A Town on a Cliff

Nestled at the foot of The Sierra Almijara mountain range, 40 minutes east of Malaga in the south of Spain, the town of Nerja is the perfect holiday destination for all ages

Image via spanishvida.com

Situated in the sunny Andalusian Costa del Sol, Nerja offers a refreshing alternative to the built up high-rise resorts that the area is notorious for. Although often described as a small fishing village, tourism is in fact the town’s main industry these days and even during the quieter months of the year there is a distinct buzz and atmosphere around the place.

The old cobbled town which dates back to the 15th century is perched on a rocky shoreline overlooking a series of stunning beaches and coves. Despite its size, Nerja and its surrounding area has a lot to offer visitors. The town itself is steeped in history and between taking in the beautiful churches, narrow winding streets dotted with interesting shops and the breathtaking views of the ocean from the famous Balcon de Europa, you will not be bored strolling around this chilled out town.

Image via spanishabroad.com

Other attractions in the area include the famous Caves of Nerja, which are some of the most extensive in Europe. A series of vast stalactites and stalagmite's dominate the roof and floor of the caves while primitive drawings grace the rocky walls. Skeletal remains found in the caves suggest they date back as far as 25,000 BC. The caves often play host to concerts during the year and truly are a must-see when in the Nerja region.

Image via panoramio.com

Just a few kilometres north of Nerja is the picturesque ‘white town’ of Frigiliana. With its spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding Tejada National Park, Frigiliana is the epitome of a Spanish whitewashed village with its beautiful little houses. Set in a maze of roving cobbled streets, it is the perfect location to soak up the scenery of this beautiful part of Spain.

Image via nerjarentals.com

If you are hoping to see some of the surrounding countryside, the best way to travel is by car. Car rental is relatively inexpensive in Spain and some great offers can be found online throughout the year. If you do get a car the places to go and see nearby are boundless. The youthful university city of Granada is approximately 1.5 hours from Nerja and is a real gem in the Andalucia region. Granada is home to the Alhambra, a colossal Moorish palace surrounded by a beautiful park. Set against the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains the incredible Alhambra Palace is a masterpiece of Arab architecture and a must-visit.

Image via panoramio.com

If you are looking for some action and adventure near Nerja, during the winter months you can ski in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains just an hour north of the town and during the summer there are a range of water sports including sailing and kayaking on offer on the beaches.

While Nerja is delightfully absent of flashing neon lights so often seen in Spanish seaside resorts, it does have a brilliant night scene. The town offers a wide range of local and international cuisine at very affordable prices. However it is a must to sample some tapas, in particularly the seafood, sourced locally. The Café culture is alive and well in the town and you can grab a coffee or some delicious local ice-cream from a range of cafés and heladerias until late at night.

Image via worldtravelr.blogspot.com

If you are looking for some entertainment then head to one of the Spanish bars for some local beer and flamenco dancing or if it’s something more lively you’re after, the small enclosed Tutti Fruiti Plaza has a number of bars and clubs with great DJs and live music where you can dance away until the small hours of the morning.

Late September to the end of October is the perfect time of year for a short break to the lazy town as they often experience what they call a second summer. During this time temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius. As it is off season, prices for flights, accommodation and car rental are much cheaper than during the summer months and yet you won’t have to sacrifice the sun!

If it’s great food, sun, sea and sand or adventure you’re after, Nerja has it all. With it’s chilled out vibe it is the perfect location for a family holiday, romantic getaway or a fun break with friends.This is one Spanish town that will not disappoint!

Ryanair and Aerlingus have a number of flights to Malaga every week and if you book in advance you can pick up some great deals. There are regular buses to and from Malaga each day that drop you off in the centre of the town or you can pick up a car at the airport.

Check out http://www.nerjatoday.com/ for more information on accommodation and what’s going on in Nerja during your stay.