Where to Stay in Nerja: Best Areas and Hotels
Nerja is one of the most popular coastal towns east of Malaga, and no wonder why. It has the best beaches in Costa del Sol, a lively atmosphere, and impressive caves. It’s also close to picturesque and lesser-known villages.
I love Nerja and visit it a few times a year. I usually go for a few hours or spend half a day there since it isn’t that far from my family’s home, but I’ve also stayed overnight and can give you my opinion on which area is best for you.
In this guide, you’ll discover where to stay in Nerja (best areas) and hotel recommendations.
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Nerja old town
🚶🏻♀️Best for explorers
Staying in the historic centre is one of the best options because it offers everything: a wide variety of restaurants and bars, shops, historical buildings and monuments, and a close proximity to Nerja bus station.
I love staying here, in fact, I stayed in Nerja old town during my last winter getaway to Nerja. Obviously, there weren’t as many people as in the summer, so that made my experience better.
I still think it’s a good area in the summer, but it isn’t for you if you don’t like the hustle and bustle and want to spend most of your time on the beach. In that case, you’d better stay in other areas.
First, you have plenty of food options, from typical Spanish tapa bars like El Pulguilla or La Puntilla to amazing Italian like Restaurante La Fuente and Indian restaurants.
Second, you’ll be close to top sights like Nerja Museum, Balcón de Europa (my favourite place to watch the sunset!) and Calahonda and El Salon Beach.
Last but not least, the old town is home to many boutiques where you can treat yourself or get a unique souvenir.
Hotel recommendations
- Hostal Boutique Plaza Cantarero.This is my top recommendation if you’re looking for affordable, comfortable, family-owned accommodation. My partner and I stayed here for two nights. The owner was very attentive, our room was clean and comfortable, and the location was fantastic. Check out availability and dates here.
- Hotel Balcón de Europa. It has the best coastal views while being in the historic centre. This 4-star hotel is a great option, and it does have direct access to the beach. Check out availability and dates here.
Playa Burriana
🏖️ Best for beach bums
If your plan is to come to Nerja in the summer and spend most of your time on the beach, it makes sense to stay on Burriana Beach, which is one of the best-rated beaches in the town. It has even a Blue Flag because of its facilities and cleanliness.
It can get crowded in the summer, but that’s what you can expect anywhere on the Costa del Sol.
Burriana Beach is bigger than other beaches in Nerja, but it feels cosy somehow. Although it isn’t in the centre, the area has everything you need, from cafes and restaurants to supermarkets.
You don’t need to leave this area, but I always recommend exploring your surroundings. I wouldn’t miss Nerja Caves and Balcon de Europa.
Foodwise, I recommend trying Nybakat Bakery for breakfast (I love their pastries!) Restaurante Ayo, famous for its wooden-fired paellas, and Heladeria Tropi Sol for the best ice cream!
The area doesn’t have attractions per se, but you can enjoy water activities like surfing and kayaking.
I personally think it’s a good area for families looking for a beach holiday.
Hotel recommendation
- Boutique Rooms Playa Burriana. This accommodation offers beautiful and cosy rooms, which are only a five-minute walk from Burriana Beach. Check out availability and dates here.
Playa Torrecilla
🌴Best for a combination of beach and proximity to the historic centre
Playa Torrecilla is another good area to stay in Nerja. You have the beach whilst being within walkable distance from the historic centre.
This area has good hotels like the beachfront RIU hotel and a good variety of cafes and restaurants.
It feels a bit quieter than Burriana Beach, but it’s still lively in the summer. However, personally, I prefer Burriana Beach over Torrecilla.
If you stay in this area and you’re looking for a food experience I totally recommend going to Oculto. My partner and I really enjoyed it. The food is spot on and the atmosphere is cosy. The salmon with pistachio was so good!
The beach promenade in Torrecilla is lovely too.
Hotel recommendations
- Hotel Riu Monica. If you aren’t travelling with children, this is your best option in Torrecilla Beach. This adult-only four-star hotel on the beachfront has fantastic facilities such as a pool, spa and two on-site restaurants. Check out availability and dates here.
- Hotel Perla Marina is an alternative option for anyone travelling with kids.
Maro
🛶 Best for water activities and nature
Maro is a ten minute drive from Nerja city centre and offers a more laid-back atmosphere.
There are fewer accommodation options here, and I don’t recommend it to anyone who wants an upscale experience.
If you aren’t that bothered about hotel aesthetics and are looking for better prices, Maro is a good option.
The beach and natural surroundings are the main reasons to stay here, but it isn’t convenient for everyone.
If you don’t have a car, you can still use public transport or order an Uber, but it isn’t as easy as being a short walk to places.
I personally wouldn’t stay in this area. I prefer being more central. Also, you can easily visit Maro Beach from other locations, so you don’t miss out on seeing the gorgeous cliffs and a waterfall.
If you decide to visit this area, I highly encourage you to take a kayak tour. It’s the best way to see Maro’s natural beauty.
Another good activity which can be done all year round is hiking in the Cliff of Maro nature preserve.
Hotel recommendations
Most accommodation options are old-fashioned and rustic and consist of individual holiday apartments rather than hotels. The only hotel is the three-star Hotel Playamaro, which has mixed reviews. I recommend checking out VRBO for apartments in the area.
El Capistrano
👨🏼👩🏼👧🏼 Best for groups and families
El Capistrano Village consists of three apartment complexes located between Nerja and Maro. It’s a popular option among families and those who travel with a group.
The apartments include all the facilities you need, from a fully equipped kitchen and en-suite bathroom to air conditioning, which is a must in the summer!
Inside this complex, you also have a swimming pool, a restaurant and a supermarket.
I feel like the apartments could do with a renovation since the furniture looks a bit outdated but if you like a rustic-style, you won’t see any issues with it.
If you’re staying in this area, you won’t be within walking distance from attractions but can take public transport or drive.
Hotel recommendation
Check out availability and prices for El Capistrano apartments here.
Frigiliana
⛰️ Best for mountain lovers
Frigiliana is a charming town near Nerja. It’s only ten minutes away.
It offers a completely different experience as it’s on the mountainside and has the features of an authentic white-painted Andalusian village.
Many say it’s a hidden gem, but I disagree. It has become touristy as happens with Mijas Pueblo. Still it’s beautiful and keeps its charm.
It can be a good place to stay during the off-season. Personally, it’s too warm in the summer, and you don’t really want to walk up and down hills to your hotel.
The thing is that you can easily visit Frigiliana from Nerja, even by bus. So you can book your hotel in Nerja and spend half a day in Frigiliana.
See my guide to visiting Frigiliana if you want to know more about this little town.
Hotel recommendations
Frigiliana has many charming bed and breakfast accommodations. When staying here in the summer, make sure to book a room or apartment with pool access. El Torreon 109 and the village house Casa Arcos de la Almona are some of the best and most highly-rated options.
Map with the best areas in Nerja
Conclusion on where to stay in Nerja
You have quite a few options on where to stay in Nerja and the best way to decide is based on your interests.
Having stayed in the old town, I highly recommend it, but if you prefer a quieter area, I would opt for Burriana or Torrecilla Beach. Both are within walking distance from the centre and have excellent facilities and beaches.
Do you have any questions? Drop them in the comments below or join my Facebook community where I share the latest updates on Costa del Sol.
Enjoy your trip to Nerja!
Cristina
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