Nerja is on the coast approx 50km from Malaga and is on eastern tip of Costa del Sol. Its has 16km of beaches filled with powdery sand and clear water with all major water sports available. Many tourists have stayed in the area with their own Nerja Villas and Nerja Apartments, some of which are available to rent throughout the year.
Nerja is flanked to the east by sierra Almijara mountain range. The old quarter of the town remains virtually unchanged with narrow streets and whitewashed houses with wrought iron terraces covered in geraniums. The town's population has grown quickly from a sleepy fishing village to a buzzing tourist resort.
The town has many plazas. Plaza Tutti Frutti is where most of the nightlife is situated. Things don’t get lively till about midnight. There is music to most tastes including Metal/Rock, there are the occasional live events. Plaza Canterero is locally called Orange square. There is also a ornamental fountain. The square is triangular and is named after Francisco Cantarero Rodriguez son of Manuel Cantarero who directed building of the Aquaduct. Francisco became mayor and built a family home in the square. There are good tapas bars and local Spanish bars with good atmospheres nearby. Plaza Cavana is situated in the centre of town where you can sit and relax at the several cafes. This also starting point of the tourist train.
In the heart of Nerja there is the Balcon de Europa, which means Balcony of Europe. It is a promenade, which runs along a cliff, and was a site of a Moorish castle. It provides views of the Mediterranean, coves and Blue Mountains.
Pinarillo is a picnic/bbq area 5km from the Nerja caves in the heart of the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park. Plus a popular base for ramblers and also play areas for the kids.
The Nerja caves are historical and artistic monuments and are the most important archaeological sites on the western Mediterranean. At 5 million years old they have large chambers with stalactites and stalagmites at 4km in length. Also within the caves there have been species of fauna discovered which were thought to be extinct, plus scarab beetles and blind scorpions.
There is also a donkey sanctuary, which also houses puppies, kittens, pot bellied pigs, sheep, horses and many other kinds of animals. They are to be re-homed or in recovery, some are permanent residents due to age or medical condition.
There are weekly markets on a Sunday and Tuesday. The Sunday market is Flea market/car boot sale. This is open approx 8.30 - 2. The Tuesday market opens 10 to 2.
There is also a picturesque waterfall just outside the town with a pool where you take a relaxing swim. If you follow the riverbed you come to a scenic gorge and flowing river.
