Nerja, located on the picturesque Costa del Sol, was a destination I had never heard of until I began researching activities and day trips for my third trip to Málaga.
I learned that the city is home to Balcón de Europa — a large, popular square and viewing platform offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline.
That sold me, and added Nerja to my ‘must-visit’ list, along with a list of ‘must-see’ places in Nerja:
Booking a day trip with visitanddo.com, which included a stop in Frigiliana, I was excited to see and learn more about this hidden gem.
ARRIVAL
The tour arrived in Nerja around 1245. Benjamin, our tour guide, guided us to the city centre. Following a few instructions, we were given three hours to explore this beautiful city.
Given the limited time frame, I knew I would not have time to visit the Fundación Cueva de Nerja, also known as The Nerja Caves.
No worries, it’s on the list for my next Malaga Adventure.
BALCÓN DE EUROPA
Of course, my first stop was to Balcón de Europa — the Balcony of Europe.
This is a favorite site for both locals and visitors. The promenade, lined with palm trees, ends at a semi-circular viewpoint on a clifftop.
Let me tell you — the view is one you must see with your own eyes. To attempt to describe it would be tragic.
Add in music from a local busker, and this experience was just heavenly.
OLD TOWN
The enchanting old town of Nerja serves as the vibrant heart of the city. This captivating locale is where centuries of history, charming traditional architecture, and the lively rhythm of local life intertwine seamlessly.
Cobblestone streets wind through the area, lined with whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful, flower-filled balconies.
Wear comfortable shoes. Those cobblestones ain’t no joke. My feet still haven’t forgiven me 🤕
The city’s vibrant streets are alive with charm, filled with craft shops, boutique stores, lively bars, and enticing restaurants that invite you to dive into local cuisine.
I couldn’t resist sampling the local delicacies. The pescaíto frito was perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor, while the espetos de sardinas showcased beautifully grilled sardines that were tender and smoky.
EL SALVADOR CHURCH
The Church of El Salvador stands as the city’s centerpiece, showcasing stunning architecture with intricate details on its exterior. Inside, the atmosphere is filled with reverence, highlighted by a vibrant mural of the Incarnation.
NERJA MUSEUM
The Cueva de Nerja was an engaging museum, and at €5, very inexpensive to visit.
Traveler’s Note: If you’re planning to visit the Nerja Caves, an online option is available to purchase, which includes entry to both the cave and the museum.
As time didn’t allow for exploring the Nerja Caves, I enjoyed learning more about them and the city of Nerja.
For instance, I didn’t know the Olympic Torch was carried through the city in 1992.
The museum provides detailed information on the economic impact of the sugarcane industry, which dominated the area from the 17th century until the late 20th century.
The short movie documenting the history and the discovery of the caves was very educational. The interactive exhibit on the music festival was interesting and a nice trivia tidbit. Truthfully, this wasn’t a terrible alternative to visiting the caves.
CAFETERIA MEDITERRANEO
My tummy started growling following the museum visit. Finding an eatery wasn’t difficult – choosing one was the hard part.
I selected Cafeteria Mediterraneo simply because it was close to my group’s meetup point, and I only had about 45 minutes left before the meetup time.
Big mistake! 🤦🏽♀️
If only I’d spent five more minutes searching.
Lesson learned: when your stomach is grumbling, don’t just pick the first place you see!
Overall, I’ve had better meals. I ordered seafood paella and a double orange juice.
The seafood paella I ordered was a disaster — hot but tasting like it had been plucked from a frozen food aisle. The veggies were tougher than a bad joke, and the seafood seemed to have taken a vow of silence on flavor.
The orange juice was refreshing, though calling it a ‘double’ was a cruel joke.
Customer service was average. Perfectly mediocre, the kind of experience where you leave feeling just as underwhelmed as when you walked in. Menu prices were typical for the touristy area.
If in Nerja, skip Cafeteria Mediterraneo. Go somewhere else. Your taste buds and tummy will thank you.
PUENTE DEL ÁGUILA
Acueducto del Águila, or Puente del Águila, is a stunning 19th-century irrigation aqueduct celebrated as “an historic jewel of Spanish architecture.”
Located in the Barranco de la Coladilla de Cazadores, just south-west of the Caves of Nerja, it stretches impressively across the ravine. Easily visible from the N-340 road linking Nerja and Maro, there’s a convenient layby where visitors can stop to admire this architectural beauty and take memorable photographs.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you are in Malaga for several days, take advantage and explore Nerja.
Believe me, the moment you step onto the Balcón de Europa, you’ll be left in awe of the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
But that’s not all this charming coastal town offers.
Nerja has a special vibe that will captivate you just as it did for me. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life!
Take a chance and go off the beaten path.
Until next time …
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