Once a fishing village, the delightful resort of Nerja is the gem of the Costa del Sol, and still retains the character and charm which first made this part of Andalucia such an attractive holiday area. Perched above a chain of sandy,rock girt coves, against a spectacular backdrop of mountains it offers a wide spectrum of accommodation, restaurants and shops from the sophisticated to the simple, or tipico, and fascinating glimpses of the rich social and cultural life of Andalucia.
For visitors who choose to explore beyond the beach and town, there's a wide variety of interesting things to see and do along the coast, in the mountains, and in the nearby towns and villages. This short article describes just a few of the wide selection of tourist attractions and holiday activities around Nerja.
The Natural Park of the Sierras of Tejeda Almijara and Alhama
The Parque Natural de las Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama is a magnificent area of soaring mountain peaks riven by steep valleys and rushing mountain streams, with barely a house or road within its perimeter. The mountains stretch down to the outskirts of Nerja and extend over more than 400 square kilometres, with the tallest, La Maroma, standing 2080 metres high. Towering above Nerja itself is El Cielo (1508 metres).
Things to do within the park include:
- Walking. A vast network of footpaths and old mule tracks traverse the sierras, offering a limitless range of walks from gentle strolls to challenging ascents, all within a setting of great beauty. For those who wish to explore for themselves, good maps and a range of walking guides are available from Smiffs, the bookshop in Calle Cristo in Nerja. A number of individuals and groups organise guided walks, and there are also companies like Walk Andalucia which also offers all-found walking holidays.
- Horse Riding. Many of the mountain trails are suitable for both walking and horse riding, and several stables offer both horses for hire and organised riding expeditions.
- Wildlife Studies. The park offers a stunning display of wildlowers, especially between February and May, and is also an excellent area for birdwatching and butterfly spotting. The sharp eyed visitor may also get the chance to see one of the many small groups of the spectacularly horned ibex or wild goat.
- Trail Driving. For those of a more sedentary inclination, it's possible to explore some parts of the park in a 4x4 vehicle or to join a guided quadbike or motorcycle expedition.
More about the Natural Park of Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama.
The Caves of Nerja
Discovered by local boys in 1959, these spectacular caves near Maro, just 10 minutes drive from Nerja, are now the second most visited tourist attraction in Spain. The towering vaults of the underground chambers have spectacular formations of stalagmites and stalactites, as well as a series of prehistoric rock paintings.
The Mountain Village of Frigiliana
Mules still clatter up the steep, winding streets of this beautiful example of a traditional Andalucian white pueblo. During its colourful history, related on a series of tiled murals around the village, it was one of the main centres of the last Moorish rebellion. It has attractive village architecture, an old Moorish quarter, an iteresting museum, and is an excellent start point for many mountain walks.
La Marina del Este
Under half an hour's drive east of Nerja is the luxurious Marina del Este. Although it was only recently built, it's attractive waterfront mirrors the traditional architectural style of the area, and includes quayside bars and restaurants, and moorings for a large number of palatial boats including sailing yachts.
Almunecar
This large coastal town lies about half an hour's drive through the beautiful mountain scenery east of Nerja. Still showing evidence of its original Phoenician settlement and subsequent occupation by Romans and Moors, its turbulent history includes pirate attacks and bombardment in the Peninsular War. Sights to see include the astonishing Phoenicia/Roman fish salting factory, the Moorish/Spanish fortress of San Miguel,a Museum, a Roman aqueduct and other archaeological remains
Conclusion
These are only a few of the tourist attractions and holiday activities in and around Nerja, not least of which is a splendid choice of golden sandy beaches.
For more ideas see:
Nerja's Beaches
More information on Nerja.
More about walking in Axarquia.
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 ...
