20 Best Things to Do in Nerja (A Local’s Guide)

Being born and raised in Malaga, Iโ€™ve explored many places in Costa del Sol, but I can tell you that Nerja is one of those that makes you want to go back again and again, and thereโ€™s no doubt why it is one of the most visited towns in Costa del Sol.

Its charming people, white buildings, coastal views and fresh fish are some of the highlights of Nerja.

The most popular spot in Nerja is the famous Balcon de Europa. It’s famous for a reason, and it’s one of my favourite viewpoints!

However, there are many more things to do in Nerja and its surroundings, from wandering its old town and visiting its impressive caves to kayaking and hiking.

If you’re ready to discover unmissable places to visit in Nerja from a Costa del Sol local, keep reading this guide.

Pinterest pin that reads the best things to do in Nerja and shows the town attractions.

This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.


The best things to do in Nerja, Spain

Top Activities in Nerja

Are you short on time? Here are the best activities in Nerja:

Wandering Nerja Old Town

Visiting Nerja Caves

Spending the day at Burriana Beach

Enjoying the views of Balcรณn de Europa

1. Go to Nerja Caves

Stalactites at Nerja Caves.

Nerja Caves are one of the most popular attractions in Costa del Sol. They are located in Maro, a district of Nerja, at the top of the town, so the best way to get there is by bus or car.ย 

Apparently, the caves were discovered in 1959 by a group of young people who were walking at night searching for bats. However, they had no idea what they had found.

Nowadays, Nerja Caves is considered one of the best in Spain! Youโ€™ll be amazed by rock formations, including the largest stalactite in the world, and over 500 paintings that date from the Upper Palaeolithic. 

Inside, there are three different galleries, but only the public gallery is open to tourists.ย 

As you can imagine, they get very busy during the summer months, so booking your ticket in advance will save you queuing (just remember to select your time slot). Also, the best time to go is as they open the doors at 9:30 am.

When I visited the caves in Nerja, I spent approximately one hour there. I also encourage you to explore the botanical garden next to it. It’s lovely!

๐Ÿ“Œ Book your skip-the-line tickets to Nerja Caves in advance

2. Admire the sea views from Balcรณn de Europa

A sea and mountain view from balcon de europa in nerja.

There is no visit to Nerja without seeing Balcon de Europa. This is one of the most beautiful spots in Costa del Sol and my favourite. 

Balcon de Europa is a round balcony on a cliff overlooking the transparent turquoise sea. Not only will you be amazed by the sea but also the panoramic views of other points of the Costa del Sol. 

In the past, the balcony was part of the watchtower of an Arabic fortress. However, today, it’s a viewpoint close to a good range of cafes, restaurants, hotels and small independent shops where you can buy many handmade accessories (leather bags, ceramics, etc.) and souvenirs.

Although it has become a tourist spot, thereโ€™s nothing better than watching the sunset from the balcony. I love the combination of clear water with the warm colours of the sunset. Itโ€™s a romantic place, and youโ€™ll come across some brides taking pictures there, as the local church is just a two-minute walk.

Overall, visiting Balcon de Europa is one of the best things to do in Nerja. There is no visit to Nerja without admiring the views from this place.

A view of balcon de europa beach, Nerja.

3. Relax at Playa el Salรณn

Playa el Salรณn is a dark sand beach on the right-hand side of Balcon de Europa. You can access it only on foot – walk down the steep hill, and youโ€™ll be on this beautiful beach in no time.

I love that there arenโ€™t many chiringuitos (beach bars) around because itโ€™s more natural and raw. So, if you want to grab some food or drinks, you need to go all the way up to Calle Salรณn.

Although itโ€™s an amazing beach, if you arenโ€™t a big fan of crowds, it isnโ€™t probably the best beach to visit in the summer months. The beach gets full in the early mornings until late afternoon evenings.

If youโ€™re after local and authentic experiences, you canโ€™t miss Fiesta Blanca, a party celebrated every 14th August on this beach. Locals dress in white and are ready to have a good night with plenty of entertainment and concerts.

4. Wander the streets of Nerja Town Centre

A Walk Through Nerja Old Town
Watch my short video to get a feeling of Nerja Old Town and Balcรณn de Europa!

One of the best free things to do in Nerja is to explore its historic centre.

Wandering around Nerja Historical Centre is truly an experience โ€” its beautiful Andalusian whitewashed buildings, balconies decorated with bright flowers that stand out against the white walls, and pebble streets make it a unique and picturesque place to stroll through.

The area is also home to many independent shops that sell handmade ceramic and leather products, as well as bars and restaurants where you can have delicious tapas. If you’re looking for a food recommendation from a local, then head to Bar El Pulguilla!

I’ve also compiled a list of restaurants in Nerja here. I’ve personally tried these places and can recommend them.

In Nerja Town Centre, youโ€™ll also find a few monuments and attractions worth seeing, such as El Salvador Church and the Museum of the village of Nerja.

5. Go inside El Salvador Church 

El salvador Church in Nerja, Southern Spain.

Parroquia El Salvador is just a step away from Balcรณn de Europa. Itโ€™s a beautiful white church with a baroque neoclassical style.

Part of this church was built in 1697; however, the bell tower was added later in 1724. Like many old buildings, the church was last restored in 1997.

One of the main reasons this church is popular is that itโ€™s the only church in the world that includes representations of all three archangels.

However, St Michael (San Miguel in Spanish) is the archangel with more significance in Nerja as itโ€™s considered the townโ€™s patron (el patrรณn del pueblo). 

From all the times Iโ€™ve been to Nerja, there have been weddings or other religious events. Not only is it a popular church for locals to get married, but it also attracts many foreign couples who end up saying โ€œyesโ€ in this church.

As you walk around Balcon de Europa, you can hear the chime, which happens every hour, too.

6. Soak up the sun at Playa Burriana

A view of white houses and Burriana Beach.

Playa la Calahonda is Nerjaโ€™s beach next to Balcon de Europa. Although itโ€™s beautiful, it gets busy very quickly during the summer (especially at weekends, as locals go to the beach early to get their spot and spend the day). Also, itโ€™s very small.

Located one kilometre from the historic town, Playa Burriana is wider and considered one of Nerjaโ€™s best beaches. Its clear water and golden sand make it the go-to beach for locals and tourists. 

Near this beach, you can find Ayo, a popular restaurant that is well-known for its wood-fired paella. If you plan to go to Ayo, go there early (before 2 pm) because there are big queues to sit in.

7. Take a photo in Chanqueteโ€™s boat from the Verano Azul TV series

Cristina sat in la dorada boat, one of the  most popular attractions in Nerja.

This boat is a replica of the Verano Azul Spanish TV series filmed in Nerja in 1981. The series was based on a group of children who were on a summer holiday in Nerja. The episodes show the adventures and fun experiences of these kids. 

The series became very popular in Spain, and therefore, it was aired in other countries, such as Portugal, France, and even Latin America.

Nowadays, this is a tourist attraction where not only Spanish tourists but international tourists stop to take a picture of La Dorada boat.

8. Visit Nerja Museum

A photo of  the building of Nerja Museum, Spain.

If you love learning about history and culture, you must visit Nerja Museum located in Plaza de Espaรฑa, only a few steps from Balcon de Europa. 

The museum shows you the rich local history from prehistory to today. Not only do you discover more about the cultural heritage of Nerja and the Axarquia region, but you also learn how Nerja caves were discovered, what interesting objects were found, and much more.

The archaeological section is one of my favourites, as you see old ceramics and utensils in the caves. You can also look at the skeleton of a young woman who lived in the caves many years ago.

9. See the Eagle Aqueduct

A view of Puente del Aguila in Nerja, Spain.

โ€œAcueducto del Aguilaโ€ (The Eagle Aqueduct) is a picturesque aqueduct located just 3 kilometres outside Nerja in the countryside.

The aqueduct used to be a water supplier for a sugar factory known as Fabrica San Joaquin de Maro (San Joaquin Sugar Mill). The region of the Axarquรญa was popular for sugar cane plantations in the XVI century.

The factory closed a long time ago and nowadays is used for local communal irrigation.

However, it has recently become a popular spot for photographers due to its beautiful architecture. 

10. Do water activities at Playa de Maro

Cristina wallking on the shore of a beach in Nerja.

At only a 14-minute drive from Nerja Centre, Maro Beach is the best beach in Nerja. On this hidden beach, you can do anything from scuba diving in Nerja’s crystal clear water to exploring the beautiful surroundings.

The beach is surrounded by pure nature – plenty of vegetation and rocky cliffs. However, the most beautiful thing about this beach is the clean turquoise and transparent sea.

You know itโ€™s a must-see beach in Nerja when you get in the water, and you can see whatโ€™s under the water – coral reefs and fishes that hide between the rocks.

Itโ€™s the perfect spot to relax, but you won’t be disappointed if you fancy some water adventure. You can do two main water activities in Maro: kayaking and snorkelling.

Book these activities in advance as I have tried to book kayaking with my family a few times, but they didn’t have many dates available. Locals love this hidden beach!

๐Ÿ›ถ Have a fun day in Nerja by going on this sea kayak tour where you’ll discover beautiful small caves, cliffs and bays.

11. Go on a hike to Rรญo Chillar

If you want a change from the coast, walking up the Rio Chillar is a great day out.

One of the top summer activities for locals is walking up riversโ€”itโ€™s adventurous and fun and keeps them cool in high temperatures.

As you can imagine, it does get busy, especially during weekends (remember, most locals donโ€™t work on Sundays). Therefore, I highly recommend visiting it early or during the week.

Whenever you choose to go, Iโ€™m sure youโ€™ll enjoy it, but if youโ€™re wondering what sort of things you should take with you, some essentials are:

  • Old pair of trainers (theyโ€™ll get wet)
  • Water
  • Eco-friendly sun cream
  • And of course snacks!

I’ve done this hike with my family before and loved the combination of walking on land and swimming. Unfortunately, there have been problems with this natural space, and the council is considering charging a fee and limiting access to fewer people to avoid crowds.

12. Spend the day at Aquavelis

Colourful slides at the waterpark.

22 minutes drive from Nerja, Aquavelis guarantees a fun half or full day out with friends or family. Going to a waterpark is one of the best things to do in Costa del Sol during summer.

Aquavelis has some incredible water attractions like the Kamikaze, a slide that goes 80 meters down at a very high speed, the multi-racer in which you can compete with your family or friends, and the wave pool.

It’s definitely one of the top things to do with kids in Nerja.

Local Tip

If you want to avoid crowds, visit the waterpark at the beginning or end of the summer season (June or September). 

13. Shop at Nerja Market

a street in the old town of nerja spain

If you happen to be in Nerja on Tuesday and love visiting local markets, then you must go to Nerja Market, which takes place on Mirto Street every Tuesday, except on bank holidays.

It’s a big street market with over 170 stalls, where you can buy everything from local vegetables and fruits to handbags, clothes, and home decor.

It’s a buzzing place where vendors shout out their best offers, so you can often come across good deals and unique gifts and souvenirs.

14. Take a quad bike tour

If you’re after an adrenaline activity in Nerja, you’ll love taking a quad bike tour through the beautiful countryside.

These tours are safe and fun, and they make a great day out when you want to do something different than hitting the beach.

๐Ÿ“Œ This Nerja quad bike tour is perfect for all ages. You’ll see scenic landscapes, stop by El Acebuchal (a hidden gem) and have delicious food.

15. Have espeto de sardinas

A plate of grilled sardines, fried squid and aubergines with sugar cane honey

When it comes to fish, Nerja has delicious fish and seafood dishes you’ll want to try.

Espetos de sardinas (sardine skewers) is a synonym for Malaga and its coastal towns, and the best place to enjoy them is at chiringuitos (beach bars), where you can see how they’re slowly cooked on a small barbeque made in a little boat โ€“ just designed for roasting sardines and other fish.

16. Attend Nerja’s Fair

If you happen to be in Nerja between the 8th and 12th of October, you can’t miss Feria de Nerja. The town celebrates its fair for four days, and you can expect live concerts, fireworks, attractions, and even a religious parade.


Banner for itinerary services.

Things to do near Nerja

Although you have read about how many incredible things you can do without leaving Nerja if you have time, here are some fantastic places to visit near Nerja.

17. Go on a day trip to Mรกlaga from Nerja

A view of the fortress palace called La alcazaba de Malaga, in Malaga, Spain.

You canโ€™t leave Costa del Sol without visiting my beautiful hometown. The capital has plenty of activities to do. However, you can see the main attractions in one day as they are in the city centre where everything is connected.

Here are some top activities you can do in a day or two in Malaga:

  • Eat in the famous Bodega El Pimpi.
  • Explore the amazing Alcazaba and discover Moorish influences.
  • Go up to Gibralfaro for panoramic views.
  • Relax at Playa de la Malagueta.
  • Enjoy a cocktail in the modern Muelle Uno.

18. Go on a day trip to Frigiliana from Nerja

calle gabriel in frigiliana

Frigiliana is a nearby quaint town only 6 kilometres from Nerja. Itโ€™s well-known for its old quarter and narrow white streets decorated with beautiful ceramic mosaics, flowers, and plants.

The Spanish tourism board considers it the prettiest village in Andalucia, and youโ€™ll agree as soon as you visit.

Frigiliana is the perfect day trip for enjoying authentic local experiences. Here are some recommendations on things to do in Frigiliana:

  • Go to Casa del Apero, a beautiful building next to the tourist office, local library and archaeological museum.
  • Shop in the unique boutique shops that sell local crafts, delicacies, and clothes.
  • Wander and get lost in Frigiliana’s Old Town.
  • Visit Callejรณn del Peรฑรณn for the best panoramic view of the town.
  • Eat at La Tahoma to enjoy authentic local food and a view. I love their mushroom croquettes!

If you aren’t renting a car in Nerja, you can take a bus to Frigiliana from the Nerja bus station.

19. Go on a day trip to Granada from Nerja

Inside the alhambra palace in granada, spain.

Outside Costa del Sol, Granada is a great city to visit, and it isnโ€™t very far from Nerja – approximately one hour and 10 minutes by car.

Granada is well-known for the Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress at the top of the city. Nowadays, itโ€™s one of the most visited places in Spain, and itโ€™s considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can easily spend 3 or 4 hours in Alhambra, considering youโ€™ll likely wait to get in some buildings.

The Alhambra is a famous attraction in Andalucia, and if you want to visit it, make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Besides the Alhambra, Granada is the best place to eat tapas in Andalucia. The city has a good variety of bars and restaurants that are ideal for foodies. 

If youโ€™re after traditional local food, you must try habas con jamรณn (beans with cured ham) remojรณn granaino (orange salad with spring onions, hard-boiled egg, olives and codfish) and piononos (a juicy sponge cake with toasted cream on top).

20. Hike in the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park

In addition to these fantastic Nerja attractions, add a visit to the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural to your list. This beautiful stretch of almost virgin coastline goes from the east of Nerja to La Herradura in Granada. Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park is home to scenic hiking routes that are ideal for sea lovers.

How to get to Nerja from Malaga

A view of a beach next to balcon de europa, spain..

By aeroplane 

The nearest airport is Aeropuerto de Mรกlaga (Malaga Airport), which is about 65 kilometres from Nerja. It’s one of Spainโ€™s biggest airports, so thereโ€™s likely a route from your country, especially if you live in Europe.

๐Ÿ“Œ Check out cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport

By bus

If youโ€™re flying to Malaga, there is an ALSA bus from Malaga Airport to Nerja. However, it isn’t very regular.

Therefore, another option is to take tren de cercanรญas (underground train service) to Marรญa Zambrano and then go to the coach station next to it. From the coach station, you can get a direct bus to Nerja.

๐Ÿš Book your bus tickets with Omio here

By taxi

I wouldnโ€™t recommend taking a taxi to Nerja as it can be expensive (over 80 euros), but if you donโ€™t mind paying for it, itโ€™s a quick and direct option. Welcome Pickups is a good company to book your transfer with.

By car

Iโ€™d say renting a car is the best option. There are many car rental places to choose from near the airport.

Having a car will help if you would love to explore other towns at your own pace. Although public transport is quite good, coach and train times arenโ€™t always the best.

Also, you canโ€™t access more remote places by bus/coach/train.

๐Ÿš— Check out car hire in Malaga here

Where to stay in Nerja

Hotel Balcรณn de Europa

Hotel balcon de europa in Nerja.

This hotel is one of the best places to stay in Nerja. For me, itโ€™s all about location when booking accommodation, and this hotel is built into the Balcon de Europa rock face. 

They have a range of different rooms, all of which are beautifully decorated. But if youโ€™re after a luxurious experience, staying in the Junior Suite Deluxe is your option. You have breathtaking views from a cosy balcony and a hydromassage bathtub in the bathroom. 

The views are incredible. You have direct access to Caletilla Beach, and youโ€™re surrounded by many restaurants and bars if you donโ€™t want to eat in their restaurants.

In addition to this, thereโ€™s an outdoor swimming pool with sunbeds overlooking the beautiful sea.

๐Ÿ“Œ Book your stay at Hotel Balcรณn de Europa here

Hostal Boutique Plaza Cantarero

Room at Hostal Boutique Plaza Cantarero.

I recently spent a weekend in Nerja and stayed at this family-run accommodation in the centre of Nerja.

The room was cosy, and I loved the little details, like the elephant-shaped handles in the wardrobes and the picnic basket you can take to the beach. However, What I loved the most was that it didnโ€™t feel like the typical chain hotel.

Tanya, the owner, made me feel at home and gave me some good food recommendations, too. On top of this, the price per night was very affordable.

๐Ÿ“Œ Check out availability and dates at Hostal Boutique Plaza Cantarero here

Frequently asked questions about Nerja

A woman posing in front of a beautiful white painted building with a balcony full of flower pots in Nerja old town.

Can you get a train from Malaga Airport to Nerja?

No, there isn’t a train from Malaga Airport to Nerja. However, you can get a train from Malaga airport to Malaga Marรญa Zambrano train station and then go to the bus station, which is about a minute’s walk, to get a bus to Nerja.

Is Nerja touristy?

Costa del Sol has more touristy towns than Nerja (for example, Benalmadena or Marbella). But, having said that, Nerja is still touristy. It attracts many national and international tourists and is home to many expats.

What are the beaches like in Nerja?

Nerja has some of the best beaches in Costa del Sol. Its clear water and beautiful rock formations make you feel like you are in paradise.ย The only downside of some Nerja beaches is that they’re very rocky, so you must take slip-on water shoes to avoid injuries or discomfort when walking on the shore.

Is Nerja worth visiting?

Absolutely! Nerja is one of the most beautiful towns in Costa del Sol. They have must-visit beaches with crystal clear waters and impressive attractions like Balcรณn de Europa viewpoint and Nerja Caves.

What are the best things to do in Nerja for families?

The best things for families to do in Nerja include visiting the beach and the nearby Aquavelis Water Park and Nerja Caves.

Conclusion about things to do in Nerja

As you’ve seen, there are plenty of things to do, so if you plan to stay over a week, this Costa del Sol itinerary will help you plan and make the most of your trips.

However, if you’re staying in Malaga and considering a day trip to Nerja but have limited time, have a look at this half-day trip from Malaga to Nerja and Frigiliana.

I hope you have a great time in Nerja, and if you have any questions, drop them in the comments or join my Facebook group, which is the best place to connect with me.

Enjoy your holidays!

Cristina xx

Save this guide on what to do in Nerja on Pinterest for later

Don’t Forget…

Book your flight to your Malaga through

Book your Accommodation through

Drive yourself around with ease using a local

Keep yourself safe and protected with

Book your tours and travel experiences with

Read about other beautiful towns in Costa del Sol

Sharing is caring!

22 Comments

  1. Had never heard of Nerja, although it looks lovely. We managed to get to Sevilla and Granada just before the world turned upside down! I have to say Granda must be one of my favourite places in Spain outside the Basque Country, absolutely fell in love with it!

    1. Cristina Reina says:

      I’m happy to hear you managed to go to Sevilla and Granada this year. Granada is one of my favourite places too ๐Ÿ™‚ It is such a charming city.

  2. Constance Ray says:

    Thank you for your detailed post! Sounds like a wonderful place to visit whenever I make it to Spain.

    1. Cristina Reina says:

      Thanks, Constance. I hope you go sometime ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Love this! We’ve definitely heard of Grenada but never Nerja. Adding to our bucket list!

    1. Cristina Reina says:

      Amazing! I am sure you’ll love it ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Great post! I visited Nerja a few weeks ago and didn’t have time to see much. Saving this post for when I go again!

    1. Cristina Reina says:

      Thank you, Krista ๐Ÿ™‚ I hope you can visit some of these places next time you go.

  5. I’ve never heard of this place, but it looks so beautiful. It kind of gives me Greece vibes. I’m definitely adding this to my bucket list.

    1. Cristina Reina says:

      I’ve never been to Greece, but I totally get what you mean ๐Ÿ™‚ I hope you visit it one day!

  6. Catherine says:

    I love visiting places that aren’t the typical tourist “must-do” locations; it looks like Nerja, Spain is one of those towns. The clear blue sea is stunning — I can imagine myself spending all day at the beach!

  7. I really want to go to Nerja next time I am in Spain. It looks so beautiful and I didn’t realize there is so much to do. ๐Ÿ™‚ Beautiful photos Cristina!

  8. Andrea Cannon says:

    Wow I have never heard of Nerja but now it is on my list. I especially want to check out the caves!

  9. Beautiful photos and a great guide to explore by.

  10. This is an awesome itinerary!! I love the Andalusia region and will definitely be adding Nerja to my list for places to check out when I return!

  11. Hi, we will be visiting Southern Spain later this summer with three kids (10, 7, and 4). We will stay in Sevilla and I’m debating if Nejra or Benalmadena is a better city for us to use as our base. We will need a day to relax at the beach, but defiantly will take a day trip to Granada. I would like some place where we could possibly go on a hike or other outdoor activities that don’t involve museums and/or churches. I’ve read that Benalmadena is more touristy and for a younger (party) crowd. What are your thoughts?! Thanks.

    1. Cristina Reina says:

      Hi Lesley! If you’re planning to visit Granada, Nerja is closer to Granada than Benalmadena. Nerja has stunning beaches and there are many hiking trails you could do. However, Benalmadena has more activities for kids – visiting Selwo Marina, Sealife or the butterfly park, going on the cable car to Calamorro Mount, and spending time in La Paloma Park. On top of this, there are nice beaches that have good facilities and watersport activities, and if your kids like waterparks, go to Aqualand in Torremolinos (not far from Benalmadena).

  12. This is such a great blog – live in UK and looking for quaint villages to visit ! Thanks for your time in writing this !

    1. Cristina Reina says:

      Thank you! I am happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed reading my article ๐Ÿ™‚

  13. Definitely the prettiest town on the Costa del Sol east of Malaga!

  14. Pauline Halkyard says:

    We are coming on the 6th of May to Nerja we can’t wait it looks lovley.We have been to Spain lots of times but have never been here .๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *