In the south of Spain, along the picture-perfect Costa del Sol, lies the seaside town of Nerja, located 50 kilometres east of Malaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia. As a former fishing village, Nerja is one of the few places on the Iberian Peninsula to have preserved its traditional charm. It offers a tranquil escape from the tourist crowds found in neighbouring cities, such as Marbella and Granada, and gives you the chance to discover one of Spain’s best-kept secrets at your leisure.
Nerja is the perfect holiday destination for beach lovers, boasting a number of Blue Flag beaches including Playa Burriana and Playa Torrecilla, located to the east of the town centre. One of the main perks of the town is its many pedestrianised streets, which are dotted with lively tapas bars, quaint cafés, and trendy boutiques around every corner, inviting you to explore local food and fashion.
The Nerja Caves
The Nerja Caves are a must-see attraction nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountain range, 158 metres above sea level. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest, in 2006, the Nerja Caves are a series of caverns that stretch for nearly five kilometres, offering visitors a captivating journey through millions of years of archaeological history. Once home to prehistoric hunters from the Stone Age, the cave walls are covered in Palaeolithic art depicting scenes of ancient life, ranging from rudimentary dots and lines to sophisticated representations of animals and human figures. For the night owls, consider going on an evening tour of the caves run by actor Miguel Joven, best known for his role as Tito in the Spanish television series Verano Azul. He will lead you through the dimly lit chambers as you soak up the magical ambience of the caves after dark.
Balcón de Europa
Recharge with a leisurely stroll along the Balcón de Europa, the perfect spot for people watching, enjoying street artists, and snapping pictures of the Mediterranean Sea. The promontory, perched atop a rocky outcrop that separates Calahonda Beach and El Salón Beach, offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline, sandy coves, and Sierra Almijara. In the 9th century, the site was occupied by the watchtower of an Arabic fortress; the defensive fortification was used by the Moors to protect against pirates and smugglers sailing around the coastline. Today, the observation point is a common stopover for tourists on their way to El Salvador Church, which is just around the corner. There are a number of telescopes in the area, allowing you to take full advantage of the stunning vistas.
While the iconic attractions in Nerja are popular for good reason, even if you’re just there for a couple of days, it’s worth going off-piste and adding some more unusual activities to the itinerary to make your trip even more memorable.
A Tapas Tour
Heading to Nerja for the weekend? Channel your inner foodie by indulging in some traditional Spanish cuisine on a tapas tour. Joining an organised tapas tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local food scene while discovering the best dining spots in town. Led by expert guides, these tours typically involve a visit to a selection of handpicked tapas bars, taverns, and restaurants, allowing you to try out tasty appetisers made from freshly sourced ingredients, paired with local wines or cerveza (beer). From classic Spanish snacks such as patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), to regional specialities like pescaíto frito (fried fish) and salmorejo (Andalusian tomato soup), each stop offers a tantalising taste of Spanish gastronomy. An organised tapas tour is also a great way to learn more about Spanish food from knowledgeable guides and mingle with fellow food enthusiasts.
For those who’d prefer to chart their own culinary course, a self-guided tapas tour allows for flexibility while you work your way through Nerja’s most delicious eateries. If you choose this option, it’s worth arming yourself with recommendations from locals, guidebooks, or doing some internet research so that you can plan your tapas trail accordingly. Be sure to sample a variety of tapas, from seafood delights such as boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies) and pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), to meaty treats such as albóndigas (meatballs) and chorizo al vino (chorizo in wine sauce). For the non-meat eaters there are plenty of vegetarian tapas dishes to choose from, including tortilla española (Spanish omelette), berenjenas fritas con miel (fried eggplant with honey), and pimientos del padrón (roasted peppers stuffed with cheese).
Exploring Frigiliana’s archaeological history
On day two of your weekend getaway to Nerja, take a trip to the picturesque town of Frigiliana, one of Andalusia’s ‘pueblos blancos’ or white towns lined with gorgeous whitewashed buildings characteristic of Cádiz and Malaga. Frigiliana is located on the slopes of Sierra Almijara, 25 minutes away from Nerja. Stepping into Frigiliana’s Moorish old quarter is like stepping back in time as you wander through the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets adorned with fuchsia bougainvillea and ceramic mosaics.
Discover the town’s rich cultural heritage by heading to the Archaeological Museum of Frigiliana, located in the Casa del Apero, a granary dating back to the 17th century, allowing you to trace Frigiliana’s history from the Neolithic era to the present day. You can explore how Frigiliana’s strategic hilltop location made it a coveted stronghold throughout history, with evidence of Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish settlements shaping its identity over the centuries.
Discovering Andalusia’s lost village
Venture off the beaten track to Acebuchal, a cosy hamlet known as Andalusia’s lost village, located in the heart of the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park. Tucked away in the mountains, this hidden gem was abandoned during the Spanish Civil War and lay deserted for decades before being restored by its residents in recent years, breathing life into the hamlet once again. Today, Acebuchal is occupied by over 30 small dwellings, a tavern, and a chapel.
There is a scenic and moderately challenging hiking trail from Frigiliana to Acebuchal, which is approximately 7 km one way or 14 km for a round trip. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and countryside. You’ll pass through fragrant pine forests, olive groves, and meadows strewn with wildflowers, providing plenty of opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including birds of prey, mountain goats, and wild boar, which are occasionally spotted in the area.
Where to Stay
Carabeo 99: Experience world-class service at this luxury 5-star resort located in the town centre of Nerja, a few minutes’ walk from multiple beaches including Playa Carabeillo and Burriana Beach. Carabeo 99 is also an 8-minute walk from Balcón de Europa and Parque Verano Azul, putting you in an ideal location to reach the major attractions in the area. The spacious apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with spectacular sea views.
Hotel Balcón de Europa: Built into a cliff face, this beachfront resort boasts one of the best locations in Nerja, sandwiched between Playa la Caletilla and Playa Calahonda, putting it in a prime spot for sightseeing. The resort features a variety of amenities including an outdoor infinity swimming pool and a sauna. Rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and parking is available 200 metres from the property, maximising your comfort and convenience.
Hotel Riu Monica: This adults-only resort is located across the road from Playa de la Torrecilla, 400 yards from El Salón Beach, and 450 yards from El Playazo Beach, giving you the chance to soak up the sun at a range of beaches right on your doorstep. It is also situated close to a handful of highly-rated tapas bars, pubs, and restaurants. Each room has free Wi-Fi, air conditioning or heating depending on the season, a flat-screen TV, and either a balcony or a terrace with beautiful sea views.
How to Get There
The quickest way to get from the UK to Nerja is to fly to Malaga Airport (AGP), which takes around three hours, and then pre-book an airport transfer with Shuttle Direct to get to your accommodation. Flights start from as little as £34, with various airlines operating direct flights from the UK to Malaga Airport, including RyanAir, easyJet, and British Airways.
By booking with Shuttle Direct in advance, you can avoid the hassle of waiting for taxis or navigating public transportation upon your arrival and guarantee a smooth start to your holiday. The onward trip from the airport will take under an hour.
Overview
UK to AGP flight time: 2 hours 55 minutes
AGP to Nerja distance: 73 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 53 minutes
Types of Transfer
When it comes to pre-booking your Malaga airport transfer, there are various options available to suit different types of travellers, budgets, and requirements. Here are some of the common types of transfers.
Taxi: With a pre-booked airport taxi, Malaga to Nerja is a seamless transfer from pickup to drop-off. For those seeking convenience and flexibility, a taxi is an ideal choice as it ensures door-to-door service, prompt arrival at your destination, and the ability to travel according to your own schedule without the need for additional stops. Your taxi will be waiting for you at the airport ready to take you to your accommodation without delay.
Shuttle bus: A shuttle bus offers a cost-effective option for travellers on a budget. You’ll meet at a designated point at Malaga Airport and travel with other passengers to a central drop-off point at your destination. A shuttle bus is suitable for those who don’t mind sharing the ride with other passengers, have a bit more time to spare, and are looking for an affordable airport transfer.
Private transfer: With a private transfer, Malaga Airport to Nerja is a smooth and stress-free journey from start to finish. This type of transfer is perfect for people who prioritise privacy, comfort, and a personalised service. The benefits include flexibility in scheduling and the ability to tailor the journey according to specific preferences.
Minibus transfer: For group travel, a minibus transfer from Malaga Airport to Nerja is the best option, as you have a larger capacity vehicle to transport all your luggage and you’ll be able to travel with the rest of your family or friends – making the logistics so much easier.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Your choice of transfer from Malaga Airport to Nerja will impact your overall holiday experience. While some travellers prioritise cost saving measures, others are willing to pay a little extra for an added level of comfort and convenience. At Shuttle Direct, we understand that every traveller has different priorities, that’s why we offer a range of different options to meet your specific needs.
Cost:
For budget-conscious travellers, selecting the right transfer option means seeking out the most economical option. You can cut costs by ridesharing and opt for a shuttle bus, which is a cheaper option than a taxi or private transfer as you travel with fellow travellers heading in the same direction. Even though shuttle buses don’t offer a personalised service and might take a bit longer due to multiple stops along the way, rest assured that Shuttle Direct never compromises on your comfort or safety.
Convenience:
If your most important considerations are ease and efficiency, and you value your time and comfort above all else, a pre-booked taxi or private transfer are the best options for you. They offer door-to-door service, complete flexibility, and eliminate the need to ride with other passengers. Having the luxury of your own personal driver will cost a bit extra but is well worth the investment if you prioritise a seamless and stress-free journey.
About Shuttle Direct
With our extensive global network, Shuttle Direct ensures prompt, reliable, and comfortable transportation from the airport to your destination. Our experienced drivers prioritise your safety, while our user-friendly booking system and dedicated customer support guarantee a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Enjoy competitive rates without compromising on quality. Whether for business or leisure, trust Shuttle Direct to make your journey as smooth as possible. Book now and experience the difference firsthand.
