Free walking tours in Nerja and what to see

Must-sees

Nerja’s centre revolves around the Balcón de Europa, a viewpoint over the sea looking out on coves and cliffs. Next to it is the church of El Salvador, and from there white streets lead off with shops and bars. Heading down to the water you reach small beaches tucked between rocks, such as Calahonda, El Salón and Carabeo.

A few minutes from town are the Caves of Nerja, a vast cavern with huge chambers, stalactite columns and traces of prehistoric paintings. In summer they host a music festival. Nearby, in Maro, you can see the 19th-century Eagle Aqueduct. Burriana is the widest and liveliest beach, while Maro beach, quieter, lies next to the protected cliffs.

Free tours and guided visits

Nerja has the odd tip-based free tour, usually a walk through the centre, the Balcón de Europa and the town’s history. Even so, guided visits and outdoor activities making the most of the coast and the mountains around the town are more common here.

The most popular trip is kayaking along the Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs, with stops at coves you can only reach by sea. The Río Chíllar walk, done along the riverbed, is also very well known. The Caves of Nerja have their own ticket. From here you can go to Frigiliana, a white village very close by, or take a trip to Granada and the Alhambra.

How long to spend

The town can be seen in an afternoon, about three hours. Add another two for the caves. With two days you can spend one on the centre, the caves and the beach, and the other on an activity, such as kayaking in Maro or the Chíllar walk. If you stay a week, Nerja works well as a base for Frigiliana, the Axarquía and Granada.

Where to stay

For getting around on foot, the centre near the Balcón de Europa is best: you’ll have restaurants, shops and several beaches within walking distance. The Burriana area is good if you want to be next to a wide beach with beach bars and facilities. The developments on the outskirts have quieter apartments with views, although there you’ll want a car for the caves and day trips.