Nerja, Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Spain

Nerja is east of Malaga, approximately 50km from the airport. There are less high rise developments in Nerja than other coastal resorts and hasn't been as affected by over development despite its popularity with foreign buyers. As a result, Nerja is a pretty town and its location at the foothills of the Almijara mountain range further enhances it.

Nerja´s old town is relatively unchanged and is typical of any Andalucian town with narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses and decorated balconies. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here to choose from, and the visitor can hire a horse-drawn carriage to explore the most romantic corner of the town.

The caves of Nerja are located in the slopes of Sierra Almijara Mountains, a few kilometres from the town of Nerja. Access to the caves is indicated on the Mediterranean highway. They are perfectly situated in the picturesque surroundings of a typical Mediterranean village.

Coastline & Beaches
Nerja has 16 kilometers of beaches with powdery sand and sparkling clear water. All major water sports are available here, including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing.

Playazo Beach
Located to the West of Nerja, sort of round the corner from Torrecilla beach, this is the longest beach in Nerja. Great for a stroll along or for sun-bathing the beach is a mixture of small to large pebbles with some fine sandy areas mainly close to the sea. At the very eastern end there is a Hotel bar just off the beach for a beer and in the summer months there is a kiosk selling soft drinks crisps etc.

Playa De Burriana
If you don't have transport it is a long walk down to the beach it is worth it. Car parking will cost you a Euro. The beach is about 800 meters long and is in a bay to the very East of Nerja town, and is almost directly below the Capistrano area of town. The beach is nice and wide, with a mixture of fine sand and pebbles making it easy to walk on. Palm umbrellas and sun-beds are for hire at 500 pesetas. If the sea is choppy with large breakers, be especially aware of the strong under-current. All the usual facilities are available, with a wide selection of restaurants and bar/cafes, both on the beach and very close to it. There is also an arcade of shops that cater for all your beach needs as well as the usual souvenirs. For those interested there is a watersports shop that offers an introduction to scuba diving and also day cruises along the coast. So whether it is just an hour in the sun, or you want a full day at the beach, Burriana has everything you need.

Salon Beach
Immediately to the West of The Balcon de Europa, down the side of the Unicaja Bank, behind the Balcon de Europa Hotel there is a windy cobbled walkway that leads down to Salon beach. A pretty secluded and somewhat hard to find if you don't know the way down. There is a beach bar called the Caballito del Mar - the sea horse that is open most of the year.

Molina de Papel
Approximately 2.6 kilometres from Maro towards Almunecar just before the end of the three lane bit, and just past the end of a big bridge there is a tiny right turn on the bad bend. Indicate well in advance to avoid being rear ended. Immediately you are off the road keep turning hard right down the short track to the very old coast road and then left again. You are not supposed to drive much past this point so the beach is a short walk down but well worth it. No sand just lots of small to large pebbles and getting in the water is also a bit tricky but the sea here is cristal clear and the views back to Nerja are fabulous especially at sunset.

Torrecilla Beach
Located at the bottom of the Town centre - Calle Malaga/Castillo Perez/Chaparil all take you down there This beach has had loads of money spent on it to make the beach area wider and deeper. You can hire sun-beds and umbrellas, and maybe even a pedallo. There are showers on the beach too. The new promenade makes a nice walk along to Playazo beach, and now extends East past the plaza de la cangrejo. There are two bar/restaurants right on Torrecilla beach.

La Calahonda Beach
Situated immediately to the East of the Balcon de Europa, this is a small beach that is quite sheltered if there is a bit of a breeze, and although there are a lot of rocks to either side of the beach, the beach itself is quite sandy with a mix of small pebbles and sand.The walk down is quite steep, but there is a bar restaurant that is open during the summer months, and there are sun-beds and umbrellas for hire. Handy if you are in town and just fancy a quick sunbathe or simply a beer by the sea.

Carabeo
A tiny beach as the name suggests directly below Carabeo. The Carabeo beach is a quiet beach with a magnificent sight to the coast. It possesses a few big rocks this is perfect for diving and fishing. Situated to the West of Salon Beach and not much there, and some say it looks a little neglected.

Cabria
Just the other side of Almunecar as you wind down the big hill after the tunnel you will see the new hotel Playa Calidad on your right and then on the right hand bend you will see the sign for Playa Cabria. Follow the riverbed right to the beach. If you walk along the main beach to the east you will see a newish walkway that leads to another cove called black beach - volcanic sand and above you will see the Devils Tower.Great restaurant on Cabria beach called Restaurante Antonio excellent food & service and right on the beach