Nestled at the foothills of the spectacular Sierra de Tejada mountain range lays this Mediterranean gem (Nerja) with 16 kilometres of gorgeous coastline and a palm-fringed promenade jutting out into the sea. Nerja get its name from the Arab word ‘Narija’, which means abundant fountain.

 

The Balcon de Europa, a broad palm-fringed promenade constructed atop a cliff and jutting out into the sea, is one of the most prominent features of Nerja, earning this charming town the nickname “Balcony of Europe”. The stunning sea views and the many charming bars and restaurants that dot the promenade, make it a favourite meeting place of the townspeople.

  

Warm sunny weather almost all year round coupled with excellent housing and schooling facilities have tempted many a foreigner to buy a permanent home and settle down here giving the town an atmosphere that is distinctly international. However, the town centre has managed to retain its old world ambience with winding, narrow streets and whitewashed houses with overflowing balconies and brightly coloured geraniums and bougainvilleas.

Archaeological remains discovered at the Caves of Nerja hint that the caves were inhabited about 25,000 years B.C. Among the numerous treasures found in the cave are wall paintings that are estimated to be over 20, 000 years old.

Nerja is a sight-seers delight with plenty of ancient ruins clashing with more recently built landmarks.

 

The El Salvador Church which was constructed in the 17th century in the baroqe-mudejar style is worth a visit and so it the 16th century church, Nuestra Señora de las Angustias Hermitage, which contains the paintings of Alonso Cano.

 

No visit to Nerja is complete without a visit to The Caves of Nerja, located three kilometres away from the town centre. These intriguing caves include a gigantic naturally-formed cavern that has now been converted into a theatre. During the summer months the caves play host to many fascinating concerts, ballets and music shows. The international music festival that is held here in July attracts big stars and hordes of fans to these amazing caves. Among the many treasures of the caves is a mammoth stalactite, which at 63 metres is the longest stalactite in the world as well as wall paintings that are estimated to be over 20,000 years old.

 

The globally famous Playa Burrriana is just one of the many spotlessly clean beaches in Nerja that offer plenty of opportunities to indulge in water sports or just lay on the beach and do a bit of people watching while you sunbathe.

 

The majestic Rio Chillar Waterfall is situated near the Sunday market along the old river.

Boosted by the many holiday-makers who flock to this town all year round, tourism has now become the main industry in Nerja, where modernism is evident everywhere. However, in the farmlands that surround Nerja, tomatoes, avocadoes, potatoes and beans are grown using traditional methods. Oxen still continue to be used for ploughing and mules are used for carrying the fresh produce from the fields to the markets.

The numerous multi-cuisine restaurants in Nerja offer samplings of international cuisine and well as an interesting array of traditional local dishes.

 

Breakfast is a simple affair with fresh bread rolls and jam with tea or coffee. However all restaurants are abuzz with activity around lunch time. Tapas, the mainstay of Spanish cuisine is available everywhere and is the best way to taste the different kinds of Spanish foods. The wide varieties of dishes that constitute the typically home-made Tapas mean that every restaurant offers different delicious samplings for you to taste. Tapas could be as basic as a slice of toasted bread dipped in olive oil and rubbed with garlic or slices of salami or ham along with cheese, marinated anchovies and pieces of tortilla. Tapas can be chosen from a large selection that are displayed in every bar or restaurant. It is normal to run a tab until you have decided you have had enough and it’s time to move on and sample something different.

 

Paella is a standard favourite and is served at every restaurant. Other local specialties include a variety of seafood dishes including the famous “pescaito frito” or Andalucian fried fish and “migas” breadcrumbs with clams and garlic. Red mullet and sea bream are caught in the local waters and are easily available everywhere.

 

To get a taste of the sweeter side of Nerja try the “sanjaunera”, a local cake made of anise, sugar, eggs, flour and oil.

Over 500 late-night clubs, bars and restaurants are on offer in Nerja where night birds of all feathers can choose to listen to music or drink and dance away the night.

 

The night clubs come alive at midnight and shut down after 4.00 in the morning during the tourist season. Antonio Millon and the Tutti Frutti Square form the hub of nightlife in Nerja. Disco lovers have plenty of choices to boogie the night away from Castillo on Diputacion to Jimmy’s on Antonio Millon, whereas Guinness lovers can often be found at their favorite Irish Pubs Dirty Nelly’s and The Harp.

 

If you’d like to get a sampling of the real Nerja festival, plan your vacation around one of this city’s big fiestas where visitors can join in and participate in the many traditional Spanish dances and street parades. The four day “Feria” in October draws hordes of locals as well as visitors into its streets for twenty-four hours of eating, drinking and partying on the streets.

Any time is festival time in this lively Spanish city and year-round fiestas convert this town into a riot of colour, parades, music, partying and dancing. So head on over any time of the year and partake in the local revelry and merry-making. Dance all night on the streets during the festivals or in any of the dance clubs that stay open till the early hours of the morning. Spend the day basking in the gorgeous sunshine. Take some time off to sample the delicious Tapas that are offered in every restaurant.  

 

With the Sierra Nevada mountain range just an hour’s drive away, vacationing in Nerja allows you to sunbathe in the morning and head off for some skiing in the afternoon.