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Nerja

Nerja can be found in the easternmost part of Axarquía, 50 kilometres from Málaga and on the border of the province of Granada. It is a maritime and agricultural town with Arab roots and its name is derived from the Arabic "Naricha", (Abundant Spring), and enjoys a priveleged climate and dreamlike local scenery where you can see both spectacular cliffs and also beaches of golden sand. Its gastronomy is typically Meditarranean with stand-out plates such as cod omelettes with molasses and breaded fresh fish from the area.

Nerja, with a large choice of hotels, rooms, tourist villas etc. Offers a marvellous stay to visitors and an unequalled location for taking a holiday surrounded by mountains and beaches.

Nerja is a large town which has maintained its style of the typical Andalucian town, offering its visitors numerous types of free time enjoyment for example by hiring jetskis, diving, (See Costa Nerja Diving), canoeing, walking, cycling and horseriding trips, boat trips, pedalos, tennis courts, athletics tracks, air-conditioned public swimming pools, padel courts, football pitches (both grass and artificial) ...etc.

It should also be mentioned that the area offers fantastic gastronomy, being able to taste plates both typical of the area and those of all Europe by going to one of the numerous restaurants of all cuisines and cultures situated in the area. Let us also not forget to emphasise the recent appearance of various spas and wellness centres in the area offering places to relax at very good prices.

A few minutes away from Nerja on the dual carriageway numerous golf courses, leisure harbours, zoological gardens, theme parks, aquariumsand an endless amount of parks and other such places can be found to make your holiday unique.

It need not be pointed out that there are numerous beaches and small untouched coves in theParaje Natural Nerja, Maro-Cerro Gordo. These are beaches which, year after year, are recognised by the European Union with the Blue Flag. Let us also recognise the award recently received by Burriana beach, which was awarded the Q de calidad turistica, (An award which is only held by a reduced number of beaches in Spain) made all the more noteworthy if we take into account the amount of quality tourists in Nerja.

The coastline is 14.5 kilometres long, with 12 delightful beaches and coves. Those in the surroundings of Nerja have all manner of services as well as Maro, which is an authentic tropical paradise. In all of them, as well as being able to enjoy a refreshing paddle, you can partake in any form of water sport such as windsurfing, sailing, navigation or diving.

Those who enjoy nature will enjoy visiting the nearby Paraje Natural de Maro-Cerro Gordo, an impressive abutment with cliffs crowned by a tower. To the north of Nerja lies Frigiliana where a prehistoric necropolis can still be found.

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Another visit which stands out is Parque Natural de Sierra Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama. The recreational area of El Pinarillo in the Fuente del Esparto and the raised course of the River Chillar ‘Los Cahorros’ y la Presa, are also well worth a day-trip.

Nerja has in its urban layout many beautiful examples of typical architecture. Amongst its monuments we must mention the Hermitage of Our Lady in Distress, patron saint of the town. It was constructed in the 16th century and the frescos adorning its dome stand out visually.

Its historical centre combines beautiful exaples of poular architecture with beautiful avenues and emblematic street corners such as the Balcón de Europa, a splendid viewpoint of the sea.

The area has been populated since prehistoric times as is shown in the cave paintings which are found in the famous Nerja Cave, known as the “prehistoric cathedral”. Discovered in 1959 they constitute one of the main lures to tourists in the district. They have been declared as Artistic-Historic Monuments posessing nearly two kilometres of subterranean galleries which the public can visit.

Around the rest of the coastal bulwark you can find some of the most emblematic locations of the village: the Balcón de Europa, now converted into a lively promenade ending with a splendid view of thesea.

Inside the coastal architecture your attention is drawn to the large number of watchtowers which are placed along the seaboard. The Tower of Maro, a pretty example of this type of construction, allows some of the best views of the area.

In the area of Barranco de la Coladilla the Acueduct of the Eagle was constructed. This magnificent work of engineering from the 19th century, now in good use, has 4 stories layered arches, and at its high point in the centre a shrine.

Another reason whythis village is known is the television series "Verano Azul". As homage to this series which showed images of Nerja to the entire world the Verano Azul Park was created in which the Barco de Chanquete can be found.