Hotels in Nerja

Centre and the Balcón de Europa

The Balcón de Europa is a lookout over the sea at the end of the main street, next to the church of El Salvador. Around it spreads the old town, with white houses, terraces and shops. From here you can walk down to the coves of Calahonda, El Salón and La Caletilla, small and tucked between the rocks.

If you want to do everything on foot and eat out every night, this is your spot. In summer the streets near the Balcón stay lively until late. They are narrow and many are pedestrianised, so don't count on parking at the door.

Best-rated in this area: Nerja VG Hostal Boutique, with a score of 10.0 from 1,939 reviews.

Burriana and Carabeo

East of the centre, Calle Carabeo leads down to Burriana beach, the widest in town, with a promenade, beach bars, sunbeds and water sports. Families love it because everything is on the same stretch of sand and the centre is a short walk away.

Best-rated in this area: MB Hostels Premium ECO - Adults Recommended, with a score of 9.2 from 2,447 reviews.

La Torrecilla and El Playazo

To the west is La Torrecilla beach, with a promenade and apartment blocks. Beyond it opens El Playazo, a long, open beach stretching to the mouth of the Chíllar river. It is the area with the most space and the fewest crowds in August. The streets are wider and more modern, and getting around by car is easy.

The Río Chíllar walk starts here, a trail that follows the riverbed between rock walls. Wear shoes that can get wet.

Best-rated in this area: Hotel Riu Monica - Adults Only, with a score of 9.0 from 2,364 reviews.

Maro and the Nerja Caves

Maro is a small village east of Nerja, next to the Nerja Caves and above the Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs, a protected natural area. Below are coves such as Maro beach, good for swimming and kayaking. It suits those looking for calm and nature, although you will need the car to go into Nerja for dinner.

Best-rated in this area: Hotel Al-Andalus, with a score of 7.2 from 1,793 reviews.