Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Nerja, Spain

Nerja is a family-oriented resort situated on the far eastern region of the Costa del Sol. In this rugged and less commercial area, towering skyscrapers are substituted with low-rise apartments and subtle hotels.

Nevertheless, there is no shortage of activities for families to engage in: Visitors can discover natural or historical landmarks, relax on numerous beaches, participate in various water sports, enjoy a round of golf, or indulge in the excitement of a water park.

Nerja is also adjacent to two expansive natural parks, providing an opportunity to explore the wilderness directly from the resort’s periphery, a contrast to the more developed destinations on the Costa del Sol.

Now, let’s explore the top attractions in Nerja:

1. Playa de Burriana

If you are visiting Nerja for a beach holiday, this location will become your recurring destination.

Playa de Burriana is the largest and best-appointed beach in the resort, showcasing an extensive expanse of soft sand.

During the summer season, floating slides are available in the water for children, while lifeguards oversee the area from April to late September.

Behind the beach, a paved promenade is lined with a multitude of chiringuitos (Spanish beach bars), and further inland on Camino de Burriana, you will discover a diverse array of bars and dining options.

2. Nerja Caves

This cave system has historical significance, having been inhabited by Neanderthals and early civilizations dating back to the Bronze Age.

However, it remained undiscovered until 1959, when a group of friends accidentally found it while pursuing bats.

Inside, visitors can view display cases showcasing artifacts and human remains that were present when the caves were rediscovered.

During a guided tour, you will traverse a series of chambers, culminating in the stunning Sala del Cataclismo, which extends 100 meters in length and reaches heights of over 30 meters.

The immense central column stands at 32 meters tall, recognized as the largest in the world.

3. Balcón de Europa

This seaside promenade atop a headland is a vital aspect of local culture in Nerja.

It received its name in 1885 when King Alfonso XII visited following an earthquake, stating it was the “balcony of Europe.” When gazing out at the sea from the iron railings, it is difficult to dispute this sentiment.

A statue of King Alfonso is present here, along with a sculpture in the plaza behind it commemorating the discovery of Nerja’s caves.

The plaza becomes a gathering point for celebrations during New Year’s Eve, the Holy Week processions, and the Feria de Nerja in mid-October.

4. Río Chillar

Visit the tourist information office in Nerja for details on this hike that begins at the northern outskirts of the resort and extends into the natural park.

You will walk along the Chillar River as it meanders through a gorge, cascading into a crystal-clear pool.

The hike caters to participants of all ages and lasts approximately three hours.

This trail is accessible year-round, particularly enjoyable during the summer when the water and shade provided by the gorge offer a refreshing escape from the heat.

If approached quietly, hikers may encounter Ibexes on the ravine walls, as well as lizards and snakes basking on the rocks.

5. Playa el Salon

This beach offers the unique benefit of being centrally located in Nerja while attracting fewer visitors compared to Torrecilla and Burriana.

This is partly due to its situation at the base of cliffs to the west of the Balcón de Europa.

Access requires navigating a steep winding path to reach the shore, and there are no beachfront dining establishments available here.

Nonetheless, the lively center of the resort is merely a couple of minutes’ walk away, and a kiosk is available on the beach during summer for refreshments.

El Salon also features slightly finer sand than the other beaches in Nerja and offers sun loungers for relaxation.

6. Church of El Salvador

This historic structure is located in the pedestrianized area behind the Balcón de Europa. Built at the close of the 17th century, the whitewashed church exemplifies baroque and Mudéjar (Moorish-style) architectural elements.

The adjacent bell tower, which was completed in 1724, rises above Nerja’s skyline.

The church is known for the distinct chimes of its bells, ringing hourly and every half-hour. Competing with the tower is a substantial Norfolk Island pine tree, which was transported from the Americas in the early 1900s.

Attending a mass will provide insight into the culture of the Costa del Sol, as services are conducted in both Spanish and English.

7. Aqueduct of El Águila

This structure is less of an activity and more of a sight to behold from afar, yet this 19th-century aqueduct deserves a photograph.

Constructed to transport water to the mills of a now-defunct sugar refinery in Maro, it spans the steep Barranco de la Coladilla, a ravine in proximity to the Nerja Caves.

Although the sugar mills no longer exist, the aqueduct continues to be utilized for irrigation purposes.

Its design features four stories of overlapping arches, totaling 37, all featuring the characteristic Moorish horseshoe shape.

8. Playa de la Cala el Cañuelo

Located approximately 10 kilometers east of Nerja, this tranquil cove features a shale beach.

Few visitors venture this far from the resort, and the sense of seclusion is enhanced by the prohibition of vehicles in the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park; parking must be done along the road, with a minibus required to reach the waterfront.

Here, one can relax amid scenic, pine-covered hills or swim in the calm waters, which are ideal for snorkeling.

During the summer, a chiringuito is available for dining, though reservations may be necessary on busier days.

9. Water Sports

The natural park situated to the east of Nerja offers undeveloped cliffs and hidden coves best viewed from the water.

Kayak rentals are available by the hour from the beachfront at Burriana or Maro, allowing exploration of the coastline.

Additionally, Playa de Burriana hosts its own PADI five-star dive center, offering courses and dives for all skill levels.

If diving does not appeal, individuals can participate in snorkeling excursions organized by the center.

For those seeking thrilling motorized water sports, Parasail Nerja provides jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing priced at €40 per experience.

10. Aquavelis Water Park

In close proximity to Nerja, a short drive will lead you to this water park located in Torre del Mar, ideal for children who may become restless at the beach.

Parents can relax on lawn areas shaded by permanent sun canopies while children revel in 21 different attractions, including the 80-meter high-speed Kamikaze slide.

Younger children can enjoy the Zona Mini, featuring smaller slides and pools.

Additionally, a spacious wave pool and Aqua Splash—a large adventure climbing frame complete with slides and waterfalls—are available for family enjoyment.

11. Golf

This sport is closely associated with the Costa del Sol; however, the eastern portion of the region features fewer golf courses. Remarkably, Nerja is home to two within a 30-minute drive.

Baviera Golf in Caleta de Velez is the nearest option; it is competitively priced among Costa del Sol courses and receives high reviews.

This 18-hole par 72 course is known for its playability and boasts a lovely bar and terrace at the 19th hole.

Further toward Málaga is Anoreta Golf, located about a kilometer inland; it presents stunning views from its elevated position while teeing off.

Like Baviera, it was designed by the former European Tour player José María Caňizares.

12. Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama

The natural park that frames Nerja consists of three limestone mountain ranges.

Years of erosion have resulted in remarkable natural formations, such as the Nerja Caves and the Río Chillar canyon.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are numerous additional attractions, including various caves historically used as refuge by smugglers. The ideal time for hiking excursions is outside the peak summer months when the sun is less intense.

The park features diverse trails suitable for both circular and shorter hikes, or for those seeking a more adventurous experience, local adventure sports companies offer activities such as canyoning or rock climbing.

13. Ron Montero

Located in the province of Granada, approximately half an hour east of Nerja, lies the town of Motril, home to the Ron Montero distillery—one of the few remaining rum manufacturers in Europe.

The distillery conducts tours from Tuesday to Saturday, with one English-speaking tour available daily at 13:00. The tour includes a video presentation and a guided visit to the barrel storage area while learning about the ingredients (local sugar cane), the distillation process, and storage methods.

As anticipated, the highlight is tasting the three-year, five-year, and 50-year rums, allowing you to discern the differences between them.

The facility also offers evening tasting events complemented by tapas, and bottles can be purchased as souvenirs.

14. Málaga

The capital of the Costa del Sol serves as an ideal destination for experiencing urban life in Andalusia, offering an abundance of cultural and historical sites to engage your interest for more than a day.

Pablo Picasso, one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists, was born here, and there are two museums dedicated to his work.

The city is also home to the remarkable Moorish fortress, the Alcazaba, constructed in the 1000s, which preserves its exquisite palatial courtyards.

The Alcazaba’s walls connect to another castle, Gibralfaro, perched 130 meters above the city, offering breathtaking vistas of Málaga and its harbor.

Along the waterfront, you can leisurely stroll around Muelle 1 (Pier 1), where part of the port has been transformed into a chic shopping and dining area.

15. Food and Drink

Another aspect that sets Nerja apart from numerous other Costa del Sol resorts is the prominence of Andalusian cuisine.

This includes traditional tapas favorites like calamares and fried baby squid (chipirones). Moreover, visitors can savor dishes such as ajoblanco, a chilled soup made from almonds, bread, and garlic, typically served with white grapes.

Gazpacho, another cold soup that originated in this region of Spain, is particularly refreshing during hot days.

Espetos, a genuine Málaga specialty, consist of sardines skewered with bamboo and grilled over wood embers.