5 Best Things to Do and See in Nerja

Discover the best things to do and see in Nerja, one of the most attractive beach towns on the famous Costa del Sol in the province of Malaga.

In Nerja, you can relax at various scenic beaches and coves and enjoy multiple water activities. Spend pleasant Spanish summer nights with tapas and wine in a narrow street or by the sea.

Additionally, you can look forward to enjoying walks along the picturesque Balcony of Europe (Spanish: Balcón de Europa). It’s a beautiful promenade on a large round balcony on a cliff, offering the most stunning Mediterranean Sea views!

Thanks to its mild climate, the coastal town is an attractive holiday destination and the perfect place for families, couples, and solo travelers!

Best Things to Do and See in Nerja

#1 Take in Incredible Views at the Balcony of Europe

Balcony of Europe platform with views of the coast in Nerja, Andalusia, Spain.

The Balcony of Europe (Spanish: Balcón de Europa), situated in the center of Nerja, is undoubtedly the seaside town’s most famous and most idyllic place to visit.

Its boulevard with palm trees and its platform offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline, cliffs, the pretty beaches of “Calahonda” and “Salón,” and the mountains you can see in the background.

Moreover, the area is full of cafés, bars, and restaurants, making it a lively and great place to spend time.

It’s one of those places you want to return to various times while on holiday and, therefore, one of the best things to do in Nerja.

Top Food Places near the Balcony of Europe: Restaurant Anahi / Mediterranean Restaurant Puerta del Mar / Restaurant Rey Alfonso

#2 Explore Nerja’s Beaches and Coves

View of Calahonda Beach, rocky cliffs, sun beds, and people swimming in the sea in Nerja, Andalusia, Spain.

Thanks to its numerous beaches and coves, Nerja is a well-known beach resort on the Costa del Sol, and the best thing is that they are all within easy walking distance! Learn more about the seaside town’s four most popular beaches.

La Torrecilla: Torrecilla Beach is easily accessible and popular with tourists, especially during summer. Next to it, you will have a promenade with bars, cafés, and restaurants.

It is also well equipped and offers all the necessary facilities for a pleasant beach day, such as showers, toilets, and sun beds for rent. You can even rent books here!

El Salón: This urban beach is popular with Spanish families and is situated just below the “Balcony of Europe.” You can access the beach through a narrow street called “Calle Salón.” What makes this beach very charming is the old fisherman’s house.

Calahonda: This beach, surrounded by cliffs and rocks, is one of Nerja’s most famous and emblematic beaches and tends to be busy with tourists because of its unbeatable location.

Calahonda Beach is situated next to the “Balcony of Europe,” to access it, you will have to walk through a gap called “Boquete de Calahonda.”

Burriana: It’s the most favored and liveliest beach among locals and tourists, providing many facilities (showers, restrooms, beach bars, sunbed rental, etc.). This 800-meter-long and 40-meter-wide beach is ideal if you enjoy water sports, e.g., kayaking or diving.

From Burriana Beach, you can take a kayak tour to the impressive cliffs of Maro, which are only reachable by sea! They are worth checking out, and it is a memorable experience.

#3 Learn more about the famous “La Dorada”

Boat "La Dorada" from the popular Spanish series "Verano Azul" in Nerja, Andalusia, Spain.

Spaniards born in the ’70s or ’80s can mainly relate to this famous site in Nerja. It is, in fact, a must-see for any nostalgic fan of Verano Azul!

The popular Spanish series “Verano Azul” was filmed in the 80s, and today, people can pay homage by visiting the famous blue-white fisher boat “La Dorada” in the Verano Azul Park.

Even if you have never seen the series, it is an essential sight to see in the coastal town. Believe it or not, “La Dorada” is one of the most photographed spots in Nerja!

TIP: When walking through the town, notice the street names. Many of them are related to the famous Spanish series!

Top Food Places near Chanquete’s Boat: Good Stuff Café / Tapas Bar La Vermuteria 4 / Restaurant El Tocororo

#4 Enjoy the Views at Mirador del Bendito

Promenade and viewpoint above the beach of Carabeillo in Nerja. Andalusia, Spain

Another lovely thing you can do in Nerja is to take a pleasant walk from the “Balcony of Europe” to the Mirador del Bendito viewpoint.

You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the city’s coast, Carabeillo, and Burriana Beach. In addition to this, it is also a fantastic spot to see the horizon and watch the sunrise or sunset!

A stairway leads you directly to Carabeillo Beach, where you can walk to the famous Burriana Beach.

Top Food Places near Mirador del Bendito: Restaurant Bakus / Restaurant 34

#5 Visit the famous Nerja Caves

Impressive cave full of stalagmites, stalactites, and tall columns near Nerja, Andalusia, Spain.

The Nerja Caves (Spanish: Las Cuevas de Nerja) is one of the most famous caves to visit in Spain and, therefore, one of the best things to do and see in Nerja.

The Historical Heritage was discovered in 1959 by a group of boys from Maro as they had inadvertently stumbled on one of our era’s most significant geological discoveries.

During a 45-minute walk through the five-kilometer-long caves, you will enjoy a natural treasure full of stalagmites, stalactites, and tall columns. Get the audio guide to learn about its history; it’s worth it! The premises also have free parking, in case you arrive by car.

How To Get To Nerja Caves?

The caves are easy to get to from Nerja town. At Nerja Bus Station (Spanish: Estación de Autobuses Nerja), take the bus run by company ALSA toward “Nerja Cuevas.” The journey only takes 15 minutes, and a return ticket costs 3 €.

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