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> You are in the Nerja Visitors sectionNerja is located on the eastern side of the Costa del Sol just 50 kilometers
from Malaga.
The once sleepy fishing village, now has a population of around 20,000.
Nerja is a thriving holiday destination boasting 16 kilometers of sandy beaches with clear waters, and tourist attractions such as the famous Nerja caves and the Balcon de Europa. Fortunately Nerja has managed to avoid the over build of high-rise apartment blocks and retains its charm and character as a true Spanish beach and town destination.
Balcon de Europa | Nerja Caves | Places to Visit | Beach Guide | Activities | Fiestas | Weddings | Language Schools
One of Nerjas central focal points is the impressive Balcon de Europa. Built in 1487, it was formally a IX Century Castle. Two ancient cannons positioned at the the end of the Balcon de Europa are a reminder that until 1812 there was a fortress at the top of the cliffs. Today the large balcony/plaza is a favorite meeting point and venue for a stroll or an ideal spot to sit back and watch the world go by.
The large promenade leading to the Balcon de Europa is overlooked by hotels, bars and restaurant terraces.
To the west side of the plaza you will find the charming El Salvador Church built in traditional Baroque-mudejar style dating from 1697.
El Salvador church, first built in 1505, is one of the oldest buildings
in the town. In 1697 the structure of the church as we know it today was
erected and further extensions to the church were made during 1776 and
1792. El Salvador has a typical layout in the shape of a cross. The central
area of the church is made up of a wooden framework. At the end of each
side there are vaulted ceilings with large windows. Inside you will find
18th century Granadine frescoes which are beautifully decorating the Evangeline
nave. Another highlight inside the church is the wonderful mural of the
annunciation which was drawn by Francisco Hernandez - an Azarquian painter.
The roof of the church houses an impressive four-sided bell tower, which
dates back to 1724.
View
on our interactive map
Balcon de Europa | Nerja Caves | Places to Visit | Beach Guide | Activities | Fiestas | Weddings | Language Schools
Only as recently as the late 1950's were the caves of Nerja rediscovered by five local boys while out exploring. They found a hole, covered with bushes that seemed to go somewhere. After several attempts they finally squeezed through a narrow passageway practically blocked with fallen rock and discovered the entrance. The rest is history. The boys names are engraved on a plaque at the entrance to the cave not just out of recognition of their bravery but also for the contribution it made to turning Nerja into more than just a small but successful fishing village.
People came by the bus load from all over Spain to inspect this ancient hole in the ground. Ayo now renowned for his giant paellas cooked over a roaring fire used to show the folks round before setting up one of the first beach restaurants on Burriana.
The caves of Nerja are actually located in Maro. A small village to the east of Nerja.
The wealth of the villagers of Maro has substantially increased since their discovery and house prices in Maro are the most expensive in the area. Plus every year on the 15th May the surrounds of the cave also play host to the annual Romeria San Isidro having been moved from a hilltop just above Nerja in the early eighties.
The Caves of Nerja are one of the wonders of the modern world. With the special lighting effects one feels one is exploring the inner secrets of a fairy grotto. The Ballet Hall forms a natural amphitheatre with natural acoustics that create an amazing surround sound experience. The annual festival at the end of July is a cultural event to be experienced. Most of the worlds stars of opera, ballet, music and flamenco have appeared there since it all started back in the 1970's.
Since the discovery of lower halls in the seventies, accompanied pot holing tours are now available.
Opening Hours
10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:30.
In July and August, the evening visiting hours are from 16:00 to 20:00
Length of typical tour is 45 minutes.
TECHNICAL DATA
Length of the cavity: 7,219.28 m.
Breadth of spans: 67.95 metres (32.99 + 34.96)
Total Surface area: 35,484 m2
Total Volume: 264,379.33 m3
Only one-third of the halls are open for tourists:
The low galleries (Entrance Hall, Crèche Hall, Elephant Eye-Tooth Hall,
Ballet Hall, Phantoms Hall and Cataclysm Hall)
One can now visit the High Halls which were discovered in 1960 and the
New Galleries, discovered in 1970, but only for limited groups of pot
holers.
Balcon de Europa | Nerja Caves | Places to Visit | Beach Guide | Activities | Fiestas | Weddings | Language Schools
El Barco de Chanquete - The boat of Chanquete
The boat of Chanquete is a true symbol of the start of tourism for Nerja.
Antonio Mercero was a film producer who was responsible for the well know
Spanish television program "Verano Azul". The series is about the adventures
of a group of youngsters during their Summer holidays. The seven kids:
Quique, Javi, Pancho, Bea, Desi, Tito and Piraña, within an age range
of eight to sixteen, meet there two adults, with whom they share many
new experiences, Julia, a painter, and Chanquete, an old, wise and lovable
retired sailor who lives in a boat set on a hilltop.
La Dorada, the boat placed on "terra firma" that serves as Chanquete's
home, was actually a set made specifically for the series, the real (proper)
boat named La Dorada seen on display in the "Verano Azul" park-museum
in Nerja, is a replica made later on by Tourist Council for promotion
purposes.
Nowadays there's a street in Nerja named after each one of the main characters/members
of the cast of the series (e.g. Mara Garraln "Julia", Miguel
Joven "Tito") and of course, the street next to Verano Azul
is Calle Antonio Ferrandiz Chanquete.
The show ran for 18 episodes and was as popular then as Eastenders is
today! Rumors are they are trying to bring back "Verano Azul"...
Watch this space.
Puente del Águila - Aqueduct
The Puente del Águila is a 19th century Aqueduct built to take water from Nerja in to the mills of the old sugar factory of San Joaqun in Maro. It is located directly between Nerja and Maro and is an amazing site to see. Note the statue of the eagle from where the aqueduct takes its name, located high above the central point. click here to view on map
Rapto de Europa - Monument
On the N-340 coast road from Torrox, at the entrance to the town of Nerja, stands an impressive sculpture by Aurelio Teno known as the Rapto de Europa (the abduction of Europe. The sculpture was commissioned to commemorate Spains entry in to the European community in January 1986.
Nerjas old town
Nerjas old town retains the charm and atmosphere of this typical Andalucian fishing village. Most of the town houses and business premises in the old quarter have remained unchanged and unaffected by the housing and tourism boom over the past years. As you stroll down the winding narrow streets with white washed houses admire the floral decoration the cascade from terraces into the street.
Take a walk from the Balcon de europa and follow Calle Pintada to Orange square, turn to the right and lose yourself in the back streets and enjoy a beer or taps in one of the old bars. Don't worry about getting lost, there will always be a helpful Nerjenion nearby to point you in the right direction!
Balcon de Europa | Nerja Caves | Places to Visit | Beach Guide | Activities | Fiestas | Weddings | Language Schools
Nerja boasts some of the most picturesque beaches and coves in southern Spain. The coastline is quite rugged and rocky, most of the beaches are very sheltered, Burrianna beach, however, is a long wide pretty tourist spot with many bars and restaurants.
Burriana Beach
Burriana beach is about 800 meters long located in a bay to the very East
of Nerja, directly below the Capistrano area of town. The beach has recently
been modnerised and now includes more designated sun bathing areas, extra
volley ball courts, a much improved children's adventure play area and
lots more palm trees and vegetation.
The beach itself is a mixture of fine sand and pebbles making it quite
easy to walk on and not uncomfortable to sun bathe.
Palm umbrellas and sun-beds are for hire.
All the usual facilities are available, with a wide selection of restaurants
and bar/cafes, both on the beach and very close to it.
Along side the main promenade there is a parade of shops that cater for
all your beach needs as well as souvenirs and shopping.
For the more adventurous there are a selection of water sports on offer
including scuba-diving, paragliding, banana boat rides canoe hire etc.
Burriana has has everything on offer, sit back and soak up the sun and enjoy a paella cooked over an open fire on the beach, then after take a dip in clear Mediterranean waters.
Playazo Beach
Playazo Beach is located on the western side of Nerja, Playazo is one of the longest beaches in Nerja made up of pebbles and a few sandy areas. The beach is very popular with the Spanish and in the summer it is quite normal for a family to set up camp with a barbeque, cool box and a tent for the whole weekend.
The beach lacks some of the facilities seen on Burriana, however, there are toilets, changing areas, a fitness/gym area, table tennis, children's play area, a snack bar selling ice creams, drinks etc and 5 beach restaurants and a hotel. During week days the beach is relatively deserted, but it comes alive at the weekends.
The restaurants along the beach offer a wide variety of cuisine from snacks and burgers to traditional fish and paella.
Torrecilla Beach
Torrecilla beach is at the bottom of Calle Castillo Perez just along from Playazo beach. The beach is fairly sandy with a promanade running along side. There are various restaurants and hotels as well as shower facilities. Sun-bed hire is available with umbrellas and pedallo hire.
Salon Beach - Calahonda Beach - Carebeo Beach
The beaches of Salon, Calahonda and Carebeo are located either side and next to the Balcon de Europa. These beaches are very secluded and surrounded by rocks.
Local Nerja fishermen still keep there boats on Calahonda beach and can been seen daily pulling their boats onto the beach bringing the days catch in. All three beaches have designated sun bathing areas with sun bed hire available. Shower facilities are on offer and Calahonda has a beach restaurant with a varied menu.
The sheltered waters and sandy sea bed are ideal for bathing.
Balcon de Europa | Nerja Caves | Places to Visit | Beach Guide | Activities | Fiestas | Weddings | Language Schools
For the more adventuress types, why not try some of the more exhilarating activities that Nerja has to offer like horse riding, mountain jeep tours, quad biking, paintball, off road biking, rock climbing, canyoning and fishing.
As you can imagine aqua sports play a big part here in Nerja and include, water skiing, scuba diving, wind surfing and snorkelling in one of the many secluded coves along the coast.
During the winter months you can even try your hand at skiing and snow boarding in the near by Sierra Nevada mountains as well as tobogganing and mountain biking.
For those just looking for a more relaxing holiday, why not enjoy the natural surroundings by going on one of the many nature Walks in the Nerja and Frigiliana mountains.
Balcon de Europa | Nerja Caves | Places to Visit | Beach Guide | Activities | Fiestas | Weddings | Language Schools
Nerja Festival dates
Balcon de Europa | Nerja Caves | Places to Visit | Beach Guide | Activities | Fiestas | Weddings | Language Schools
information
Balcon de Europa | Nerja Caves | Places to Visit | Beach Guide | Activities | Fiestas | Weddings | Language Schools
Whatever your reasons for improving your Spanish language skills, whether its just for fun on your holiday or even to study for a long period, Nerja has many professional schools on offer.
There are many levels of schools here in Nerja, from Intensive to Business courses, from Advanced Spanish to Refresher courses, you can choose a course that fits in with your academic, personal or professional commitments.
Most of the schools have more of a Personal Approach, with a maximum of eight students per class, you can then develop at your own pace and if you have any problems then a tutor will always be on hand to answer and questions you have.
Accommodation whilst you learn.
Many of the language schools can offer you accommodation whilst you are here in Nerja, from staying in a family home, a private apartment, shared apartment or a hotel/hostel.
The language schools in Nerja are all about having fun whilst you learn, Some of the language schools even offer Social Activities such as Cooking Classes, Flamenco dancing, and if you still have some energy left you can then participate in many of the Sport Activities like volleyball, basketball, tennis and even scuba diving.
Students come to Nerja from more than 30 different countries, from Asia to North America, and from Africa to Australia. Here you will meet and interact with different cultures, and personalities and most importantly make new friends from all over the world!
Balcon de Europa | Nerja Caves | Places to Visit | Beach Guide | Activities | Fiestas | Weddings | Language Schools
