Holidays to Nerja
Nerja holidays are all about lazing on beautiful golden beaches, scoffing authentic tapas and dancing the night away at a buzzy bar. That is to say, this treat of a destination has something for every type of holidaymaker.
Do go chasing waterfalls
Sure, Nerja has plenty of sizzling sands perfect for sun worshippers – this is the Costa del Sol after all! – but a beach day here can be so much more.
Why not head to Cala de Cañuelo, in the Maro Natural Park, to top up your tan beneath the cliffs? You could also drift away under the temptingly turquoise Maro Waterfall, or grab a snorkel and get on first-name terms with the El Playazo fish. We’re sold!
Say hola to the old world
Start your tour of historical highlights at the bell and domes of the Hermitage of Our Lady of Sorrows. Remember your ABCs here: Always Be Craning your neck to take in the frescos above your head.
The Eagle Aqueduct is another attraction not to be missed. But as it juts up between two enormous hillsides, there’s little chance of doing that. Next, take to the Balcony of Europe, where the Mediterranean Sea plays Romeo to your Juliet.
Nibble your way through Nerja
Foodies reckon Andalusia is one of Europe’s culinary capitals and Nerja is not about to let the side down. Here, the whole Mediterranean is on your plate – think the richest of meats, the freshest of veg and seafood that’s not long stopped swimming.
Taste it at its very best at El Pulguilla, where the menu includes anchovies, shrimp, and squid. For upmarket ambience, head to Restaurante Olivia and tuck into its tasting menu.
Hike to your heart’s content
If hiking boots are higher than flip-flops on your packing list, you’ve come to the right place. The Sierra de Nerja is over 7,000 hectares of hiker heaven, with mountain climbs, rocky ravines and endless groves.
The route to the Maro Tower is a great place to start. Built for beginners, it’ll take you through pine forests and nostril-tickling herb gardens before leaving you breathless – not because the hike’s hard, but because the views are that good.
Sneak Peek
Best for... A beach break for history-loving foodies 🦐
Go... To the Balcony of Europe to marvel at the Med 🌴
You have to... Kayak in the wake of the Maro Waterfall 🛶
Nerja holiday deals
Ona Marinas de Nerja
4.1
Very Good
- 11 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Half board
- From Manchester
Prices from
Villa Flamenca
4.6
Excellent
- 26 Dec 2025
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Edinburgh
Prices from
Apartamentos Mediterráneos
4
Very Good
- 24 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Leeds/Bradford
Prices from
Hotel Riu Monica
- 24 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Half board
- From Leeds/Bradford
Prices from
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Spanish
Time difference
GMT +1
Cost of a beer
€2
3-course meal
€15
Flight time
2h
Top beaches: Embrace the Costa del Sol
In a crowded class of beautiful beaches, Burriana comes out on top. Not content with mountain views, shimmering sands and a world of watersports, this beach has a Blue Flag and a Q Tourist Quality certification.
But while Burriana’s an all-rounder, Calahonda delivers on straight-up beauty. On the doorstep of the Balcony of Europe, charming cobbled steps lead right down to the sand. And if that sounds like something from a fairytale, you’re getting the right idea.
Nocturnal Nerja
Keep the Balcony of Europe to your left as you stare out to sea and you won’t have to look far for a great bar! Unleash your literary side with a frozen daiquiri at Hemingway’s or plonk yourself on the seafront at Hibiscus to watch the world wander by.
When it’s time to kick things up a notch, head to The Circles for pure 70s, 80s and 90s nostalgia – and killer cocktails to boot. Want to take things into the morning? Pub Tamareo’s alive until 4am.
Kayaks, caves and choo-choo trains
Visiting on a family holiday? Nerja has enough attractions to keep the whole clan content. Bundle up your brood on the tourist train to see the sights without working up a sweat. Hop off at the Nerja Caves and you can even cool off among 20,000-year-old stalactites and stalagmites.
If your lot want a little more adventure, book a guided tour of the Maro Waterfall and Sea Lion Cave by kayak.
When to go to Nerja
Nerja’s beaches are at their beautiful best between June and September. Expect temperatures topping the high 20s and tourist season in full swing.
If you’re here to hit the trails, you’ll want to lace up your hiking boots between November and April. The pleasant mid-teen temps mean you can mountaineer all day long without sweating through your socks.
For a cheap holiday to Nerja with weather worthy of the beach, head over in the shoulder season in May or October. Early 20C temperatures without the crowds? Si, por favor!
