By Cove Johnson Rabidoux
With stunning water views and cave explorations, the beachside town of Nerja offers a memorable Spanish experience.
Pristine beach in Nerja, Spain. Yana Ralko. Pexels.
From Barcelona to Madrid, Spain has several renowned cities. Yet some of the country's most stunning sites are its small coastal towns. Nerja is one of those. Nestled along the Costa del Sol in the south of Spain, Nerja offers dramatic seaside cliffs, whitewashed streets and centuries of history all together.
One of the town’s best attractions is its Balcon de Europa. Situated in the town's center, this semicircular promenade is perched atop rocky cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. With panoramic views of the turquoise water below, it's easy to see why it’s become Nerja's most iconic landmark. You can stroll along the overlook or simply sit on one of the benches and take in the scenery. Plus, during my time there, various street performers were playing, adding to the overall serene atmosphere.
Now, let's not forget the beaches! Nerja has more than a dozen beaches, each equally awe-inspiring. Burriana Beach is the largest and most popular, offering calm waters, restaurants and activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. The area also has smaller coves, including Calahonda Beach, which provides a quieter atmosphere. But no matter where you go, you are sure to experience crystal-clear water and soft sand.
Swimmers at Nerja, Spain. El Hermeneuta Eclectico. CC BY-NC 2.0.
Below ground, Nerja has even more attractions in its caves. Just outside the town center lies the Cueva de Nerja, a cave system stretching nearly three miles. The enormous caves were home to prehistoric humans thousands of years ago. Now, you can go inside the caverns and explore the stalactites and stalagmites, some of the largest in the world.
But if you’re looking for more cityscapes, a quick walk through Old Town will do it. Filled with white-painted buildings decorated with flower pots, narrow streets and hidden alleyways, Nerja has a classic Mediterranean feel.
One notable stop in town is the Plaza de Espana. Located near the Balcon de Europa, this plaza is a popular venue for markets and activities. Depending on when you visit, you may encounter food vendors, a Carnival parade or other affairs. The plaza also features a sky-high Spanish flag, which made a perfect photo opp.
Plaza de Espana in Nerja, Spain. Yana Ralko. Pexels.
Finally, after a day of exploring, Nerja's waterfront restaurants provide the perfect place to unwind. While fresh seafood, particularly grilled sardines, is a local specialty, the region also offers tapas and tons of gelato shops.
Whether you're looking for spectacular views, local cuisine or a relaxing beach escape, Nerja is well worth adding to your Spanish itinerary.
Cove Johnson Rabidoux
Cove is an English student at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her writing can be found in the Daily Bruin, The Teen Magazine, Piece of Cake Magazine, and other publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling.