The pretty Andalusian town of Nerja is located on the southernmost coast of Spain, and is one of the regions’ most attractive and popular villa holiday destinations. The narrow winding streets of the old town are typical of the Spain of yesteryear and are now home to many tapas bars, restaurants and small shops which are popular with locals and tourists alike. The narrow streets wind down to what is probably the town’s most famous landmark, the renowned Balcon de Europa, where you’ll be able to enjoy stunning panoramic coastal views towards Africa.
Nerja and the Costa del Sol in general benefits from one of the best climates in Europe, and gets on average more than 300 days of sunshine a year. With mild winter temperatures too, Nerja is unquestionably a year-round holiday destination. Nerja may only be small comparatively, but it has more than its fair share of beaches. The most famous beach of them all is Burriana beach. This blue flag beach has every facility you could ever need and is consequently very popular, but even in the heights of summer it never gets too overcrowded.
If lying on a beach all day doesn’t float your boat, then there are lots of other things to do and see most of which are within walking distance of the town centre.
Balcón de Europa
The Balcón de Europa is situated on a rocky promontory, and was formerly a fortress designed to keep out invading pirates. Today it is the focal point of the town. From here you’ll be able to see spectacular views up and down the coast and over to the African mainland.
The Promenade
The Promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants, and in summer, is the gathering point for artists, vendors and street musicians. The Promenade was patronised by King Alfonso XII (1857 – 1885) and you’ll find his statue here.
Iglesia El Salvador
The Iglesia El Salvador can be found opposite the Balcón de Europa, close to what was once the Guards Tower. It was originally built in 1505, but the current structure was not built until 1697. It was then extended during the period 1776 – 1792.
La Ermita de Ntra.Sra. de las Angustias
This beautiful church was completed in 1720, and was constructed with a single nave covered with a half-canon vault. The main chapel has a semi-spherical vault and you’ll be able to see frescoes of the four evangelists dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The exterior of the church is simple with a portico of uncovered brickwork of half point arches and a small exposed belfry.
Cuevas de Nerja
The Nerja Caves are a sight you definitely won’t want to miss. The caves were only ‘properly’ discovered in 1959 and contain wall paintings believed to date back at least 25,000 years. Some of the huge chambers are open to the public, one of which houses an auditorium capable of holding several hundred people. In the summer, this auditorium is used for concerts.
