Nerja, a seaside town, is located 53 kilometres east of Málaga on the Costa del Sol and can be reached in about 40 minutes by car from Málaga airport or about an hour and a half by bus.
The town is built on a cliff above numerous sandy coves and lies at the foot of the impressive Sierra de Almijara mountain range. Protected by the mountains, the temperate climate makes it an ideal place to visit at any time of the year.
In Moorish times, the town was known as Naricha – meaning Rich or Abundant in Water. In 2006, the resident population of Nerja reached the almost magical figure of 20,000, an important milestone for Spanish municipalities as it has great bearing on funding for social and other services.
In the summer, being a tourist resort, the population quadruples. However, the town has managed to maintain an almost ‘village’ atmosphere and has not succumbed to the concrete high-rise scenario.
Places of Interest in Nerja:
Nerja Caves
The caves are the formation of karstic cavities, their origin dating back millions of years. During the Triassic period , large quantities of calcareous mud settled on the fond of the ancient Mediterranean sea, transforming into the calcareous-dolomite marble which at present shelter the caves.
The Balcón de Europa, situated on a rocky promontory, was formerly a fortress designed to keep out British pirates and privateers. Today it is the focal point of Nerja, affording magnificent views up and down the coast.
The Promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants and in the summer is home to a multitude of artists, vendors and street musicians. It was made famous by King Alfonso XII (1857 – 1885) and his statue can be found at the far end.
Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is for animals in recovery that are to be re-homed or for those animals that will be permanent residents due to their age or continual need for medication.
Places to Relax:
Nerja is littered with ‘Plazas’ of all shapes and sizes, some hidden away but worth finding. Here are just some of them. Great places to just sit outside with a coffee, or a beer, and watch the world go by.
Plaza Tutti Frutti, the centre of nightlife in the town.
Plaza Cantarero, known locally as Orange Square, with a lovely fountain.
Plaza Cavana, busy square in the centre of town.
Plaza Fabrica de Los Cangrejos, down near Torrecilla beach and where you can also enjoy a game of petanca.
