Travel Itinerary: Nerja, Spain in the Costa Del Sol

We visited Spain for 35 days, spending 30 of them in the charming resort town of Nerja. Nerja is a municipality on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain. By making this seaside town our home base, we were able to slow down and enjoy its culture, food and incredible beaches.

Arrival: Welcome to Spain

At a glance: Welcome to Spain! We flew direct from Boston to Madrid on Iberia airlines. We spent our first few nights in Madrid near Plaza Mayor. We then took the train from Madrid to Malaga. From Malaga, we had a private driver pick us up at the train station and drive us to our home rental in Nerja. Transportation was arranged through the airbnb owner.

Logistics: Upon arriving at the airport in Madrid, we pre-planned a driver with Welcome Pickups. We chose to pre-plan the ground transportation because we needed a vehicle with car seats for the girls. On the contrary, if you don’t need car seats, just grab an Uber when you arrive (its much cheaper). We also booked Welcome Pickups from our Madrid rental to the Madrid train station.

Accommodations: Once we arrived to Nerja we booked accomodations in the heart of the city. While we wouldn’t recommend the rental we stayed in, our family stayed nearby at a family run Airbnb and we were all thrilled with the property and the hospitality. The property even had a rooftop pool overlooking the Plaza de Espana.

While you’re here:

To do: We spent the majority of our time exploring the coastline and town of Nerja. Since we were traveling with young children, we chose to keep our general itinerary loose and not over plan. With that being said, there are plenty of things to do in and around Nerja:

• Balcon de Europa: extends out into the sea, offering visitors a unique vantage point to view the coastline and nearby beaches. It is a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists, known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during evenings when there is typically live music.

• Playa el Salon: located just west of the Balon de Europa, it’s a charming and somewhat hidden beach, known for its picturesque setting and tranquil atmosphere. The beach is accessed via a steep pathway or steps leading down from the cliffs, which adds to its secluded feel. It has some of the best rocks in the world!

• Playa la Caletilla: Situated right next to the Balcon de Europa, making it one of the most centrally located beaches in Nerja. Unlike some of the more secluded beaches in the area, La Caletilla is easily accessible (stroller and wheelchair friendly) and more family-friendly than the smaller beaches. There is a beach bar with drinks and snacks. Part of Playa La Caletilla is often associated with the adjacent hotel, which sometimes uses part of the beach for its guests.

• Playa Calahonda: A well-known and picturesque beach, celebrated for its stunning natural setting and convenient location. It's especially popular for its postcard-worthy views. The access path and the beach itself is rocky, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

• Playa Burriana: One of the most popular and well-equipped beaches in Nerja, known for its expansive stretch of sand and a wide array of facilities. It's a large beach with fine, golden sand, and offers a variety of water sports activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. There's a promenade along the beach lined with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. The beach is very popular with families due to its wide range of facilities and safe swimming conditions.

• Nerja Tourist Train: A delightful and informative way to explore this charming coastal town and its surroundings, offering a unique perspective and ease of travel for visitors of all ages. The whole family loved it! We took the train directly to the Nerja Caves, you should get your tickets ahead of time here.

• Nerja Caves: Discovered in 1959 by a group of local boys, this is one of Spain's most popular and spectacular historical sites! These extensive cave formations offer a fascinating glimpse into both natural and human history, making them a must-visit destination in the region. Inside, archaeologists have found evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era, around 25,000 BC. It's advisable to book tickets in advance and wear comfortable shoes as the interior of the caves can be damp and uneven. There is also a restaurant and playground on site.

• Nerja Museum: A key cultural and historical attraction, offering visitors insights into the rich history and heritage of the region. The museum is conveniently located in the town and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the area's past, from prehistoric times to the present day. Get your tickets at the door.

• Kayaking/Water Sports: There are guided kayak tours available, which often include visits to secluded beaches and interesting rock formations. Our kayak tour was definitely a highlight! Nerja's combination of stunning natural beauty and clear Mediterranean waters makes it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day of paddleboarding or an exciting scuba diving adventure, Nerja has something to offer for everyone.

• Eagle Aqueduct: Constructed in the late 19th century, it was built to supply water to the local sugar factories in the area, specifically the San Joaquín sugar factory. This aqueduct is not only a significant feat of engineering but also a picturesque landmark that attracts visitors and photographers. While the aqueduct itself is not open for walking on, it can be admired and photographed from nearby areas. We caught a glimpse of it during our Nerja Train adventure.

• El Salvador Church: A notable religious and historical landmark located in the heart of Nerja. The beautiful church dates back to the 17th century, originally built in 1697.

• Feria de Nerja: Annual festival that takes place in Nerja October 8-12. This vibrant and colorful event is one of the highlights of the town's cultural calendar, attracting both locals and tourists with its lively atmosphere and array of activities. The festival often kicks off with a parade or procession, featuring traditional costumes, music, and dancing. A fairground is set up with various rides and attractions, appealing to all ages. We were fortunate enough to be in Nerja for the entire duration of the festival and hope to revisit in the future, we had so much fun!

Restaurants: with its picturesque setting on the Costa del Sol, Nerja boasts a vibrant dining scene that offers a mix of traditional Spanish cuisine and international flavors. From quaint tapas bars to elegant seafood restaurants, there's something to suit every palate:

• Gloria Bendita: $$ Local cuisine, Tapas bar

• Bar Redondo: $ Tapas bar

• Restaurante Oliva: $$$ Mediterranean, Fine dining

• El Pulguilla: $-$$ Local cuisine

• Restaurant 34: $$$-$$$$ Local cuisine, Fine dining

• Ayo: $$ Paella (Burriana Beach)

• Mum: $$-$$$ Indian Restaurant

• Namaste Nepali: $$-$$$ Indian Restaurant

• Colosseo: $$-$$$ Italian Restaurant

• Albi: $ Gelateria

• Anahi Cafeteria Pasteleria: $ Cafe, Pastries

• Restaurante Sevillano: $ Tapas bar

• Bella Roma: $$-$$$ Italian Restaurant

• Pizza Bar: $$-$$$ Pizza

• Paparazzi: $$-$$$ Italian Restaurant

• Restaurante La Puntilla: $ Tapas bar

• Rincon del Sol: $$$ Local cuisine, Pub fare

• El Portico: $$-$$$ Mediterranean, Tapas bar

• Cafe Bar Royal: $ Tapas bar (next to a small playground)

• Cochrans Terrace Bar: $$-$$$ Irish Pub

Other notes:

Grocery store: If you stay in Nerja, the largest/best grocery store that we found was Mercadona and was a 10 min walk from the Balcon de Europa. The address is: C. San Miguel, 11, 29780 Nerja, Málaga, Spain.

Check out our video below highlighting the Feria de Nerja!