Nerja
- Naming
- Understanding
- Sightseeing
- Getting around
- Outdoor Activities
- Eat and drink
- Shopping
- Nerja Fiestas (Festivals)
The Romans gave the settlement the name "Detunda", and it was later taken over by the Arabs. Under the Muslims, it became "Narixa", which means "abundant spring", and is the origin of its present name.
Don't be misled by holiday brochure descriptions of Nerja as a fishing village. Tourism is now its main industry. The few fishermen with their boats still to be seen along the beach provide a picturesque scene for visitors and a slim livelihood for local families. Until 10 or 12 years ago the town retained a strong Spanish identity, but during recent years the influx of both northern European visitors and residents has eroded significantly the genuine charm of a truly Spanish working town.
However, compared to many other Costa Del Sol destinations, especially to the west of Malaga, this is still worth a visit. The tourist mix is not exclusively northern European, and many Spanish people use this resort for holidays, together with French and Italians. Tourists head here all year round to enjoy somewhere in the region of 320 days of sunshine. Flanked and protected by the mighty Sierra Almijara mountain range Nerja is said to have the best climate in the entire Costa del Sol, not to mention the dramatic scenery the mountains provide.
The summer temperatures tend to be around 30ºC whilst in winter they are around 20ºC and this allows for sunbathing for about 9 months of the year. These mild winter temperatures allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy an outdoor life all year round.
At the heart of the town is the Balcon de Europa constructed around 1487, a palm tree lined promenade built along the edge of a cliff and giving stunning views to sea and Nerja's nine sandy beaches stretching to over 13 kilometres in total, including the internationally famous Burriana beach that has once again been awarded by the Blue Flag of the European Union and the small coves below the impressive cliffs of Maro, which have been the inspiration of numerous artists who have set up residence here.
From the Balcony of Europe you can take a Horse and Carriage tour of the sites of Nerja which include the 17th Century El Salvador Church, constructed in baroque-mudejar style, the gardens of Capistrano Playa and the 16th Century Nuestra Señora de las Angustias Hermitage with its paintings by the master Alonso Cano.
Like most older towns and villages in Spain, Nerja has many wonderful things to see and do close by and it is worth driving outside of the main town to gain a fuller experience for the area.
Only 7 km north of Nerja you can find the white andalucian village of Frigiliana in the mountains. The village itself is a labyrinth of charming narrow whitewashed streets with old andalucian houses. Around the village are a series of tiled wall displays telling the story of the village during the Moorish occupation and the Reconquista ( the expulsion of the moors from Spain ). It is well worth a visit if only to sample some of the local wine which tends to be a bit on the strong side. In June they run Bulls through the narrow streets.
El puente de Aguila or the Eagle´s bridge, is a 19th century aqueduct, similar to the ones built by the Romans. It was designed to bring water to the nearby village of Maro, one of the oldest settlements around the area. Visible on the way to the caves, it comprises four stories of superimposed brick arcades with 38 arches. The facade is decorated with a gallery of blind horseshoe arches in the Mudecar style. The aquaduct also features entrance templetson on the top storyand a central templet with an inscription reading "Pura Y Limpia Concepcion"
The famous Nerja caves, discovered in 1959, are now Spain's third most-visited tourist attraction (after the Prado in Madrid and the Alhambra Palace). The largest of the caves contains paintings some 20,000 years old. These caves are now believed to be just one entrance to a linked series of potholes stretching many miles into the mountains between Nerja and Granada, and which may yet prove to be one of the most extensive unexplored systems in Europe.
As in most of the resorts on the Costa del Sol there is a full range of water sports available in Nerja including water skiing, scuba diving and canoeing. Also try an organised walk, cycle tour, horse ride, or Jeep safari. Why not charter a boat for the day? Offered with your own skipper and a picnic lunch, which can be enjoyed anchored within a secluded bay. Sea fishing is also available on half day and full day excursions.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, many retaining their typical Andalucian charm, plus of course a great variety of international cuisine on offer.
Tutti Fruti square is the main area where to spend the evenings. There are a lot of bars, pubs, restaurants, etc open everyday. Most bars get busy around 1.00 am, so don’t expect much action before that. Closing times vary from 4.00 am in the winter to 7.00 during the summer.
Shopping is plentiful. In the old quarter of town, typical small shops offer local craftworks and products of the area, including the sweet wine and olive oil, honey and tropical fruits.
Don’t miss the local market. Every Tuesday Nerja hosts its mercardo; Local market, it is an important part of the Spanish life; it is one of the high point of the week. They are noisy, fun, colourful, entertaining and an experience not to be missed, whether you plan to buy anything or not.
The Spanish are famous for their celebrations, and Nerja is no exception to this. Nerja is the host of many fiestas throughout the year, they are all well worth seeing.
The year starts with the Fiesta de San Anton. A procession and fireworks held in Maro 16/17 January.
The Nerja carnival is held in February. 3 days of colour with popular songs and a great street parade. Dates to be confirmed.
Fiesta de Semana Santa is the procession held during holy week. March or April.
Cruces de Mayo, held on 3rd May consists of singing and dancing around flower crosses with local specialities.
Fiesta de Romero San Isidro is held on 15th May and is a pilgrimage of horses and Spanish costumes. It is one of the best days of the entire year, the Fiesta of San Isidro in which up to 10,000 people participate every spring. This year, activities begin on Friday, May 14 with most events on Saturday, May 15, a local public holiday.
Noche de San Juan is a barbecue and beach day held on 23rd June and carries through the night into 24th. It is customary to wash away your sins in the sea at midnight.
Festival Cueva de Nerja is held during July. The caves host nights of flamenco and classical music.
Virgen del Carmen takes place on 16th July and is the fishermen's feast day. A procession carries the virgen in fishing boats.
Feria de las Maravillas takes place between 7/9 September and is the local saints day. Maro holds host to festivities and a local fair.
Feria de Nerja takes place between 8/12 October and is the local saints day of Nerja. Playing host to a great fair and amusements.
New Years Eve sees the town square playing host to local bands through the night, with fireworks when the clock strikes twelve.
