A travel guide for a day trip to Nerja, Spain

Discover the secrets of Nerja caves
Kayak along the pleasant Mediterranean waves.
Grab some paella or engage in some beach play
These are just some of the things to do in Nerja in one day.

Plan a day trip to Nerja in Andalucia, Spain. Get insider tips on what to see in Nerja, where to eat, and the best way to get there. 

My intrigue with caves is obvious – especially if you have read my earlier posts on Meghalaya, Belum, Thailand or Sri Lanka. I know many find the dark subterranean space claustrophobic and boring. I, however, feel like Indiana Jones when I walk through them. Like him, I have always found treasures hidden in these nebulous dens. Naturally, when I read about the largest stalactite in the world being present in Andalucia, I had to add Nerja to my Spain itinerary. What I discovered was a bounty – not just in those caves but in the idyllic beach town called Nerja.

I loved Nerja for its laid-back vibes, pristine beaches that has tons of activities and a bustling town center. From the caves in Nerja, Spain to visiting my favorite white village near it, lounging on the beaches – I had a complete blast. Though I did a lot during that one day in Nerja, I wish I had more time to do the other interesting stuff that the town had to offer. Sigh! However, that does not mean you can’t when you visit Nerja!  

In this blog post, I will help you plan a perfect Nerja day trip with tips on how to get there, what to do in Nerja and where to eat. My Nerja travel guide also, includes information on tickets and timings of various attractions and activities like boat trips from Nerja, cave exploration, buggy tours and more. In case, you have the time and want to convert your day trip to a stay in Nerja, I have you covered with my accommodation in Nerja tips.

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this.

Where is Nerja in Spain?

Nerja is one of those gems located on Spain’s sunshine coast or Costa del Sol in Andalucia. It is just 50 km from Malaga. This town in south of Spain offers a classic combination of mountains and sea – with Sierra de Almijara range on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. 

A brief history of Nerja

First things first – I never really mentioned how Nerja was pronounced. It isn’t as obvious but is pronounced as Ner-ha. The name actually comes from its Arabic name – Naricha or Narija which means abundant water. With that, you know that this town came under the Caliphate rule in the 10^th century – which stretched from Malaga to Cordoba, Granada, right to Madrid.

However, this isn’t the earliest history of settlements in Nerja. The Romans had established themselves here prior to the Arabs. They have even left their mark in the form of bridges and roads that you can still spot during your Nerja visit.

They still might not be the first to discover Nerja. With the discovery of Nerja caves, the paleolithic age and subterranean settlements have come to light. There is a lot being discovered in those hidden depths but one thing is certain – the early men did live here.

During the Arab rule, Nerja became quite famous for its textiles – especially silk. After the Arab caliphate was ousted in the 1500s by the Christian kings, the town population dwindled. The non-Muslims were asked to leave the region and those who remained had to convert to Christianity.

The Berber attacks from the sea continued to be a threat to Nerja and to prevent that, fortifications were built in Nerja. In 1567, there was an Islamic rebellion – which the Christian kings won. Following this, the new settlement now, comprised of Moriscos (Muslims converted to Christianity), Christians and Jews. The town slowly grew and became a center for sugar production.

Many fortifications were built to prevent pirate attacks. They came in handy for Napoleon when he took over the town in the 1800s. Soon though, he was chased out by the British and the allies. In this war, parts of the forts were destroyed. Whatever remained of the old walls came down later during the devastating earthquake of 1884.

Following this natural calamity, King Alfonso XII visited the region and this town to inspect the damage. He was enthralled by the beauty of its coast – especially the views from the old fortification. He designated the spot as the Balcony of Europe and encouraged re-building of this town.

Nerja grew as a beach town and a tourist destination. In 2016, it was voted the most beautiful coastal town in Spain. After visiting Nerja for one day, I would officially like to add my belated vote to this count.

What is the best way to visit Nerja from Malaga?

Malaga – the capital of Costa del Sol is the closest airport to Nerja in Spain. The city is just 50 km from Nerja town. There are four ways of doing your day trip to Nerja from Malaga – which are similar to what I explained in my Frigiliana post.

1) Self-Drive

Just enjoy a beautiful drive to Nerja on Highway A7 from Malaga. There are four big parking spaces available near Nerja Old town (no cars allowed inside the town). Two of them are paid public parking spaces – Plaza de Espana and Parque Verano Azul.  The third one is also, a paid parking lot but a private one at Los Huertos. All of the above are close to the town . For 8 hours, you will be charged around €12.30.

If you don’t mind a bit of a walk, then you can park for free in an open space near N-340. It is near Calle del Ingenio.

If you do not have your own car, consider renting one in Malaga from Rentalcars – you can pick the same up at a location of your convenience.

2) By Bus

There is a very good frequency of buses between Malaga and Nerja. A one -way journey costs around €5 per person. Alsa is the most popular choice and you can book your ticket in advance using this link.

3) By Taxi

Uber and several other radio taxis are available in Malaga for a Nerja day trip. On an average, you might have to shell out €75 for a one-way trip. This is advantageous if you are traveling in a group or have luggage to carry.

4) Book a local tour

There are several day tours to Frigiliana and Nerja from Malaga. This is the option I went with and found quite convenient. I had enough of free time to explore and discover Nerja on my own – and I did not have to worry about the entrance queues. I will share more details on this in the subsequent sections.

Nerja does not have a train station and hence, the option to travel by rail is not available.

How to get to Nerja from Granada?

A lot of people do a Granada to Nerja day trip. The distance between the two places is less than 100 km and the options to get there are quite similar to what you have from Malaga.

1) Self Drive from Granada to Nerja

Rent a car from Discover cars in Granada and drive on A44. You have to exit onto A7 and this will take you directly to Nerja in Andalucia. It takes around one hour by road to get to Nerja from Granada.

2)  By Bus

Alsa is one of the most preferred buses to Nerja from Granada. They run every four hours and cost €12 per person for a one-way trip.

3) Local day tours to Nerja from Granada

Check out the various day trip tour options from Granada to Nerja caves and Frigiliana. These might be hassle free and convenient. More on these in the next section.  

A typical tour package for a day trip to Nerja and Nerja caves

My experience with a guided tour to Nerja was quite a good one. It was inclusive of a knowledgeable guide, entrance tickets, conveyance and a bonus discovery of the prettiest village in Spain – Frigiliana. The best part of my tour was that I got enough time to explore the two towns – Nerja and Frigiliana on my own. In fact, I managed to cover most of the list of things to do in Nerja during the trip.

Here are three highly-rated Nerja tours that you can book online.

• From Málaga: Caves of Nerja, Nerja and Frigiliana Day Tour
• From Granada: Skip-the-Line Nerja Cave and Frigiliana
• From Malaga or Marbella: Nerja & Frigiliana Day Tour

These Nerja tour packages cover the town and the caves along with Frigiliana. You even get a free meal or tapas in a few of these when you visit Nerja.

What to do in Nerja in one day? (Best things to do in Nerja)

Though a small town, you will find tons of options to add to your one day itinerary in Nerja. In fact, after reaching there, I felt as if I could have done with one overnight here. I admit that I did not do all that my list below entails. That said, I have no regrets – just a wish that I get to return some day to finish this list and discover more.

I have included this map of Nerja with all the key attractions that I have mentioned below. This should help you plan your one day in Nerja itinerary better.

1) Explore Nerja Caves – one of the best things to see in Nerja

Five friends decided to go bat hunting and entered a dark cavern. They followed a lone bat into a sinkhole and what they discovered were pre-historic paintings and bones in the depth of the earth. That is how these caves in Nerja were discovered in 1959. Since then, a series of caverns spread over 5 km have been discovered – all dating back to the Neanderthal age.

Quite unlike the other caves that I visited, Cueva de Nerja has been well-developed for tourists. The one-third of the caves that is open to public is well-lined with pathways and stairs to allow you to see the ancient wonder without touching or disturbing the natural formations. There is a 45 minute audio tour that you can download prior to entering the cave – talking about the scientific as well as the historic significance of this Nerja attraction.

The most impressive thing inside the Nerja caves is the largest stalactite in the world. Located in the Hall of Cataclysm, this is a 105 ft high formation – a very formidable sight. The caves also, host concerts in their natural amphitheatre – so you might want to check if there is any scheduled around the time you visit.

I was a bit disappointed that I could not see the Neanderthal paintings on the walls. There are over 580 paintings but they are not visible to tourists. This is largely to avoid the green formation that happens in the caves when exposed to air.

The Nerja caves are open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on all days. During summers, it is open till 7 pm. It is better to book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting. Admission to the caves is in slots. You also, have access to a virtual reality room – which I recommend not missing.

You can book a tour through this link or directly on their website. The caves of Nerja are 10 minutes away from the town center. You can either take a bus for €1.60 (one way) to the caves or get onto the tourist train called Cueva tren to take you there. There is an option on the Nerja caves website to get tickets for the train and the cave entrance. Cabs are also, an option and cost your around €10 one way to the cave from the town center.

2) Meander through the town center in Nerja

I loved the bustling town center of Nerja. The cobblestoned streets are lined by quaint shops selling charms, funky clothes and souvenirs. You will also, find street performances and artists showcasing their talent in various corners.

I loved the vibes of the town center – filled with fun and energy. And I just had to buy some of the cute magnets as a keepsake for myself.

3) Discover the El Salvador church – one of the key attractions in Nerja town

There is no missing this central square near the Balcony of Europe of Nerja. It is here you will see a white-washed Baroque building – the Iglesia El Salvador church. This church in Nerja is one of the earliest churches that was first constructed in the 1500s. It was later, reconstructed and expanded in the 1700s and again, redone in the 20^th century.

One of the most notable features of this Nerja church is its bell tower that goes back to 1724. On its outer façade, you will also, find plaques outlining the history of the church.

The church is actively used for weddings and baptisms and there was one such occasion on the day I visited. Hence, I could not spend much time inside the church. However, the two noteworthy things to see in the church is the painting of the three archangels (San Miguel being the patron saint) and the bronze statue of Christ.

Ah – I almost forgot to mention. Prior to the church, there used to be a Guard tower in this very space – part of the early fortification of Nerja.

The church is open from 10:30 am to 8 pm. Don’t miss the large Norfolk island pine tree near the El Salvador church in Nerja. This was brought from Latin America in the 20^th century and is quite revered by the locals. Exploring this church is one of the free things to do in Nerja.

4) Take in the views at the Balcón de Europa – a must-visit during your Nerja day trip.

Once a lookout in the old fort of Nerja, now a vantage point for scintillating views of the Mediterranean coast. The Balcony of Europe was my favorite place in the list of Nerja sightseeing attractions. The tree-lined promenade leads to a circular space with Playa Calahonda on one side and Playa de Salon on the other.

You will find a statue of King Alfonso XII who gave this place its name after falling in love with its panoramic views. As I mentioned earlier in the Nerja history section, he visited here just after the earthquake of 1884. Along the walls, you will also, see the cannons that once fired at the pirates and the British navy as they attempted to fight Napolean’s French army.

White arched passages with vibrant flowerpots line your way to this infamous Europe’s balcony. Right at the plaza, where this passage begins, look out for a pretty water fountain with its blue tiles. Next to it is a door – Boquette de Calahonda that takes you down a flight of stairs to Calahonda beach and a rocky outcrop.

The Balcony of Europe is a lovely place to just sit around and take in the refreshing Mediterranean sea breeze. In the evening, this place gets livelier with the street performers lighting up the evenings.

5) Hang out on the beaches in Nerja

Nerja beaches are well-known for its hilly landscape and calm waters – and there are 12 of them for you to choose from. Note that these beaches are like the ones in Gokarna in India – located between cliffs and hence, you cannot really beach hop directly on the sandy shores. You might need to walk uphill and downhill to access them. And given this, you might not be able to fill all 12 of them in your Nerja in one day itinerary.

However, here are the best beaches in Nerja that you should consider when planning your day trip.

• Playa Calahonda – This is the one that you can see from the Balcón de Europa. It is a fairly lively beach which you can reach using the staircase near Europe’s balcony. It tends to get a little crowded owing to its proximity to the Town center. You can rent umbrellas and beach chairs to settle down and enjoy the sea breeze.
• Playa Burrina – The Burrina beach is the largest beach in Nerja and like the La Malagueta beach in Malaga has tons of activities that you can engage in. From paddleboats to playgrounds and beach volleyball – this beach has it all. It is also, home to Nerja’s cafes and chiringuitos (beach shacks).  However, this will take a 10 minute walk from the town center.
• Playa la Caletilla – This is on the other side of the Balcony of Europe, right in front of Hotel Balcón de Europa. It is slightly calmer than the other two beaches .
• Playa de Torrecilla –  The locals recommend this as the 2^nd largest beach of Nerja. This also, requires a walk from the town center. Our guide said that he prefers the chiringuitos on this beach over Playa Burrina
• Playa Carabeillo – For anyone looking for a secluded or non-touristy beach. There aren’t much facilities here but you do get a lot of quiet time.

6) Take a walk through the old ruins of Nerja

Enroute to Nerja, you might spot some interesting ruins of the Sugar Mills built in the 1880s. These mills were a major source of wealth for the town but they have long closed and moved away. You can head here to discover what is left of it – like its landmark old chimneys, warehouses and hydraulic pumps.

Enroute on this walk, you are likely to come across a beautiful aqueduct called Acueducto del Águila. This was built in the 19^th century and was the source of water for these sugar mills. It is still in use. Built in the Mudejar style, it has four stories and is a sight to behold. It is located near an old bridge – Puente del Barranco de Maro. The aqueduct is also, popular as Eagle Aqueduct on account of the symbol of Eagle carved on it.

This trail is quite an interesting and offbeat addition to your day trip itinerary – especially if you dig history like me. You can sign up for this guided bike tour to these places or just do a self-guided one.

7) Sign-up for Kayaking

This is one of the activities in Nerja that I really wanted to do. I hoped to paddle my walk through those cliff coves while taking in the sights that you cannot otherwise see from land. Sadly, I was a bit late with my decision and all the guided kayak tours in Nerja got booked. I could have hired one from Burriana beach but well – the paucity of time stood against it.

In any case, if you enjoy kayaking like me, you can book one of these tours online. I was very keen on the one that took you to the Maro coves and waterfall.

Alternatively, just head to Burriana beach and rent a kayak for your own self – guided fun.

8) Go snorkeling or scuba diving

There are a few PADI points for some good Mediterranean dives during your Nerja vista. However, it might be the only thing you do if you are headed for a Nerja day trip. Scuba diving does require some time and in winters, you might need a dry suit. The dive spots involve boat trips from Nerja and will need you to be in the town at wee hours of the day.

On the other hand, snorkeling in Nerja might be easier as you can combine it with a kayak tour. There are plenty of spots by the shore that can be enjoyed from Burriana beach.

Here are some good Scuba diving and snorkeling tours in Nerja that you can consider.

• Paddle surf route Nerja and Cascada de Maro + Snorkel
• Half-Day Malaga Small-Group Hiking and Snorkeling Tour

9) Book a buggy tour in Nerja

I frankly, did not know about these buggy tours in Nerja. I came across them while speaking to my host in Malaga. She mentioned that these tours are a lot of fun and allow you to see the rugged terrains around Nerja. You actually cross rivers while getting a chance to spot the native fauna around the place.

Here is one website where you can inquire about the same. I could not find an option to book the same online.

10) Head over to the prettiest village in Spain – Frigiliana

Known as the prettiest village of Spain, Frigiliana was an accidental discovery on account of my day trip to Nerja package that I had booked. It turned out to the best place that I discovered on my Spain trip. The quintessential white and blue village with cobbled stone paths and pretty blooms was just picture-perfect. It is also, a place that has tons to do within the few hours that you spend here. I loved every part of Frigiliana – from my invigorating hiks to discovering its 12 hidden plaques and wandering through its lanes. Take a look at this post for more details.

Frigiliana is one of the famous white villages of Spain (Pueblos Blancos) that is just 15 minutes (12 km) by road from Nerja. There are tons of buses from Nerja to Frigiliana that you can take or if you want – just walk to the town. Bonus part if you do this – you get to see the old Sugar mills on the way.

If you have taken one of those tour packages for your Nerja visit, then Frigiliana is most likely a part of it. Exploring the village will not take your more than 3 hours and you will thank me for it!

Well, that completes my list of things to do in Nerja, Spain. I am sure you have plenty now to add to your one day itinerary for Nerja.

 What is the best place to stay in Nerja?  (In case you decide to extend your Nerja day trip)

Well, I almost did! I felt one day in Nerja was not good enough to get my fill of this charming town. I was so tempted to ditch my Malaga home and instead spend the night in Nerja. As if to egg me on, I saw plenty of options for an accommodation in Nerja. You can find one in any budget – close to the beaches or the town center. Sharing some of these as a part of my Nerja travel guide –

• Budget – Trés Soles Hostel, Mena Plaza
• Mid-priced hotels – Parador de Nerja, Carmen rooms – Boutique B&B near the sea

What are the best places to eat in Nerja?

Nerja has tons of tapas bars, multicuisine restaurants and cafes. In fact, I even found an Indian restaurant in the town center of Nerja. As you walk along, all these places will competed for my attention and I finally settled down for the wood-fired pizzas and pastas with yummy sangria at Pizzeria la Dama. The food was yummy and the outdoor seating allowed me to enjoy the hustle bustle of the town center.

One of the recommended things to eat in Nerja is the paella at Ayo chiringuito. Located on Playa Burriana – this place is known for the best paella in Nerja.

What is the best time to visit Nerja?

Nerja is great through the year but the high season is in Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September – October). The temperatures hover around 25 degrees Celsius – making it perfect for some outdoor fun.  July and August are busy tourist seasons – so make sure your bookings are done well in advance.

Winters are a little milder than the rest of Spain but the water does tend to get cold. So it might still be worth visiting Nerja during the winters for its other activities.

Common FAQs about day trips to Nerja

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I hope you have found this Nerja travel guide useful. Do share it around and bookmark the same for your own travel.

Ami

Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

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