Things to Do in Nerja
Landmarks, viewpoints, coves and trails: what not to miss in Nerja and Maro, with prices and visiting times.
The 20 must-sees in Nerja
Nerja is easy to see in two or three days: the centre is walkable and Maro is 4 km away. This is our list, from the essentials to what is worth it if you have more time. Only have one day? See Nerja in a day.
1. Balcón de Europa
4.7 · 32,013 reviews
The clifftop viewpoint where the old town ends, and Nerja's most photographed spot. It's quieter first thing in the morning or at sunset; steps lead down from here to Calahonda beach.
30 min Free
How to get there and tips2. Nerja Caves
4.6 · 41,418 reviews
One of the largest caves in Andalusia, discovered in 1959, with huge chambers and the Cataclysm column. The visit takes about 50 minutes with an audio guide, and it stays around 19 ºC inside all year.
1 h 30 min including travel €16 online (includes the Nerja Museum); 60 free tickets Monday to Friday at 9:15 for EU citizens
How to get there and tips3. Old town
Narrow whitewashed streets between the Balcón and Plaza de los Cangrejos, such as Pintada, Carabeo and Calle del Cristo, with shops, tapas bars and flower-filled balconies.
1-2 h Free
How to get there and tips4. Burriana and Calahonda beaches
4.5 · 19,441 reviews
Burriana is the largest and best-equipped beach; Calahonda is a small cove with fishing boats right below the Balcón. The rest are in our beach guide.
Half a day Free
How to get there and tips5. Maro
Nerja's small village, 4 km away: white houses, the Iglesia de las Maravillas, views over the farmland and a path down to Maro beach.
1 h (plus the beach) Free
How to get there and tips6. Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs
4.7 · 8,534 reviews
A protected stretch of cliffs and coves between Nerja and La Herradura. It is best seen from the sea, by kayak or boat, or along the coastal paths.
Half a day Free (activities extra)
How to get there and tips7. Maro waterfall
4.2 · 501 reviews
It falls straight into the sea next to Maro beach. You only get a good view from the water, which makes it the highlight of kayak and boat trips.
2-3 h with the activity Depends on the activity
How to get there and tips
8. Río Chillar
4.5 · 483 reviews
The walk up the riverbed to the Cahorros gorge. Note: the town council closed access in August 2023 because of the wildfire risk, and it is still closed.
4-6 h Closed
How to get there and tips9. Iglesia de El Salvador
4.6 · 312 reviews
Nerja's main parish church, between Plaza Cavana and the Balcón de Europa promenade.
15 min Free
How to get there and tips10. Ermita de las Angustias
4.6 · 101 reviews
Next to the market, with murals inside the dome; it is the chapel of Nerja's patron saint.
15 min Free
How to get there and tips11. Mirador del Bendito
4.6 · 2,307 reviews
A small viewpoint above Burriana beach, one of the best spots for sunset.
20 min Free
How to get there and tips12. Chanquete's boat and Verano Azul park
4.3 · 10,465 reviews
La Dorada, Chanquete's boat from the TV series Verano Azul, in a park with a playground. A must if you remember the series or travel with kids.
30 min Free
How to get there and tips13. Plaza de los Cangrejos
4.5 · 1,124 reviews
The square of the former La Independencia sugar factory (1882), with café terraces and a play area; the starting point for walking down to Burriana.
20 min Free
How to get there and tips14. Águila Aqueduct
4.2 · 1,571 reviews
A four-tier brick aqueduct built around 1860 to carry water to the San Joaquín sugar factory. You see it from the viewpoint by the N-340, on the way to Maro.
15 min Free
How to get there and tips
15. Nerja Museum
4.6 · 5,737 reviews
On Plaza de España, it tells the town's story from the prehistory of the Caves to Verano Azul. Closed on Mondays.
1 h Included in the Caves ticket
How to get there and tips16. Mirador de la Torrecilla
4.6 · 81 reviews
West of the centre, above Torrecilla beach, with views across the whole bay.
20 min Free
How to get there and tips17. Torre de Maro
4.7 · 247 reviews
A watchtower above the cliffs, part of the coast's old defence system. A short path with sea views leads up to it.
1 h Free
How to get there and tips18. Detunda Botanical Garden
3.9 · 172 reviews
Next to the Caves, with plants from the mountains and the coast and a path with views. Closed on Mondays.
1 h See prices on its page
How to get there and tips19. Tuesday market
4.1 · 296 reviews
The weekly market for clothes, fruit and all sorts of goods, with a local feel.
1 h Free
How to get there and tips20. Frigiliana
The neighbouring white village, 6 km away, with a beautiful Moorish old quarter. There is a bus from Nerja.
Half a day Free
How to get there and tips
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A guide to things to do in Nerja
Nerja packs an extraordinary amount into a small stretch of the Costa del Sol. From the palm-lined Balcón de Europa and the world-famous Nerja Caves to the dramatic cliffs of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve, there is something memorable around every corner.
Beyond the headline sights, the surrounding area rewards those who explore: the whitewashed village of Frigiliana, the peaceful hamlet of Maro and the hiking trails of the Almijara mountains are all within easy reach. Use the filters above to pick a date and discover exactly what is on while you are in town.