For my birthday, my partner and I visited one of the most charming beach towns in southern Spain. Tucked along the coast of Málaga, Nerja is known for its crystal-clear waters and pebbly shores.
As one of Spain’s iconic pueblos blancos (white towns), Nerja offers scenic coastal views, walkable streets and the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.
If you’re planning a couple’s trip to Spain, don’t miss the chance to spend a day or a night in Nerja. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Spend the day at Playa de Burriana
Playa de Burriana is Nerja’s most popular and largest beach. With its certified clean waters and amenities like showers, restrooms and rentable beach chairs, it has everything you need for an active beach day.
Burriana is perfect for:
- Paddleboarding
- Jet skiing
- Kayaking
- Swimming
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from your beach activities, take a stroll along the promenade where you can grab souvenirs and choose from diverse cuisines, including:
- Spanish meals, like all-you-can-eat paella
- Pizzerias
- Seafood restaurants with the best fried fish
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Relax in Playa Calahonda
While Playa de Burriana is popular, Playa Calahonda, or Calahonda Beach, is a smaller and typically less crowded beach to visit. Even with a good number of people, the chatter of the crowd doesn’t overpower the sound of the waves crashing on the sand.
As you walk to the sand, you’ll notice a white house decorated with white, pink and red flowers located at the back of the beach. The house isn’t real, but it serves as a great backdrop for romantic photos.
For a seaside break, walk up to Balcón de Europa, a romantic balcony offering stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Almijara mountain range. There’s a path located right at the entrance of the beach that leads you directly to the Balcón.
Explore the million-year-old cave
Apart from the beaches, the other main attraction is the Nerja Cave. Tickets to this ancient attraction can be purchased on site, but depending on the crowds, it’s best to book in advance.
Visiting the caves allows you to learn about ancient cultures and see rock formations that only exist in very few places. Similar to visiting an art museum, exploring the cave displays something you’ve probably never seen before.
Here’s how to get the most out of your visit:
- Take a wrap or light jacket: The average temperature is about 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Download the free audio tour on your phone before you go below ground.
- Plan 2 hours, so you have time to admire the unique cave formations.
- Wear closed-toed shoes to safely navigate the uneven, slippery cave floor.
- Flash photography is prohibited to preserve the cave’s mineral deposits and to avoid disorienting visitors in the dimly lit interior.
- Continue your visit and check out the Nerja Cave Museum for more historic insights.
Wander Downtown Nerja
Downtown Nerja is a bustling area with local restaurants, boutique shops and ice cream stands on nearly every corner. Warm summer nights give you the perfect opportunity to stroll beneath the night sky and admire the white-washed buildings that glow in the dim light.
Eat in These Restaurants
With a variety of cuisine options, there’s no doubt that you’ll find a delicious spot to eat in Nerja.
Bamboo
Bamboo is located about a 10-minute walk from downtown and situated near the water, in a neighborhood of other restaurants with international cuisines.
- Food: Wide selection of Mediterranean and international cuisines
- Vibe: casual, friendly, open-air space
- Best for: People who want to try different cuisines, also great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Must Try Dishes: The tropical salad with tomatoes, shrimp and avocado
SheBuysTravel Tip: Try to get there early to get a table facing the water, where you’ll get evening sunset views and a cool breeze
Bar El Pulguilla
Restaurant and Bar El Pulguilla, with a traditional Andalusian decor of wooden furniture and a cluster of framed pictures on the wall, has a large patio area that is shaded and ventilated with fans.
- Food: Wide selection of seafood and fried fish
- Vibe: casual, friendly, open-air space.
- Best for: Seafood lovers
- Must Try Dishes:
- Boquerones (aka fried anchovies) served warm, crispy and fresh
- Clams marinated in a garlic sauce and roasted red peppers as a side
SheBuysTravel Tip: Sit outside on the patio where it’s cooler.
Restaurante Tapas Plaza
If you’re like me and don’t always have a large appetite during summer, this tapas-based restaurant is a great place to check out.
- Food: Tapas (small plates – bite-size portions)
- Vibe: Beachside, casual environment
- Best for: Lite appetites or those who like lots of different options (Spanish, vegetarian, Asian and gluten-free)
- Must Try Dishes: Gambas Pil Pil, which are prawns marinated in a garlic sauce
SheBuysTravel Tip: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and when it rains. Arrive before 2 pm to beat the lunch rush hour.
Where to Stay
We stayed in Puerta del Mar, in the heart of Nerja, and a 5-minute walk from the beach.
- Friendly and helpful hotel staff
- 5-minute walk to the beach
- Amenities that include free use of beach umbrellas, pool and complimentary breakfast
Other top-rated accommodations include Hotel Paraiso del Mar and Parador de Nerja.
Getting to Nerja
There are two main ways to get to Nerja, by bus or by car. My partner and I drove to Nerja as it was the fastest way to get there. Here’s how to navigate your transportation.
- By Car: The drive to Nerja typically takes about an hour from Malaga, and it’s a convenient way to enjoy the coastal views. If you don’t want to drive, then you can schedule a ridesharing service.
- By Bus: The reliable ALSA bus company departs regularly from the Málaga bus station, and the journey lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or directly at the station.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you decide to rent a car, be prepared to spend a good amount of time circling around for street parking. There are paid parking structures available. However, my partner and I found that arriving around 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM can increase your chances of finding a spot. This time frame coincides with the start of the Spanish lunch hour, when locals are often heading home or leaving work, so spaces are most likely to open up.
What to Know About Nerja’s Beaches
Nerja’s beaches are soft, lightly pebbled sand and clear blue waters. Besides their clean waters, being on the Mediterranean coast means the waters are relatively calm and excellent for swimming.
It’s wise to bring a beach umbrella when visiting the beaches, as the sun is very strong and shade is scarce. If you go to the beach in the evenings, the sun is more tolerable.
When you’re at the beach, try not to bring valuables or large amounts of cash. While the beaches are generally safe, petty theft can happen anywhere.
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