for current routes, departure times, and ticket prices.
By private transfer: A more convenient and comfortable way how to get from Malaga Airport to Nerja is by airport transfer. Solhop is an established company in the area and will take care of getting you from the airport to Nerja and also back once your trip is over. You can easily book on their website but you do not need to pay anything in advance, only on the day!
Best Things to Do in Nerja
River Walk
The Río Chíllar river walk was honestly one of the coolest hikes I've ever done! Unlike a traditional hiking trail, much of the route takes you directly through the river, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. When I visited, I spent hours walking through the water, and it was such a unique experience. Depending on your starting point and how far you go, the hike can take several hours. Proper footwear that can get wet is essential.
Important update: Access to the Río Chíllar river walk has been restricted in recent years due to environmental protection and safety concerns. Before planning this hike, check the latest information from Nerja's local authorities. Do not enter the restricted route unless it has officially reopened. Even though access may currently be limited, I wanted to keep this experience in my guide because it was one of my favourite memories from Nerja.
Nerja Caves
One of Nerja's most famous attractions is the Nerja Caves (Cueva de Nerja), located just outside the town near Maro. These impressive caves are filled with enormous stalactites, stalagmites, and spectacular underground chambers. They're one of the most important natural attractions in the area and definitely worth considering if you have some extra time in Nerja. You can check opening hours and book tickets through the official Nerja Caves website.
Kayaking or/and SUPing
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are among the most popular activities in Nerja, especially around Burriana Beach. I tried kayaking here and absolutely loved it! You can rent kayaks or paddleboards from local operators or join a guided tour along the beautiful coastline towards Maro, where you'll find impressive cliffs and, depending on the route and conditions, sea caves and waterfalls. I'd particularly recommend booking a guided kayaking tour if you want to explore more of the coastline. During the summer months, it's worth reserving in advance, as these activities are very popular. Tours depend on sea and weather conditions.
Burriana Beach
Burriana Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Nerja and a great place to spend a relaxing day by the sea. It's a relatively large beach with a mixture of sand and pebbles, surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery. You'll find plenty of restaurants, beach bars, sunbed rentals, and water activities here, including kayaking and paddleboarding. It can get busy during summer, but it's one of the best-equipped beaches in Nerja.
Mountain Hiking/Climbing
Nerja is also surrounded by beautiful mountains, making it a great destination for hiking. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to explore the mountain trails during my visit, but it's definitely something I'd love to do when I return. One of the best-known hikes is El Cielo, a mountain rising to approximately 1,500 metres above sea level, offering incredible views of the coastline. I personally wouldn't recommend attempting this hike during the hottest summer months. Spring and autumn are much better for mountain hiking, and you should always check trail conditions and bring enough water.
Balcón de Europa
Located in the heart of Nerja, Balcón de Europa is a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding coastline. It's one of the town's most famous landmarks and a lovely place to visit while exploring the historic centre. You'll also find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and charming streets nearby, making it a great starting point for discovering Nerja.
If you want to explore the Nerja town itself, I recommend booking a Nerja Free Walking Tour!
Visit Frigiliana
If you have some extra time, I'd also recommend visiting Frigiliana, a beautiful whitewashed village located approximately 15 minutes from Nerja by car. It's known for its narrow cobbled streets, white houses decorated with colourful flowers, and lovely mountain views. Frigiliana is considered one of the prettiest villages in Andalusia and makes a wonderful half-day trip from Nerja.
Where to stay in Nerja
Nerja itself is quite small, and everything is more or less central. Unless you book completely on one side of the city, you should be able to get everywhere within walking distance.
If the main reason you are visiting Nerja is the beaches, then definitely stay around Burriana Beach, as it is the best beach in Nerja, also offering kayaking, SUP, and other water activities. Around Burriana Beach, you will also find many holiday rentals in case you are planning a longer trip.
If nightlife is important for you, then I definitely recommend staying near 'Tutti Frutti' square, which is a very busy party square, and there are also some big clubs in that area.
Personally, I recommend staying close to the city center (near Balcón de Europa). You'll have restaurants, shops, beaches, and nightlife within walking distance. I stayed at Hotel Mena Plaza and really enjoyed it! The hotel has a rooftop swimming pool and terrace, and its central location makes it a great base for exploring Nerja.
How Many Days Do You Need in Nerja?
I'd recommend spending 2 - 3 days in Nerja to enjoy the beaches, explore the town, and try some of the outdoor activities. I originally spent two days here and managed to combine kayaking, sightseeing, and beach time. However, if you want to visit Nerja Caves, explore Frigiliana, or go hiking, an extra day would be ideal.
Best Time to Visit Nerja
Nerja is a lovely destination throughout much of the year, but I particularly recommend visiting in May, June, September, or October. Summer is perfect for beach holidays and water activities, although July and August can get very hot and crowded. If you're planning to explore the mountains or enjoy longer walks, spring and autumn are much more comfortable. Winter is generally mild, making Nerja a nice destination even outside the main tourist season.
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FAQ: Visiting Nerja, Spain
Is Nerja worth visiting?
Absolutely! Nerja is one of my favourite places in southern Spain, offering beautiful beaches, incredible coastal scenery, and plenty of outdoor activities. It's a great destination for both relaxing and exploring.
How many days do you need in Nerja?
I'd recommend 2 - 3 days to explore the town, enjoy the beaches, and visit the main attractions. If you're planning hiking trips or visiting nearby villages, consider staying longer.
Can you visit Nerja without a car?
Yes! Nerja's town centre and several beaches are accessible on foot, and buses connect Nerja with Málaga and other destinations. However, having a car makes it easier to explore nearby villages, hiking areas, and less accessible beaches.
How far is Nerja from Málaga?
Nerja is approximately 55 km from Málaga city and around 70 km from Málaga Airport. The drive from the airport usually takes about 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
What are the best beaches in Nerja?
Some of the most popular beaches include Burriana Beach, Playa de Calahonda, and Playa de Carabeillo. Nearby Maro also has beautiful beaches surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Is Nerja or Málaga better to stay in?
It depends on the type of holiday you're looking for. I'd choose Nerja for beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and a smaller coastal-town atmosphere. Málaga is better if you prefer a larger city with more museums, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.
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