This is my Nerja Travel Guide! In my previous post I wrote about how our surprise trip to Nerja with SPRS.me begun. Zero control, raging OCD and a scratch card in an unopened envelope… These are all my tips and highlights! Best hotels, beaches, restaurants and things to do.

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Best beaches Nerja

But, we have arrived in Nerja! This old fisherman’s town is just a 40 minute drive from Malaga and located at the south coast of Spain: the Costa del Sol, amigos. My friend Sousha and I visited this small town, with stunning beaches, in the peak of the tourist season. We made it our mission to find unique spots and avoid most of the sweaty, lobster coloured tourists here. And I believe we succeeded.

UNIQUE EXCURSIONS & EXPERIENCES NERJA

El Pulguilla | Nerja travel guide

Best hotels in Nerja – Nerja travel guide

– Click on the names for rooms and rates –

We stayed at the MB Boutique Hotel. Our room was fully equipped with a rain shower, a bathtub, air conditioning and an amazing rooftop terrace with 2 hot tubs!

Hotel Puerta del Mar is a charming option right in the heart of Nerja, within walking distance of the Balcon de Europa and the best restaurants. A great choice if you want to be in the middle of everything.

Hotel Balcon de Europa has one of the best locations in the whole town, directly on the famous promenade. Wake up to sea views, have breakfast with a panorama and try not to become insufferable about it on the group chat.

Beneste Villa Flamenca Hotel is a characterful Andalusian-style property with a pool, gardens and a relaxed atmosphere. A good choice if you prefer something quieter, slightly outside the centre.

BEST HOTELS IN NERJA

Best restaurants in Nerja – Nerja travel guide

Sollun: a true hidden gem. You think you walk into a simple shopping mall, but in the back you find restaurant Sollun. Don’t let the interior fool you, we hesitated too for a minute. The chef is one of the best in Nerja and will personally advise you at your table. Unique dishes full of flavour and delicious wine!

Sollun | Nerja travel guide

El Pulguilla: This fish restaurant is a local favorite and we understand why. You walk into a simple café, but in the back you find a large outdoor space with fans, woohoo! Bye bye sweaty face! This place is fish lover heaven with divine, fresh options on the menu. Like my favorite: anchovy in vinegar with olives! Not fancy at all, but oh so good! It was our favorite spot for lunch and we kept coming back for more. Try the pulpo from the grill and the large scallop!

Best restaurants Nerja

Oliva: one of the best restaurants for fine cuisine in Nerja, with a Dutch owner. Every plate is a piece of art and the flavours are special. The chef is taking risks and is very creative. I loved the tuna appetizer, see photo below, and the orange custard, with green mint cake and meringue.

BEST HOTELS IN NERJA

Oliva | best restaurants Nerja

Bakus: this restaurant has a stunning location, including seaview. And again: don’t let the interior fool you. It is a little too modern and clean, but the staff is extremely friendly and the dishes are absolutely delicious. Try the scallops with asparagus and the Instagrammable Pavlova!

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View from Restaurant Bakus | best restaurants Nerja

Casa Manuela: on our first day we stumbled upon this cute little store by accident. We came back every day after that. Choose a couple of your favorite fresh veggies & fruits in the counter and Manuela will make you a damn good shake. A great vitamin booster! I’m a big fan of curcuma & ginger. You can buy a lot of unique local products in the store too, like special honey, delicious ham, soft cheeses and organic wine. This spot is a popular place for locals, who buy afternoon sandwiches with Ibérico ham, olive oil and tomato. Yumm!

Zaza: tender roast chicken and Belgian fries in a hidden little restaurant, with a petite terrace. You can smell the delicious chicken from far away, so no wonder this place is always packed with locals. You can also order your chicken to go!

Best beaches in Nerja – Nerja travel guide

Playa Carabeo: small and beautiful beach. Our favorite hangout. This is where we took Flammy, our inflatable flamingo every day, for some vitamin sea. Simply because it is the most relaxed, beautiful beach! Don’t tell anybody ;-) Keep in mind that there are no facilities here, so bring enough water and a parasol.

Planning to visit more of Spain? Check my guides to Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera, Barcelona and Valencia.

Playa Carabeo | best beaches Nerja

Playa Burriana: the biggest and most well known beach in Nerja. This beach offers comfortable daybeds for just a couple of euros a day. There are a lot of, touristy, eating options and you will find an ice cream shop on almost every corner. Order a cold glass of wine, sit back and relax!

BEST RENTAL CARS IN NERJA

The beaches of Maro are very beautiful too. Book a kayak trip to see the waterfalls and hidden bays from the ocean.

Frigiliana | Things to do | Spain

Best things to do in Nerja – Nerja travel guide

Frigiliana: this picturesque, small, white town is located just a couple of kilometres from Nerja. You may have seen some photos on my Instagram already. We took a taxi and paid 14 euros for one way. You have to be fit to climb the many steps in this village that is built up a hill. Sweat moustache guaranteed. Visit the authentic galleries and shops and have lunch on the terrace of Virtudes! This town is dangerous for your bank account, so be prepared.

El Pulguilla | Best things to do in Nerja

The Caves of Nerja: unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to visit them, but they are impressive. So special, that they are ranked in the top 5 of must-see sights in Andalucia. Every July there is a music festival inside the caves. Book your entry ticket here as they sell out fast in summer.

View from Balcon de Europa: hard to miss when you walk through Nerja’s city centre. From this balcony, 23 metres above sea level, you have a stunning view over the beaches and mountains. The adjacent beach Playa Calahonda is the most photographed beach in Spain. Keep that in mind, before you float away on your inflatable pineapple, topless…

Kayaking along the Nerja cliffs is one of the best ways to see this coastline. Sea caves and hidden coves that are completely invisible from the road.

THE BEST EXCURSIONS AND TOURS IN NERJA

Malaga and Granada: these 2 beautiful, old cities are just half an hour to an hour away and are definitely worth a visit!

My favorite habitat

Nerja travel guide: frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Nerja?

Three to four days is enough to explore the town, visit Frigiliana, spend time on the beaches and try the best restaurants. If you plan to add day trips to Malaga or Granada, five days gives you more breathing room.

What is the best time of year to visit Nerja?

May, June and September offer the best combination of warm weather and manageable crowds. July and August are very hot and busy. The shoulder seasons are ideal, especially if you want the beaches to yourself in the morning.

Do you need a car in Nerja?

The town centre is very walkable, but a car makes it much easier to reach the surrounding beaches, Frigiliana and the Caves of Nerja. Check Discover Cars for competitive rates.

Frigiliana | best things to do near Nerja

What is the best beach in Nerja?

Playa Carabeo is the most relaxed and unspoiled, though it has no facilities. Playa Burriana is the most convenient, with sunbeds, restaurants and everything you need for a full beach day.

Is Nerja good for solo travellers?

Yes, Nerja is very safe and easy to navigate alone. The town is compact and the locals are friendly. Joining a kayak trip along the coast is a great way to meet other travellers.

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