NERJA

Nerja is on the coast some 50 kilometres east of Málaga on the N340 coastal highway, and marks the eastern tip of Málaga's Costa del Sol. Once a sleepy fishing village, the town now has a population of over 20,000, rising dramatically with tourism in the summer months. Nerja also falls into the area known as "Axarquia" which covers the entire eastern side of the province of Málaga.

It is a very attractive white town that has maintained a great charm despite growing numbers of foreign residents and tourists. The local authority adheres strictly to building regulations and new developments are built to resemble Andalucian villages. The old part of the town, full of interesting shops and tapas bars, dates from the 14th century and has a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets in typical Moorish style.

The mountains of the Sierra Almijara, which lie to the north of the town, finish abruptly at the Mediterranean in Nerja. The magnificent cliffs form natural coves and bays which stretch for miles along this part of the coast. There are 9 kilometres of well maintained and differing sandy beaches, shared by fishermen and sunbathers.

One of the most popoular spots within the town is the Balcón de Europa, built on the previous site of a 10th century castle, hanging over cliffs and beaches to gain better advantage of spectactular views. High arches and trees shade horses and carts that are transport around the town. Ancient cannons, which once spurned forth pirates and invaders, stand guard and add a touch of history. The parish church of El Salvador, in the same area, is 17th century Baroque-Mudejar which has recently been restored.

East of the Balcon is the little Playa de el Salon, still flanked by fishermen's cottages, followed by a two kilometre stretch of Torrecillo and Playazo. In the other direction there are the beaches of Chorrillo, Carabeo, Carabeillo and Burriana. On Burriana Beach there are internationally famous fish restaurants that, due to the mild climate, are able to remain open all year. The beautiful Jardines de Capistrano Playa descend to this beach. Throughout the town there are numerous other restaurants that offer a wide variety of international cuisine.

For sport lovers Nerja has its own sports stadium for athletic events and football matches as well as a public heated indoor swimming pool.

Three kilometres from the town centre are the Nerja caves where skeletal remains and artefacts, dating from 30,000BC to the Bronze Age, were discovered in 1959. Wall paintings inside the caves date from the Palaeolithic and post-Palaeolithic periods. The visitor is able to enter various different chambers including one which houses the world's widest column as well as very large independant stalactites and stalagmites. Every July a festival of flamenco music and dance is held inside the caves.

Nerja was a Roman settlement known as Detunda. Ruins of Detunda have been found close to Maro just 3 kilometres to the east. The Castulo-Malaca Roman road, which linked the provinces of Jaen and Almeria passed through Nerja and the remains can be seen on the outskirts of the town along with an old Roman bridge. Later, during Moorish occupation, the town was called Narixa, and flourished from agriculture and the silk trade. Nerja also has a history of sugar cane cultivation and the remains of refineries and the amazing intact five-storey Las Aguilas aqueduct built in the 1800s, which carried water to the local Maro sugar factory, can be seen.

Burriana Beach Area

Ayo’s Merendero (Beach restaurant)

Go on a Sunday and experience the traditional Spanish atmosphere with giant paella cooked over a open fire. Paella is 6 euros for as much as you can eat and there is also an a la carte menu featuring Roast Pork on a Sunday plus a wide selection of fish and meat dishes. Get there early on a Sunday as it tends to get busy from midday onwards, and be prepared to wait for a table (you have to find your own table, don’t wait to be seated by a waiter!). Also note that credit cards are not accepted, strictly cash payment only.

Nerja, like Torrox, will also benefit from the new marina, scheduled to start in 2008, that will be built on the municipal border between the two towns.

See also, guides to: Maro, La Herradura, Frigiliana, Torrox and Málaga.

Watch slide shows of the Area.