Visiting Spain: why Nerja should be on your Costa del Sol itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to the Costa del Sol, Nerja is definitely a place you shouldn’t skip. It’s a lovely seaside town with loads of charm – think pretty white streets, amazing sea views, tasty local food, and some of the best beaches in the area. You’ve also got the famous Nerja Caves, the beautiful Balcón de Europa, and great little day trips nearby like Frigiliana. Whether you’re just coming for the day from Málaga or staying a bit longer, Nerja’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.

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How long to spend in Nerja really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re short on time, you can absolutely visit as a day trip from Málaga — it’s just under an hour away by car or bus. In one day, you’ll have time to see the Nerja Caves, stroll through the charming old town, enjoy the views from the Balcón de Europa, and even squeeze in a bit of beach time if you plan it right.

That said, Nerja isn’t just a day trip destination — far from it. I’d actually consider it one of the best places on the Costa del Sol for a longer beach holiday. With some of the region’s most beautiful beaches, like Playa de Burriana, Playa Carabeillo, and the more hidden coves just outside town, it’s a perfect spot to settle in for a week or more. The town has a relaxed, welcoming vibe, ideal for slowing down, enjoying long seaside lunches, and soaking up the sun.

Getting to Nerja from Málaga is really easy, whether you’re travelling by public transport or hiring a car. The two towns are just under 60 km apart, so you can be on the beach in Nerja in just over an hour.

By guided tour. If you’d prefer to sit back and relax, a guided tour from Málaga is a fantastic option — especially if you're short on time and want to make the most of your visit. There are several excellent full-day tours that cover both Nerja and the nearby village of Frigiliana. Some include a visit to the famous Nerja Caves, while others focus more on culture and local charm, offering tastings of local products like wine, olive oil, or sweet treats. These tours include transport, a knowledgeable guide, and plenty of free time to explore — perfect if you want to enjoy the highlights without worrying about logistics.

By car. The fastest and most flexible way is by car. The drive takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. Just follow the A-7 motorway east along the coast — it’s a scenic and straightforward route. Parking in Nerja is generally manageable, especially if your accommodation offers a space or you're visiting outside peak summer months.

By bus. If you’re not driving, the direct bus from Málaga to Nerja is a great option. ALSA operates regular services from Málaga city centre (Estación de Autobuses) and also from Málaga Airport. The journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, sometimes a bit longer depending on the service. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and affordable — plus, they drop you right in the centre of Nerja.

By taxi or private transfer. You can also book a private transfer or take a taxi, especially if you’re travelling with luggage or as a group. It’s more expensive than the bus, but convenient and door-to-door. Expect to pay around €70–90 one way.

By train. There’s no direct train to Nerja — the railway doesn’t run that far east along the coast — so bus or car is your best bet.

There’s also a wide range of places to stay, from boutique hotels and beachfront apartments to family-run guesthouses and rural villas nearby.

If you want to stay right in the heart of town, near the Balcón de Europa and close to restaurants, shops and tapas bars, you’ll find plenty of charming small hotels and apartments within walking distance of everything. It’s a great choice if you enjoy having everything at your doorstep and want to soak up the lively atmosphere of the old town.

Nerja VG Hostal Boutique・Hotel Puerta del Mar・Balcon de Europa Suite・Balcon de Europa Apartment

For those dreaming of sea views and lazy days by the beach, look for accommodation near Playa de Burriana or Playa Carabeo. Here you'll find modern holiday flats and beachfront villas — perfect if you're planning to spend most of your time by the water.

Burriana Beach Apartment・Nerja 1ª linea de Playa de Burriana, terraza grande al mar・Villa Azalea・Wonderful Penthouse

Travelling as a couple or with family? There are lots of self-catering apartments and holiday homes around town that give you more space and flexibility. If you prefer peace and quiet, staying just outside Nerja in the hills or countryside can be lovely too — there are some beautiful rural villas with pools, ideal for a relaxing escape.

Animas ・Villa Maite・Villa Manuel・Balcon Bella Vista・Ferienhaus Nerja・Casablanca 38 Oasis Properties

Wherever you choose to stay, it’s worth booking ahead in the summer months, as Nerja is a popular spot with both locals and international visitors. With so many great options and a laid-back vibe, it’s easy to find somewhere that fits your style — and you may find yourself wanting to stay longer than planned.

Nerja may be a small town, but it packs in a lot of charm, scenery and things to do. You might love nature, enjoy history, or just be after some sun and sea — either way, Nerja has something for everyone.

One of the town’s biggest highlights is the Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja) — a must-see. These vast prehistoric caves are filled with incredible rock formations and even contain some of the oldest cave art in Europe. It’s cool (literally!) underground and absolutely fascinating to walk through.

Back above ground, head to the Balcón de Europa, a beautiful viewpoint in the heart of town that offers sweeping views over the Mediterranean. It's the perfect place for a photo (or three), and a lovely spot to enjoy an ice cream or just watch the world go by.

Love walking? There are some brilliant coastal and cliffside walks, including the path along the Rio Chíllar, which leads through river pools and shady gorges — great on a hot day! Or take a short trip to Frigiliana, a stunning whitewashed village in the hills just 15 minutes away — it’s easily one of the prettiest spots in Andalusia.

Of course, beach time is essential while in Nerja. Playa de Burriana is the most popular beach, with sunbeds, water sports, and plenty of beach bars (called chiringuitos) serving up fresh seafood and sangria. If you're after something quieter, Playa Carabeo or Playa El Salón are smaller and more tucked away — ideal for a peaceful swim or sunbathe.

For something a bit different, you can even hop on a boat trip from Nerja’s marina — think dolphin-spotting, snorkelling, or simply cruising along the coast with a drink in hand.

Food in Nerja is all about fresh local ingredients, relaxed seaside dining, and classic Andalusian flavours. You’ll find plenty of traditional tapas bars, beachfront chiringuitos (casual fish restaurants), and a few modern spots thrown in too.

If you're by the sea, don’t miss the espetos de sardinas – sardines grilled on a stick over an open fire, usually right on the beach. It’s one of the most iconic things to eat on the Costa del Sol, and Nerja does it really well. Head to Playa de Burriana for some of the best beachside spots.

Another must-try is pescaito frito – a mix of small fried fish like anchovies, squid and whitebait. Crispy, simple, and perfect with a squeeze of lemon and a cold beer.

For something more local, ask for migas a la nerjeña – a rustic dish made with fried breadcrumbs, garlic, sausage, and sometimes topped with grapes or melon. It’s filling, flavourful and full of local character. You’re more likely to find it in traditional bars or during local festivals.

On a hot day, cool off with a bowl of ajoblanco, a chilled almond and garlic soup, usually served with grapes or melon. It’s light, creamy, and a lovely surprise if you’ve never tried it before.

And if you’re a seafood lover, try the grilled octopus (pulpo a la brasa) – smoky, tender and often served with potatoes and paprika oil. Simple and delicious.

We had lunch at La Rienda, a lovely local spot not far from the little tourist train stop that takes you up to the Nerja Caves. It’s a convenient option if you're planning to visit the caves afterwards — good food, friendly service, and a nice break before the next adventure.

There are plenty of great places to eat around town. For traditional local food, try small tapas bars in the old town near the Balcón de Europa, or head to Playa de Burriana for casual seafood with a sea view. Most places are friendly, good value, and offer a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere — just how it should be on the coast.

So there you have it — beaches, caves, views, tapas and a whole lot of charm. Pop in for a day or settle in for longer, and you’ll see why so many people fall in love with Nerja. It’s relaxed, sunny, easy to get to, and full of things to see and do — but never in a rushed way. Just how a good coastal town should be. If you're building your Costa del Sol itinerary, trust me — Nerja deserves a spot on it. And who knows? You might just end up staying longer than you planned.