Nerja
A whitewashed town on the eastern Costa del Sol (Málaga), between the Almijara mountains and the sea. Told by people who live here.
Today in Nerja · Saturday 31 October
liveNerja in a minute
Nerja is the last town on the Costa del Sol before Granada province, 50 km east of Málaga. Its old town of white streets ends at the Balcón de Europa, a clifftop promenade over the sea, and behind it rise the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama.
Along the coast you'll find town beaches and quieter coves that run east to Maro, its small village, and the protected Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs. On the way to Maro are the Nerja Caves, discovered in 1959. Many Spaniards know the town from Verano Azul, the TV series filmed here and first aired in 1981.
It's a real town all year round, not just a resort: read its history or start with Nerja in a day, a morning-to-night itinerary.
- Population
- 22,132 (latest census)
- Beaches and coves
- About 20, from the town to Maro
- Blue Flag
- Burriana, Torrecilla, Maro, El Playazo-El Chucho
- Best time
- May to October for the beach; spring and autumn for hiking
- Málaga Airport (AGP)70 km · about 1 h by car
- From Málaga city50 km on the A-7, toll-free
- ALSA coachFrom Málaga in 1 h 15 min, €5-7
Nerja must-sees
If you only have a day or two, start here.
Balcón de Europa4.7 · 32,013 reviews
Nerja Caves4.6 · 41,418 reviews
Maro4 km from the centre
Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs4.7 · 8,534 reviews
Río Chillar4.5 · 483 reviews
Maro Waterfall4.2 · 501 reviews
Plan your visit
Depending on when you come and who with.
Nerja month by month
Weather, sea temperature, fiestas and what is open each month.
Ideas for your trip
Plans picked for each kind of visit.
Upcoming fiestas
What is celebrated next in Nerja and Maro.
- 1 NOVMaroween 2026Tomorrow
- 22 NOVChoto Day in MaroIn 22 days
- 2 DEC – 6 JANChristmas and New Year in NerjaIn 32 days
- 20 DECLas Protegidas Living NativityIn 50 days
Where to eat and stay
Hiking from Nerja
One easy, one moderate and one for the fit, with distance and climb.
Maro Cliffs: Walk to the Torre de Maro4.6 km+120 mEasy- Río Chillar15.1 km+300 mModerate
Pico del Cielo Hike from the Nerja Caves19.6 km+1,500 mHard
Map of Nerja
Beaches, landmarks, restaurants and car parks.
From the blog
16 Facts About Nerja You Probably Didn't KnowNerja hides fascinating secrets: from 42,000-year-old cave paintings to Guinness World Records, plus its surprising connection to a beloved Spanish TV series. Discover 16 facts that will amaze you.
Nerja vs Frigiliana vs Torrox: A Complete Guide to Choosing Where to StayNerja, Frigiliana, or Torrox? Three charming villages in Málaga's Axarquía region that each offer a completely different experience. We help you decide which one is right for you.
Verano Azul in Nerja: Filming Locations and Walking RouteVerano Azul was filmed in Nerja in 1979–1980. Walk its locations: the replica of Chanquete’s boat, the statue, the Balcón de Europa, Julia’s house and Burriana beach. Plus the cast, the 19 episodes and where to watch the series.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Nerja?
Nerja is 50 km east of Málaga on the toll-free A-7 motorway. Málaga Airport is about 70 km away, roughly an hour by car, and the ALSA coach from Málaga bus station takes 1 h 15 min. Nerja has no train station.
Getting to Nerja by car, coach, taxi or train →When is the best time to visit Nerja?
May to October for the beach, with the warmest sea at the end of summer. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, and winter is mild and quiet.
Nerja weather by area →What are the best beaches in Nerja?
Burriana is the largest and best-equipped; Calahonda and El Salón sit below the Balcón de Europa, and the Maro coves such as El Cañuelo are the most natural.
All beaches in Nerja and Maro →Is Maro worth visiting?
Yes. Maro is a small village belonging to Nerja, about 4 km from the centre, with the Maro waterfall, beaches and coves below the protected Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs.
Maro guide →What is the weather like in Nerja today?
Up at the top, in "Today in Nerja", you have the live temperature, sea temperature, sea state and jellyfish risk. The multi-day forecast is on the weather page.
Nerja weather forecast →Is Nerja worth it out of season?
Yes: in autumn and winter there are fewer people, highs are around 16-18 °C and the Caves, the Balcón de Europa, the trails and most restaurants stay open.
Nerja off season →