Nerja, in Spain's Andalucia, is an old fishing village set in magnificent scenery 50 km east of Malaga. The towering mountain peaks, shaded valleys and tumbling streams of the wild, 40,662 sq hectare Parque Natural de las Sierras de Tejeda Almijara y Alhama sweep down to the outskirts of the town on three sides; on the fourth a chain of sandy, rock girt beaches, where fishermen haul up their traditional brightly painted boats, create some of the most stunning and unspoiled coastal views on the Costa del Sol.
All this makes Nerja one of the best bases for walking in Spain; there are treks to suit everyone; challenging mountain hikes for the seasoned walker, less demanding walk routes across the coast or lower slopes, and gentle strolls through pine-clad valleys or the winding streets of Nerja itself and the nearby mountain villages.
Walking Routes Around Nerja
Nerja offers a complete spectrum of walking:
- For gentler walks, there's no need to go beyond Nerja itself; its winding streets, rocky bays, and the banks of the Rio Chillar offer many attractive options.
- Then, barely a mile from the heart of Nerja, the Balcon de Europa, you'll find yourself strolling through olive groves and orchards, free to range for miles over ancient trails and mule tracks winding across the mountains and along the coast.
- Within a radius of only 10 km, the more ambitious walker will find many challenging peaks to scale, such as the craggy ridge of El Fuerte (986 m), or the towering mass of El Cielo (1,508 m).
- Others may choose from many shorter and less demanding walks, strolling through the orchards to the pretty hilltop Ermita de San Isidro for example, or tracing the tumbling course of the Rios Chillar and Higueron to the white mountain pueblo of Frigiliana.
More Distant Walks
Nerja is well served by public transport, and a ten-minute ride on one of the frequent buses to Frigiliana or Maro carry the hiker to good jumping off points for a whole series of walks deeper into the mountains of the Parque Natural de las Sierras Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama.
With a car, most of the villages along the southern edge of the natural park are within 30-40 mnutes' drive, and the whole park lies at your feet.
Facilities for Walkers in Nerja
Above all, Nerja is a walker-friendly town.
- Many routes are well signed, but signs are not always reliable, and it's unwise to venture into the mountains without reliable directions and a map.
- The local English language bookshop, W.H Smiffs in Calle Cristo, offers a good range of maps, walking guides and books.
- A number of individuals and organisations arrange guided group walks, including private guides like Elma Thompson , and the Nerja Ayuntamiento (enquire at the Tourist Office).
- Some groups, including the Torrox based Walk Andalucia arrange all-provided guided walking holidays.
Examples of Walks Around Nerja
A walk from Frigiliana to Nerja.
The Liman mountain Trail from Frigiliana to Maro.
Climbing El Fuerte.
Other Ways to Enjoy Nerja
But Nerja is far more than just a walk centre. It's a splendid holiday centre which manages to maintain its traditional atmosphere while offering stunning scenery, glorious beaches, a wide range of cultural activities, and a host of good places to eat especially for seafood. Don't neglect to explore this charming little town between your walks.
Tony Allen - In 2004 I began my "fourth career" as a freelance writer. In my first career, after training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, I ...
