Holidays in Nerja – A Jewel on the Costa del Sol
Nerja is one resort that has seen a tremendous amount of change over the last couple of decades. It is also one of the few resorts on the Costa del Sol that has retained its authentic Andalusian charm.
Visitors from the UK are the most likely to take their summer holidays to Nerja. The area is also particularly popular with Scandinavian visitors. With this sudden boom in tourism, there has been a massive growth in private holiday rentals in Nerja, with areas such as Capistrano being in particular demand.
The main tourist centre in La Axarquia, Nerja is an attractive small town of Moorish origin and whitewashed alleyways perched on a promontory above the Mediterranean.
This stretch of coastline at the foot of the Sierra de Almijara is characterized by steep cliffs and delightful beaches. Nerja’s many bars, outdoor cafes, restaurants and night-clubs have made the town into the popular summer resort it is today.
Source: Maximo Lopez
Nerja’s most renowned landmark is the Balcon de Europa. This magnificent mirador in the historical centre of Nerja was built on the site of the old castle. It is a large landscaped square overlooking the sea with an avenue of palm trees and views of this rocky coastline. On clear days it is possible to make out the African coast in the distance. The whitewashed 17C Iglesia del Salvador, with its impressive bell-tower, stands alongside the square.
Another highlight of any holiday to Nerja is a visit to the nearby Nerja caves. Discovered as recently as 1959, this enormous natural cave complex has been carved out of the marble landscape of the Sierra de Almijara. Traces of pottery, ceramics, human remains and wall paintings indicate that the caves were inhabited during the Paleolithic era.
