At the start of our Andalusian adventure, we set off for our main destination: Nerja. As soon as we arrived in this beautiful coastal town, we settled into our hotel. The first thing that captivated me was the hotel's inner courtyard. The hotel has a swimming pool available to guests. The rooms are in different locations. Some open directly to the pool, while others face the street. However, the shared spaces are accessible to all guests. The view is magnificent.
Nerja is a popular spot for those who want to enjoy the sea and sun as a holiday destination. Therefore, it’s not surprising that our hotel is located here. One of the famous holiday spots along the Costa del Sol coastline is Marbella. However, while Marbella has a more luxurious and glamorous atmosphere, Nerja offers a more relaxed and peaceful vibe.
One of the things that surprised me the most was the number of buildings, hotels and interior decorations adorned with Eastern, Moroccan-style ceramics. These Arab influences are very prominent in both the interior and exterior designs. I later understood the reason for this. Despite being in the heart of Europe, the Arab influence is still strongly felt here.
After settling into our hotel, we went for a walk to explore Nerja. This authentic town in southern Spain is a great option for both beach holidays and cultural tours. Not only the city center but also the surrounding natural and historical beauties attract great interest.
The first settlement in the area where Nerja is located was established by the Romans, who named it Detunda. However, in the 6th century AD, the Andalusian lands were conquered by Muslims and the city was renamed Narixa. This word means abundant water source and the name Nerja used today is derived from it.
Today Nerja is a small Andalusian town with a population of about 20,000. The town stretches along the Mediterranean coastline of the Costa del Sol. All the buildings in the historic city center are painted white. This was originally done to keep cool during the hot summer months.
Nerja is a perfect destination for enjoying magnificent Spanish beaches, walking along the lively coastline or getting lost in the narrow streets of the old town.
One of the most famous tourist spots in the area is Balcón de Europa (Europe's Balcony). This is one of the highest points of the town and offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. On clear days, it is even possible to see the coast of Africa from here.
There used to be a castle here to defend the city. However, in 1884 a massive earthquake destroyed the castle and a viewing platform was built in its place. At that time, King Alfonso XII of Spain visited and, enchanted by the view, called it Europe's balcony, giving it this name. Since then, Balcón de Europa has become one of the most visited tourist spots in Andalusia.
Nerja is famous for its coastline, which stretches for about 16 km. While most of the beaches have well-developed tourist infrastructure, there are also secluded, peaceful and untouched beaches, located away from the city center, where nature is in harmony. Many of these beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and quality of service.
Some of the most popular beaches are as follows: Burriana Beach, the largest and most preferred, Carabeo Beach, a smaller yet quite charming beach and Calahonda Beach, famous for its postcard-like views.
The rocky outcrops that separate the beaches create a peaceful atmosphere by protecting the coastline from the wind.
With crystal clear blue water and warm sand, Nerja's coastline will satisfy even the most meticulous tourist. However, what stands out here is not just the beaches, but also the historical and modern architecture. The narrow streets in the old town are filled with flower-adorned balconies and cozy cafés. In the past, the city’s coastline was strongly protected by many watchtowers. Today although most of them have been destroyed, two well-preserved towers still stand. The most famous of these is the Macaca Tower, 12 meters tall, known for its elegant design.
In the evenings Nerja’s coastal road attracts both locals and tourists. Here, you can take a relaxing walk and enjoy delicious meals in various restaurants.
The sea in Nerja is turquoise. The area's rocky and mountainous nature guarantees breathtaking views. Due to the Atlantic currents, the sea water is relatively cool along the Costa del Sol. If you prefer warmer waters, you might want to consider Costa Blanca or even Costa Brava. However, considering the high summer temperatures, I think this coolness is an advantage.
Despite this the number of people swimming was very low. In my opinion, it’s hard to find a better place for travel and vacation in Andalusia than Nerja. It’s an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. It also has a great location for exploring other central cities in the region. There is a bus terminal here, so you can easily travel wherever you like. And there are car rental options, so you can explore Andalusia at your own pace.
In terms of beach activities Nerja is also quite satisfying. Water sports such as jet skiing, banana boating, paddleboarding and kayaking are available, so boredom is impossible. The condition of the beaches is also excellent. There are both larger and smaller, quieter ones. The beaches are very clean and since they are municipal, entry is free. While some hotels have private sunbeds, they are usually located by the pool. Therefore, there is enough space for everyone. The sea water is quite cool this year, but once you get used to it, it feels amazing.
Overall Nerja impressed me positively. It’s incredibly beautiful, colorful, lush and impeccably clean. One of the most striking differences from Greece, which had a similar impact on me, is that everything here is crystal clear. Walking along the beach is enjoyable. If the weather isn’t too hot during the day, you can take a walk and in the evenings, listening to the sea at sunset is a fantastic experience.
If you don’t want to stay in crowded and luxurious areas like Marbella or Málaga, Nerja is a perfect alternative. I highly recommend it.
Nerja is very lively in the evenings. While the city gradually comes to life in the mornings, it fully comes alive in the evenings. However, we set off for our next destination: Málaga. After a 50-minute journey, we reached the heart of Costa del Sol.
Málaga is a great place for those who want to combine both cultural exploration and beach enjoyment, thanks to its magnificent history, architecture and seaside location.
Our first stop was Málaga Cathedral. This impressive structure rises above the narrow streets of the old town. Like many of Spain’s cathedrals, it was built on the site of an old mosque. The full name of the cathedral is Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. Construction began in 1528 and was completed only in 1782. However, the southern tower was never finished, which is why it is known locally as The One-Armed Lady).
Málaga has a very ancient history. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century bc and has since been influenced by many civilizations. It was part of the Roman Empire, captured by the Visigoths and later came under Byzantine control. In the 8th century, the Arabs arrived and transformed it into an advanced Islamic emirate. The city became a center for silk production.
Today Málaga is one of Spain’s most colorful cities. Historical buildings, narrow streets and fantastic food come together here. Speaking of food, one of the most famous dishes is grilled sardine skewers.
Also tapas are very popular. Tapas are small Spanish appetizers served with wine or cocktails.
Another historical landmark to visit in Málaga is the 1st-century Roman Theatre. The city also boasts the Arab fortress Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. Gibralfaro is one of the highest points in the city and from there, you can enjoy a stunning view extending to the Strait of Gibraltar.
Finally the bullfighting arena in Málaga is still active and traditional bullfights are held here during certain times of the year.
By the way the origins of flamenco music, especially in the Moorish music culture of Andalusia, are crucial to its development and gypsy music played a significant role. Many consider the real carriers of flamenco to be the Spanish Gypsies. In the 15th century, Gypsies who arrived in Spain after the fall of Byzantium settled along the southern coast in Andalusia. They adopted and reshaped local musical traditions, blending Moorish, Jewish and Spanish music and flamenco was born from this fusion. Flamenco has two main styles: the older cante grande and the more modern cante chico. The show we watched here really left an unforgettable impression.
On our next Andalusian trip we visited one of Spain’s greatest treasures, the Alhambra ğalace. We explored the Nasrid dynasty there. Later we wandered through the old city streets of Granada, discovering this magnificent city and its architecture. After that, we visited the white village of Frigiliana near Nerja and admired classic Spanish architecture. Finally we stopped in Ronda, famous for its breathtaking views and as the birthplace of the city. So, until the next Spain trip post, see you next time and I hope you enjoyed this post.
