Maybe you’re planning your next vacation at this very moment. If you are thinking of visiting the beaches of Malaga, Nerja is a must stop. It is known as one of the most charming towns in Andalusia. In this post we tell you everything you can do in the city. And we offer you solutions for your transfer from Malaga airport to Nerja.
After leaving the arrivals hall at Malaga airport, you can go straight ahead to the bus stop. you are not required to pre-book or buy your bus ticket before as you can buy your ticket on the bus. We recommend you to check out the bus timetables to avoid a long wait or the surprise of losing the last one of the day. This is the cheapest way to getting to Nerja but the most uncomfortable.
A much more comfortable option is to hire a transfer service. Previously you can reserve from Malaga Cabbie the car that best suits your needs. The trip is economical and totally personalized in date and time. You can check all our prices in this section.
Index
Culture
History of Nerja
The exact date of foundation of the city is unknown, the first records of it are narrated in some documents of the Arab poet Ibn Sadí. He was a traveller who passed through it in the year 917. At that time the city was already important by and acquired great fame for the manufacture of coloured tissues and silk fabrics.
The Arabs gave it the name of Naricha or Narija which means “abundant spring”. At that time it was part of the province of Rayyam, the population settled under the protection of its castles, of which we can still find vestiges on the road to Frigiliana.
Prior to this stage there is no reference to settlements in the area. However, there are theories that already in the Upper Paleolithic there was a human presence in the area, for example in the famous Nerja Caves. There are also those who believe that there was a settlement in Roman times since nearby there was a village called Detunda, the current Maro.
With the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabel and Fernando, an era that is known as the Reconquest arose in Spain, in which the Christians expelled the Muslims from the country. However, in Nerja they continued to live together for a time Christians, Muslims and Jews. Until a new order forced everyone who was not Christian to convert or leave the region.
There are stories that tell that…
The now known “Playa del Salón” was so called because it witnessed the exodus of hundreds of Jews who said goodbye to each other with the word “Shalom”. And just as sad was the end for the Muslims who were forced to leave a land where they had prospered for years.
Nerja was very depopulated during the sixteenth century until the repopulation was ordered to old Christians to occupy the abandoned houses. In compensation, they were granted exemption from paying taxes.
The eighteenth century is known as the golden stage in Nerja, its streets were improved, its buildings and churches were expanded, it benefited from the trade of wine, honey, sugar and flour and opened its doors to Malaga and Almeria with the construction of roads.
Currently, this city is one of the most prosperous and visited towns in the province of Malaga. Tourism and its immeasurable beauty have made it one of the jewels of the Andalusian coast.
Nerja weather
If you have already decided to get your transfer from Malaga airport to Nerja with MalagaCabbie, one of the most important issues to worry about is the Nerja weather. This varies depending on the month of the year and the season, but the Malaga coast is characterized by mild and warm temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 18.2 degrees.
In addition, there are few rainy months, so it is unlikely that rain ruins your vacation. The driest month is July and the highest amount of precipitation occurs in November, with an average of 57mm.
As for temperatures, the warmest month is August, however, the sea breeze along with the Mediterranean coastal climate make summer days very pleasant. You just have to be careful with a meteorological phenomenon characteristic of Malaga called “terral”. It is intense, hot and dry wind. Those days the heat intensifies and you will appreciate having the beach nearby. We recommend not to leave during the hours close to noon and to protect yourself well from the sun, with sunscreen and hats.
Food & Restaurants
Is time to enjoy! Where to eat in Nerja
The following section is dedicated to the sweetest tourist, or to those tourists who enjoy knowing the gastronomy of the places they travel to.
The typical products of Nerja’s gastronomy are fish and tropical fruits such as avocado, custard apple and mango among others. With these are made typical dishes such as pickled anchovies, sardines, clam chowder or cod omelettes made with sugar cane honey.
To enjoy the food of the city, as in other Andalusian municipalities, one of the most attractive ways to try food is to visit tapas bars. Some of the most well-known are La Biznaga, in the walkway of the lookout, La Pulguilla in Almirante Ferrándiz street or La Puntilla in Bolivia street.
Apart from these bars we can visit some of the typical restaurants and savour traditional recipes.
Restaurant Patanegra 57
Focused on the most select tourists. With an elegant place and an extensive and varied top of very elaborate dishes. It is highly recommended, and we can choose meat dishes or fresh fish. It is located at Almirante Ferrandiz street.
Restaurant Oliva
It is the best-rated restaurant in Tripadvisor, despite having a high price offer us a variety of traditional recipes. We found it in a local at the street Pintada.
Hotel Carabeo
It is a small hotel located in Carabeo street, where we can enjoy a terrace with tapas or traditional food dishes. It has wonderful views of the sea and the cliffs. If you want to know where to eat in Nerja with your partner this is your place.
Seafood restaurant Puerta del Mar
If your thing is fish and seafood, you can not leave Nerja without visiting it. With sea views, and dishes of affordable prices and quality. We recommend the soup rice with lobster, they will make you want to go back to the city.
Lets go for a good quality meat
Mesón el Asador de Nerja
At Meson Del Asador you can enjoy its famous tapas, a tasty laing and a generous knuckle. In addition, everything can be marinated with its excellent wine which will make your meal even more exquisite.
The success of this place would not be possible without an exceptional staff. And we must also highlight its value for money.
Mesón Antonio de Nerja
The inn is a fantastic place, it has some steak and meat dishes. It is also worth mentioning its selection of wines. And the tapas of beef stew, Russian salad.
In addition we cannot fail to mention the exquisite treatment of its staff.
Restaurant El Refugio de Nerja
It is an international food restaurant. In which you can always enjoy a good lamb filet, a surprising shoulder. For dessert we recommend their tasty pudding, their generous tiramisu and their well prepared ice cream.
Clients can also organise any kind of celebration here, from a wedding to a business lunch.
Social & Activities
Now is time to talk about what to do in Nerja
Once your transfer from Malaga airport to Nerja is solved, the most important thing is to plan your vacations. The city of Nerja offers many leisure activities both day and night adapted for the taste of all types of visitors. Beaches, sports, gastronomy, natural monuments and beautiful sites … Here is a list of what to do in Nerja.
Going to the beach
One of the main activities for tourism in this town is to spend the day in one of its beaches or reserved coves, take a bath and enjoy its beauty. It has more than 17 beaches and these are some of the best known:
1. Playa Burriana
It is a large sandy beach located at the eastern end of the city and is the main bathing location of Nerja. If what you like is to be surrounded by people and meet the locals, do not hesitate to visit it.
2. Playa el Salón
It is the closest beach to the Balcón de Europa, it is accessed through a winding sandy road. It is one of the best beaches in the city. In it you can rent a hammock for sunbathing or eat typical food in the many beach bars that are spread throughout the maritime promenade.
3. Playa de Torrecilla
It is a clean beach with crystal clear water ideal for people who like scuba diving. It is one of the most popular in Nerja and has the rental of hammocks and jet skis. To access it, you just have to take an exit from the N-340 national road.
4. Playa de Maro
It is one of the most famous and recommended coves in the area. It has a wild and natural appearance and is located under some cliffs, also has beach bars where you can eat or drink a drink. We can leave your car hire parked on top of the cliff.
5. Playa de la Caletilla
It is a beach near the old town, accessible from the seafront. In it, we have wonderful views of the Balcón de Europa and the cliffs of Maro, which is why it is so famous in summer.
These are some of the beaches that we recommend in Malaga Cabbie. However, if you are not a person who only likes a sun and beach vacation and you need to perform other activities, we recommend visiting some of these places.
Other activities and recommended visits in Nerja
Contemplate the views on the Balcón de Europa
The “Balcon de Europa” is a beautiful viewpoint located in the centre of the city. It is one of the most famous places in Andalusia. It is a meeting point for tourists and artists, where you can take an idyllic photograph of the Mediterranean Sea.
The name was given by King Alfonso XII, from whom we can find a statue in the viewpoint, after the great earthquake of 1884 that affected a large part of the region.
Located in the municipality of Maro, a few kilometres from the city, we can easily reach it with our rental car. They were discovered in 1959, inside were discovered paintings of seals dated 42,000 years old. They could be the first works of art of humanity.
Photographing Chanquete Boat(La Dorada), famous thanks to the Spanish series Verano Azul
In the park “Verano Azul” we can find the original boat of the series. Verano Azul was one of the most famous Spanish series of the 80s. You can also book a guided tour to learn all the history of the series and its anecdotes.
Adventures in Los Cahorros in the Chillar river
Finally, if you are an adventurous person, we recommend you travel along the river Chillar. Some sixteen kilometres (round trip) in which to enjoy flora and fauna alone or in a family. It is suitable for all audiences!
Is time to thinking about choose accommodation
If you are thinking about spending more than one day in the city and you need a place to stay. We recommend one of these hotels, we care about the relationship between quality and price.
Hotel Mónica
This hotel is very close to the environment and the beaches, right on the seafront. With spacious and modern rooms, it has free buffet breakfast and WiFi. Also if you are one of those who prefer fresh water to salt water has a pool.
Hotel Perla Marina
It is a more informal hotel, with rooms overlooking the beach, restaurant and a lovely terrace where you can have a breakfast with the smell of the Mediterranean Sea. This hotel is ideal for families with pets, as they are admitted to this hotel. It is located on Merida Street, very close to Burriana Beach.
Hotel Parador de Nerja
This hotel is located on a cliff overlooking the Alboran Sea, 4 minutes from the beach. The rooms are quiet, spacious and most with sea views. It has a restaurant and cocktail bar. It also has a pool and parking where you can leave your car hire.
Camping de Nerja
Finally, if you are one of the people who prefer a tent, the Nerja campsite is at kilometre 296 of the N-340 road. It has plots for tents and bungalows. It is situated on a hill overlooking the sea, close to the natural landscape of Maro and the Caves.
The time has come to have fun. See all the parties in Nerja
Finally, to complete an incredible vacation we cannot say goodbye to Nerja without knowing its traditional festivities. Without a doubt some experiences that will enrich your visit and make you fall in love with Andalusia and its people.
San Antón in Maro
This party takes place in Maro on the 16th and 17th of January. Traditionally the owners of animals lit bonfires in honour of San Antón to protect them and not get sick. If you visit Nerja in summer do not hesitate to take a walk through its streets, you will find bonfires and musical performances throughout the night. Is time to dance!
Carnival of Nerja
It is one of the best parties in Nerja, celebrated for three days. The dates vary every year. The second day there is a parade of costumes, where everyone who wants can participate. So cheer up, dress up and have fun with this colourful parade.
Semana Santa
It is celebrated between the months of March and April. For a whole week, the passion of Christ is celebrated. It is a very famous festivity in all Andalusian towns, for its processions and its tradition.
Cruces de Mayo
On May 3, the day of the crosses is celebrated in Nerja. Floral crosses are placed in the main squares of the city and are accompanied by music and typical food.
San Juan
The night of San Juan, that is fr om June 23 to 24, is celebrated on the beaches of Nerja this holiday to start the summer. The beaches are filled with bonfires in which participants can burn papers where the bad is written to make way for the good. The party is accompanied by stages with music and performances.
Fair of Nerja
The fair takes place the second week of October, on the occasion of the fertility of the patrons of the city. In this week there are many activities, besides being able to enjoy tents with music and attractions for children.
Maroween
The day of the dead is celebrated in Maro one of the most picturesque festivities of the city. All the inhabitants gather in the streets to eat typical products like chestnuts or sweet potatoes surrounded by monsters, vampires and witches. Trick or treating??
There are many other festivities throughout the year in Nerja. So if you have decided to visit this wonderful city do not hesitate to inform you of all the activities as the fun is assured. And the greatest advice is to relate to its inhabitants, nice people and who will undoubtedly be happy to show you their traditions and customs.
Finally, do not forget that Nerja is surrounded by other wonderful places to visit. It is a unique location since in addition to the beach with our rental car we can visit other cities such as Malaga or Granada in less than an hour, know other nearby towns such as Almuñecar or enjoy a day of skiing in the Sierra Nevada. So do not hesitate and book your transfer from Malaga airport to Nerja, we are waiting for you!
BOOK YOUR TRANSFER TO NERJA HERE!
You can book your transfer to Nerja in the link bellow, also you can get more information regarding the city and what to do.
