Nerja holidays

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Nerja holiday without some serious sand time. Luckily, Nerja’s beaches have something for everyone, from the golden, sun-lounger-packed stretch of Burriana Beach to the quieter Alberquillas Beach, tucked underneath the cliffs.

Natural sights aside, Nerja’s atmosphere is what sets it apart from its neighbours on the Costa del Sol. Quiet and traditional, Nerja combines classic Spanish beach breaks with a laid-back vibe that flows through every activity.

The postcard-perfect old town, filled with whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, is another big draw. Wander between the churches, sit out in one of the many squares with a drink in hand, or head down to the water to watch street performers.

If you fancy a night out, evenings in Nerja are more laid-back than buzzy – perfect for families and couples. That said, Plaza Tutti Frutti is the place to be for bars that stay open late into the night.

Fly and flop not for you? Nerja is still a great choice, especially in late autumn and winter. A visit in the off-season means package holidays are cheap and outdoor adventures more pleasant, with temperatures hovering in the mid-teens. This is the best time to visit Nerja if you enjoy long mountain hikes, laid-back drives between sites and surrounding villages, and old town wanders without peak-season crowds.

One of the most staggering natural rock formations in Spain – the Cueva de Nerja – lies just ten minutes from Nerja. A vast underground space full of stalactites and stalagmites, the cave was hollowed out by water some five million years ago.

Today, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Andalucía, and is around a ten-minute drive from Nerja. If you prefer, the local bus and the tourist train also stop here.

Take a hike

Located at the base of the Sierra de Tejeda mountain range, Nerja makes a great choice for hikers. Its sun-drenched surrounds are crisscrossed with trails for all abilities. Wander between Moorish villages, stroll along the coast or take on the 2,069m-high La Maroma, the tallest mountain in the region. Stunning views come as standard at the peak and on a clear day, you can even see out to Africa.

For something less challenging, tackle the popular El Cielo peak. The area around Nerja is also peppered with a number of popular climbing spots.

Hit the beach

Nerja’s beaches are all about variety. Burriana is one of the best known, thanks to its long stretch of golden sand, watersport options and chilled-out beach bars. For something different, try Maro Beach, about a ten-minute drive away. The clear waters are teeming with fish here, and you can swim out to a pretty cove that’s flanked by waterfalls.

To escape the crowds, Alberquillas Beach is a brilliant choice. It doesn’t have any facilities, bars or watersports, but that’s all part of its charm.

Eagle Aqueduct

You’ll find this beautiful 19th-century water bridge, which slots majestically into the lush countryside, around 3km (1.9 miles) from Nerja.

Built to supply water to a local sugar cane factory, the dramatic aqueduct takes inspiration from medieval Mudéjar art. It gets its name from the double-headed eagle that decorates its weather vane.

Balcony of Europe

Need to get the perfect holiday snap? Head to the Balcony of Europe, a vast circular slab of concrete that extends out over the Mediterranean and delivers stunning coastal views.

It’s also a social hub, a place where locals come for sunset chats and where musicians, jugglers and magicians gather to perform. It’s connected to several pedestrianised streets, so do as the locals do – grab an ice-cream and have a wander.