Malaga - Nerja

On the easternmost part of the Costa del Sol lies Nerja, one of the most visited places in Spain. It is easy to see why it is so popular; all you have to do is take a look at its 9 km of beautiful beaches and the harmonious white houses of the town centre.
Set between Sierra Almijara and the Mediterranean Sea, and very close to many of Andalusia's treasures, this is a unique place in which to spend your holiday.

La Torrecilla beach

This delightful beach is very close to the Balcony of Europe, a famous viewpoint over the Mediterranean. When you aren't swimming in the warm transparent waters here, you will be able to walk along the lively seafront promenade to the centre of Nerja.
On either side of the beach there are small cliff-like areas inhabited by fish, crabs and octopi, so if you are keen on diving, go ahead put on your goggles and jump on in.
You can also hire pedaloes that will enable you to discover the area from the sea, as well as enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra Almijara mountains and the beautiful white houses in the outlying district.
The Hotel Riu Monica is set on the seafront, strategically located to ensure you enjoy both the waters of the Mediterranean and the numerous charms offered by the town centre.

Cala Barranco de Maro

Although it is difficult to find and to access, you won't regret having made the effort when you see it. Set between cliffs and totally unspoilt, the cove is bathed by calm, crystalline waters. Nearby is the mouth of the torrent that lends its name to the cove and which may bear water even in summer. In spite of its popularity amongst connoisseurs of the region, the cove is never crowded, so you will be able to enjoy a quiet day on the beach just a few kilometres from the centre of Nerja.

Cala del Cañuelo

Like the cove of Barranco de Maro, it is unspoilt and surrounded by mountains with lovely vegetation. At one end of the beach there is a rocky area, ideal for diving. The magical sunsets here are the perfect end to a wonderful day on the beach.

Walking

Tejeda and Almijara Nature Reserve
If you wish to discover the inland area on foot, this is where you should head. Several different easy itineraries leave from Frigiliana and Nerja. If you're lucky, you will be able to see a mountain goat or a golden eagle, both of which are extremely common in this area. The excursions that leave from Cómpeta are also worthwhile. Some places along the routes afford excellent views of the Mediterranean.
The lush, varied woods are yet another of this beautiful place's attractions. The rugged mountains are home to numerous species of trees: maritime pines, holm-oaks and cork-oaks, to name just a few.

Golf

The Costa del Sol around Malaga, also known as the Costa del Golf because of the numerous courses created over recent years, is one of the most prestigious destinations in Europe for practising this sport.

Añoreta Golf Club
This course affords fantastic views of the sea and is suitable for players of all levels. Its fairways are easy to play and its greens fast and undulating.

Baviera Golf
Located barely 20 km from Nerja, on this course you can enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the mountains.

Specialities

Seafood
As on the whole of the coast of Andalusia, fried fish including anchovies, small red mullets, squid, "puntillas" (tiny squid), sole and "puntillitas" (extra-small squid) amongst others, hold pride of place in the local gastronomy.
Other local delicacies are paprika with fish, clam soup or cod omelettes with molasses.

Wine
The quality of the wines of the Axarquia district is excellent. There are dries, semi-sweets and the smooth "aguapié", with a lower proportion of alcohol. The village of Cómpeta, a few kilometres from Nerja, has a great wine-growing tradition.

Shopping

Nerja offers a wide range of craft products. The most representative ones are those made of cane and esparto grass, which is used to make very strong baskets or mats; or leather and hide, used to manufacture bags and other items.
You will also find beautiful brass, coloured ceramic or even wrought iron objects. And there is no shortage of lovely furniture made of fine woods, which makes a fantastic souvenir of this wonderful place.

Going out

The central street of Antonio Millón is full of the most varied bars and discotheques: ranging from techno music to flamenco "tablaos", and including local "pachangueros". If you manage to last till dawn, you can try some "churros" with hot chocolate in one of the local cafes when they start opening up.

Nerja

Nerja is enchanting. Its old town has a lay-out of small, winding streets with white houses, pleasant parks and viewpoints to the sea of magnetic beauty. But there's much more to this town. Nerja also has very interesting architechture and fascinating geological sites that are well worth of a visit:

Cave of Nerja
Also known as the Prehistoric Cathedral, human remains and cave paintings found here prove the cave was inhabited from 25000 BC until the Bronze Age. The most impressive chamber is the Hall of the Cataclysm, where you can see the marks left by seismic movement that occurred in the region around 800,000 years ago.

Church of El Salvador
Built in the 17th century and renovated with Baroque additions a hundred years later, the church stands out for the interesting Mudejar roofing of its three naves.

Balcony of Europe
Set at the top of a small cliff overlooking the sea, is the so-called Balcony of Europe, a fantastic viewpoint that affords incomparable views of the town, the Mediterranean and the imposing Sierra Almijara mountains. If you don't take your camera along, you'll be sorry.

Puente del aguila
This impressive aqueduct lies in the heart of the countryside, very close to the cave. It was built to supply the former nearby sugar factory with water.

Maro cliffs

Very near Nerja, the sea and the mountains meet, creating imposing cliffs with beautiful unspoilt beaches on the bottom. This protected natural area that goes from Nerja to Almuñecar, has a rich fauna and flora, with numerous animal, plant and fish species.

Granada

Granada is a gift for the senses, where styles and traditions come together. Its spectacular palaces, lovely neighbourhoods, compelling flamenco and bustling cultural scene make Granada not only a must-see place, but also a must-feel place. Without a doubt, the symbol of the city is La Alhambra, the masterpiece of Muslim architecture in Spain.

La Alhambra: On the top of the Sabica hill, with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop, rises this unique fortified palace, an authentic architectural treasure in Arab-Muslim style. Its triple objective (it was conceived as a fortress, town and palace) makes La Alhambra a monumental and refined place at once, where the civil and military worlds related and brought influence to bear on one another.
The Alcazaba, with its imposing defensive towers that protected the palace from military attack, is the oldest structure in the enclosure.
Muslim decorative and ornamental art reaches the height of its splendour in the Casa Real, with spacious rooms typical of the era.
The Generalife, or "garden of paradise", houses what is the heart of the palace: the Patio de la Acequia, with a gallery of 18 delicate, elegant arches. Very close by is the Patio de los Cipreses, with a characteristic pond in its centre.
A good place for enjoying the incomparable beauty of this place is from the hill of the Albaicín, right opposite and with fantastic views.

The Albaicín and Sacromonte: Strolling around the Albaicín district will transport you to the town's Mudejar age. Its labyrinth of streets and typical white houses with small patios, flower and vegetable gardens are perfumed with jasmine and decorated with ivy and bougainvilleas. The exuberance of this place reaches its maximum expression with the privileged views it affords of La Alhambra.
Sacromonte, on the other hand, will delight you with its caves where gypsies still hold their flamenco parties to this day. Drop in one night to witness the authentic dances and songs like "la mosca" or "la casucha".

The Cathedral: An imposing construction over 60 metres in height. Renaissance in its conception but adorned with a beautiful Baroque façade, it was built on the site of the Great Nazari Mosque of the time. The beautiful decorations in the lateral chapels and the main chapel, with praying statues of the Catholic Monarchs, are particularly striking.

The sun and wine route

This interesting itinerary is a good way of discovering the region of La Axarquía. It runs along the coast from Algarrobo to Nerja and inland, passing through Frigiliana, Cómpeta, Canillas de Albaida, Sayalonga and Torrox:

Frigiliana: Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. In its narrow cobbled streets the urban network of its Mudejar origins remains intact to this day. The homogeneity of its white houses and excellent use of the space (some are constructed actually in the rock) are proof of the ingenuity of its inhabitants.

Algarrobo: Yet another example of the rich cultural legacy of Andalusia. This is the site of the Trayamar necropolis, one of the most important Phoenician sites ever found in the West. You will also be able to enjoy the delicious sweet wine that is produced in the village using traditional methods.

Cómpeta: The inhabitants of this town strive to keep it clean and pleasant, and a good example of this is Calle Barranco de Grana, which has received the regional beautification prize on several occasions. If you are in the area on 15th August don't miss the "Night of Wine", when you will be able to try the famous Muscatel.

Torrox: Like many other villages in the region, Torrox is divided into two distinct areas: Torrox pueblo and Torrox costa. The first, highlighted by its clustered white houses, has a clear Arab legacy. Torrox costa has the famous Clavicum remains, one of the most important Roman cities in the south of Spain. From a glass viewpoint you'll be able to see this city's layout, necropolis and thermal baths.