Nerja, Spain – great guide to Costa del Sol's pearl - Spanish Properties

Nerja on Costa del Sol in Andalusia, is a city that has been praised by both Swedish and foreign media. Already 10 years ago, the city won a major international vote and was named “Spain’s most beautiful coastal town” and received a similar nomination as recently as last year. At the beginning of 2018, the world’s largest travel site Tripadvisor also published the results of its annual international vote. Nerja was the only Spanish town on the list “Travellers' Choice Destinations on the Rise — World” at number 9, and later in June, in the same vote on place number 4. In terms of destinations around the world, the city also came in 9th place in the recent Website's Traveller's Choice Awards that same month. "Beautiful geology, lack of crowds, clear water and greenery make Nerja a winner for most people willing to visit the city." In recent years, up until 2026, the city has won several similar awards.

Just before the opening of the Spanish borders in the summer of 20, the European Commission published a report carried out by over 300 tourist offices around the continent. Nerja came in second place on the list of Europe's best places to visit! During and after the Corona crisis, the city has also launched several million-dollar projects to further strengthen its attractiveness. The city's new, major investment in Sustainability and Quality Tourism, with the renovation of beaches, hiking and cycling trails and nature parks, as well as the construction of a new health center, amphitheater, library with sea view and a new golf course, etc., will only strengthen its position.

Not only that. According to a new international survey, Nerja has Spain's second happiest residents. Hemingway's favorite Ronda is found in first place (it is under two hours by car between these two cities).

Our agent Anders in Spain, a long-time resident of Nerja, tells us that many Swedes who go down to Costa del Sol to buy a house go up and down the coast in search of a home, but in the end they still choose Nerja. There is something about this small Spanish town 50 kilometers east of Malaga that plays on our inner strings.

Many people feel that Nerja with its white houses and narrow alleys, is surrounded by a fairy-tale shimmer that they can't quite put their finger on. Maybe it's the friendly people, maybe the uniquely beautiful surroundings, or the almost perfect climate. Maybe it's the proximity to the sea and the subtropical greenery, or the clean beaches. Whatever it is, everyone wants to return to Nerja.

Nerja offers a unique climate, skiing and tropical vegetation

The high mountains that surround the city, combined with the proximity of the cool sea, help create a protected zone with pleasant summers and mild winters – a climate unique in Europe. It rarely exceeds 30 degrees in the summer months, and during the winter months the temperature rarely drops below 15 degrees.

Nerja is extremely fertile, and colorful flowers and tropical fruits such as avocado, papaya and mango spread across the land.”Costa Tropical” and paints an unbeatable exotic environment.

The city is also only 2 hours away from Sierra Nevada and its wonderful ski slopes! This makes Nerja and Costa del Sol one of the few places in the world where you can ski during the day, and take an evening swim in the sea in the evening!

NOTE, don't miss out on the fact that you can rent an apartment or house in Nerja directly through us. No other player in Sweden can offer a larger selection of cheap properties in this area. We think you will like the range and the prices! We also offer rentals in the city's most popular area Capistrano Village.Our visitor office in Nerja is located on the main street (near the Balcon de Europa) Calle Pintada 50. Welcome!

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, Hotels.com is recommended. Book hotels in Nerja at the cheapest price here.

Eating in Nerja

The city is known for its wide range of restaurants. The food here is absolutely top-notch, and the prices are generally lower than in neighboring cities on the western Costa Del Sol .

There is a wide range of tapas restaurants, international restaurants and they serve superb Paella (don't miss Ayo's on Burriana!) and other dishes from the sea along the beaches. Our favourite restaurant in the city is Olive. The restaurant has a slightly more experimental, exclusive feel, but the atmosphere is laid-back and the prices are amazingly good! This restaurant is located at Plaza Espana 2. The Parador hotel is not only famous for its beautiful views but also its restaurant El Ombú del Mediterráneo is often mentioned in international food publications.. Here you will find local dishes with avocado, shrimp, tuna. Sollun is another restaurant that was also recently (2024) recognized by the Michelin Guide, which considers Nerja to be one of the best culinary destinations on the entire Costa del Sol.

Tip: Do you want to visit a Vineyard Bodegas Bentomiz is located 30 minutes from Nerja, towards Compet (near Sayalonga). Here they produce Ariyana wines; red, white and rosé. Guided tastings can be ordered, also in combination with lunch. Read more: bodegasbentomiz.com

La Tapa Route (tapas tour) is a relatively new phenomenon that reached Nerja a few years ago. Throughout the month of May, a large number of tapas bars and restaurants participate in a campaign that aims to show off their best culinary side to both locals and tourists. During this month, a tapas and a caña (small beer) cost less than 2 Euros. Every time you buy a tapa at one of the eateries participating in the tour, you get a stamp in a booklet. When you have visited at least 9 bars in the tour and handed in the booklet, you enter a draw where the price is a dinner for four at a restaurant of your choice. The booklet (“Passport”) and a map of participating tapas bars can be found at the Tourist Office located at the entrance to the Balcon de Europa.

The city is becoming increasingly popular for film shoots

In recent years, more and more film shoots have been located in the city, thanks to its scenic beauty, relatively low prices and beautiful weather. Hollywood director Tosca Musk (also Elon's sister) calls the city "the best in Europe for film shoots". German and British film companies have also shown interest in filming in the city. If you are lucky, you may in the future see an international film star strolling along one of the city's beaches.

Attractions in Nerja

The city is famous for retaining its Spanish heritage and small-town tranquility, but the ideal location and many attractions also contribute to creating a large tourism industry, with all that this entails in the form of shopping, nightlife, water sports, golf and restaurant offerings.

In addition, 25% of the 30,000 residents are of international origin, which further contributes to the international feel mixed with the genuinely Spanish. Below is a brief description of some of the attractions Nerja has to offer:

Balcony of Europe are the remains of an old fortress (built in 1487), which provided important protection against pirates, and offer magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. The “Balcony of Europe” is the pride and center of the city.

BurrianaBeach is the favorite beach of the residents, and it is lined with lots of cozy restaurants and bars. The areas around Burriana are very popular residential areas. The international travel magazine Condé Nast ranked the beach among the 50 best in Spain, 2024. Burriana is the only beach in Malagaarea to qualify for the list.

According to many, Kayak trail between Burrianabeach and Marobeach among the most beautiful natural experiences in all of Andalusia. Along the trail you paddle past small caves filled with turquoise water, hidden beaches and large waterfalls. The major Spanish TV channel said it best: “Paradise exists on earth, and it does right here in Andalusia”.

Nerja Cave, the caves of Nerja (at Maro). Only 3 kilometers from town center you will find the spectacular caves that were first discovered in 1959, and are now considered one of the largest archaeological finds in the world. The archaeologists found, among other things, objects and paintings that are older than ~~20 000~~ 41,000 years. This is annually the most visited natural attraction in Spain. CNN May 16, 2023: "European tourism: it's as old as time. In the 19th century, the US glitterati would pop over to Paris to refresh their wardrobes. From the 1700s, places like Venice and Rome were becoming essential tourist stops in Italy. In the Classical era there were, famously, the seven wonders of the world. None of these compare, however, to a cave in southern Spain which – it has just been revealed – has been visited by humans for over 41,000 years.”

The caves are believed to be over 5 million years old. Here you can see fantastic cave formations such as stalagmites, and enormous cave halls. In addition, concerts and other events are often held in Cuevas de Nerja, whose areas offer a restaurant and museum.

Soon you will also be able to walk or cycle all the way to Manilva on a promenade that runs along the entire Costa Del Sol . The total distance between Nerja and Manilva is 184 km long. The famous walking path along the sea, Sendo Litoral, Starting at Nerja's Balcón de Europa, the route will offer a truly unique coastal walk.

A new marina in the nearby area and an absolutely world-class golf course are also expected to be built in the next few years.

As the city has such an unusually beautiful location, wedged between the mountains and the sea, and inherent harmony in both nature and the population, it has also become very popular to organize Yoga and meditation trips and hiking trips to the area. The most famous hiking trail in Nerja is Rio Chillar. The surroundings are spectacular and teeming with birds, butterflies, dragonflies, wild flowers and sugar cane. Rio Chillar is also unique in that the hiking trail is covered in a lot of shade, plus the river cools the hikers. This is one of the very few hiking trails that you can do in hot Andalusia during June, July and August. However, due to the impact of tourism, it is largely closed from time to time.

Other very popular areas for getting out into nature and hiking are the protected natural areas of Sierra de Tejada and Almijarra Natural Park.

The highest coastal mountain in the area is El Cielo (meaning “the sky”) and it is 1508 meters above sea level. The mountain is easily accessible (well) and must be climbed if you want to witness the most beautiful views in Europe! On a clear day, you can see the entire Costa del Sol from the mountain, all the way from Almunecar to Malaga – as well as the nearby mountain peaks and the North African coastline.

Frigiliana– Andalusia's most beautiful village is a historic gem up in Almijaramountains. The village, which is something of a suburb of Nerja is a traditional stronghold for cultural figures and has won several Spanish awards for its unadulterated Spanish charm and architectural beauty.

The people of Frigiliana are very proud of their village, and take great care to keep it stunningly clean and beautiful. Walking down Frigiliana's narrow cobblestone streets and witnessing the architecture and people is like being transported to another place and time!

Festivals in Nerja

All Andalusian towns celebrate several festivals per year and Nerja is no exception. Nerja Fair between October 8-13 is perhaps the biggest festival, and is almost a big weekend for the residents when basically everyone takes the day off, dresses up in traditional Flamenco costumes and parties as if there was a meteor hanging in the sky.

In February, people celebrate Carnival, and the celebrations during Easter week – Semana Santa – is gigantic. Other festivals are for example San Isidro May 15th when everyone once again dresses up in Flamenco dresses and parties, San Juan June 24 (can be compared to our Midsummer celebration) when it is celebrated with barbecues on the city's beaches, and Virgin del Carmen on July 16th when a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried through the city, and further out to the sea.

Finally, we would like to mention Three Wise Men, January 5th, the great feast of Christmas celebrations when the three wise men arrive in Nerja to distribute Christmas presents to the children.

Nerja and surrounding area

It is not only Nerja itself and the immediate surroundings that have become popular in this part of Andalusia. A short drive away you will find several lovely towns and communities to visit, or why not settle in. For example, 10 minutes away in an eastern direction is Cerro Gordo with its protected nature reserves, and unspoilt beaches.

La Herradura is another beautiful coastal town nearby, which is known for its range of restaurants and nightlife.

Almunecar is located just 16 kilometers east of Nerja, and the coastal road between the two towns is simply stunning! Almunecar has a history that stretches back more than 3,000 years. Here you will find Roman aqueducts, the ancient castle Castillo de San Miguel which is believed to date back to Phoenician times, and many other places of historical interest.

Almunecar also belongs to Costa Tropical, that is, the tropical part of Costa del Sol, and is therefore a very popular holiday destination due to its superb weather. The name of the city comes from the Moorish word Narixa, which means "rich in water". You will also find the historic towns Seville, Granada and Cordoba within easy driving distance of Nerja.

In addition, the motorways on Costa del Sol are well developed, so it is quick to get there by car, and the new train route between Malaga and Madrid. The ultra-modern AVE train reaches speeds of up to 350 km/h and the journey time to the capital is approximately 2.5 hours!

If an accident occurs – important telephone numbers (for Swedes)

The Swedish Consulate is located in Malaga, more precisely at Calle Córdoba 6. Opening hours are normally 10-13. Telephone number for the consulate: +34 952 604 383
Embassy of Sweden in Madrid +34 917 02 20 00
If you are involved in a crime, it is best to visit the police station in Nerja. Calle Virgen del Pilar (see map below), 1, 29780 Nerja, Málaga, Spain. Telephone: (0034) 95 252 0091
Emergency number in Spain is the same as in Sweden: 112.
If you need to contact the police by phone, call 091.
Swedish Church in Fuengirola is still active. Even though so many people may not turn to them when they encounter problems, it is still good to know that they have a hotline: +34 675 945 929.

Real estate agents in Nerja

As we have our Spain office in Nerja (Calle Pintada 50) with brokers who know the market inside and out, we can offer brokerage of homes in Nerja at very favorable prices and locations. Please contact info@spanskafastigheter.se for an expression of interest . A selection of our houses and apartments in Nerja for sale.

There is a lot going in the right direction for Costa del Sol in general and Nerja in particular right now and in the long term. Nerja is investing heavily in sustainability and nature. This will enhance the city's already very strong brand and make the contrast with the "Disneyfication" of the west side (several large theme parks are being built in these areas which will attract families with children, but Nerja and Torrox are investing more in sustainability, on nature experiences, etc.) even stronger. Nerja is currently working to meet the requirements for the "Plan de Calidad Turística" certificate and Sustainability and Quality are the keywords for Nerja's future and this also includes an investment in the natural parks at Sierra Almijara and Maro. In addition to this and a general refurbishment of beaches and facilities, there is also a lot of focus on safety, and among other things, five new police officers were hired a few years ago. We are convinced that this well-thought-out strategy will increase to an increasingly quality-conscious tourism which will push up the prices of both properties and their rental prices (Nerja , as is well known, has fewer hotels than most resorts on Costa del Sol).