Found on the sunny corner of Southern Spain, the resort of Nerja boasts stunning sandy beaches to relax in the day and a lively nightlife that keeps you partying all night.
We’re all at that point in winter when we just want a bit of sun and to relax and refuel. Nerja might just be the perfect destination for a warm winter break with your pals. There are 10 beaches to choose from, each one offering an array of sporting activities, as well as a range of cafes and restaurants. After midnight, this Spanish resort also comes to life with crowds swarming towards the 25 bars and clubs that play banging tunes until sunrise.
Beaches in Nerja
Playa Playazo
Located just outside the city centre, Playa Playazo is the largest beach in the area. Less developed than other areas, it is also less crowded, providing you with the ideal space to play beach volleyball with your mates or blast out some music through your speakers without bothering the people around you. With coarse and dark sand, you might consider renting a sunbed from the lifeguards. There are also showers and toilets available, as well as four beach restaurants.
Playa de Torrecilla
One of the most popular beaches in Nerja, Torrecilla provides you with every amenity you could possibly need. With restaurants, bars, kiosks and shops, as well as toilets, showers and a beach library, you can easily spend the day here.
Insider Tip: This beach can get quite busy, so it is worth getting there a little early if you want to find a nice spot.
Playa de Maro
Often described as a ‘paradise’, Playa de Maro boasts crystal clear water, beautiful waterfalls and stunning underwater caves. It’s a fantastic location to go snorkelling or diving, particularly as fish are abundant in this area. I’d also recommend sea kayaking. Rowing from Burriana to Maro is a popular and non-technical route that will provide you and your mates with a lot of laughs (just picture everyone spinning in circles because they can’t coordinate their paddles!).
Playa de Burriana
This stretch of sand is Nerja most beloved beach… and you’ll quickly discover why! It offers every sporting activity you could want, from volleyball to kayaking, from pedalos to diving schools, and, if you’re willing to splash out a little, you can even rent jet skis or go parasailing. Another great selling point is its bars and restaurants. The paella from the local chiringuitos has gained acclaim among tourists and locals alike.
Partying after Sundown
Nerja is the very incarnation of a great night out. One option is to go to the Balcon area. With a less touristy feel to it, these streets are brought to life by artists, dancers, musicians and craft sellers. The most popular place to hang out, though, is the Piazza Tutti Frutti. Bars in this square are open until 4am and regularly host happy hours and live bands. You can then head over to one of the many clubs and dance until dawn (literally – some places close as late as 7am!).
Bars and Pubs
- Cochran’s: This Irish pub offers a wide range of beers and Guinness to be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the sea.
- Malibu Cocktail Bar: With soft music playing in the background and reasonably priced cocktails (I hear the mojito is particularly good), it’s a great spot to chat with friends.
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Clubs
- Rockefeller Lounge: Blasting out R&B, Latin and House music, this club has an unbeatable atmosphere. Their themed parties have quite a reputation.
- H20: With a large dancefloor in the main lounge, you can get down to some hip-hop, electro and dance music. It’s always buzzing with young people looking for a good time.
- Jimmy’s: This club is where you want to end your night. With great music, light shows and free entrance before 2:45am, it’s the perfect choice.
Where to Stay
California: Located by the beach and boasting an outdoor swimming pool, this hotel is a great place to stay. The centre of town is within walking distance and there are loads of bars, restaurants and cafes nearby. There’s satellite TV in all rooms, as well as free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Bajamar: This hotel boasts comfortable air-conditioned rooms with TV, hairdryers and natural lighting. There’s also a rooftop swimming pool with sun loungers to chill out on if you fancy a break from the beach.
Hotel Puerta del Mar: Just two minutes away from the beach, this hotel is ideally located. It boasts a rooftop saltwater pool, sun terrace and a lovely courtyard. All rooms are equipped with flat-screens, hairdryers and safes.
How to Get to Nerja
The easiest way of getting to your sunny resort is by flying to Malaga Airport. A range of budget airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet, offer direct 3-hour flights from London. When you are travelling in a group, splitting the cost of an airport transfer is essentially the same as using public transport (and with 75km to cover, a lot less hassle!). Pre-book a transfer with Shuttle Direct and you will get to Nerja in less than an hour.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct’s fast and convenient transfers have made them the leading transfer provider in Europe and North Africa. Choose between a group, share or private shuttle that suits your budget. You can pre-book all your travel arrangement in advance via their website.
