Costa del Sol Towns

Nerja

Nerja is a town in the province of Malaga and the easternmost town in the region of Axarquia. It is a tourist destination belonging to the Costa del Sol and has an official population of over 22,000, with almost one-third of that consisting of foreign residents, mainly British.

The municipality north and east borders the towns of Granada and Almunecar, and the south borders the Mediterranean Sea at the town of Torrox, and not with the municipality of Frigiliana.

Nerja is located about 49 km east of the city of Malaga and is a two-hour drive from Granada and the ski resort of Sierra Nevada. Nerja is located in the hamlet of Maro.

History

Nerja has a long history, which has been proven by paintings found in the famous Nerja Cave, which was discovered in 1959 and today is the most visited tourist site after the Spanish Museo del Prado in Madrid and the Alhambra in Granada.

Under the Muslim kingdom, the original name was Narixa, meaning “abundant.”

In the center of town is the Balcon de Europa, a lookout that offers views of the sea to its guests. The name “Balcony of Europe” was proposed by King Alfonso XII, who visited the area in 1885 after a disastrous earthquake and was captivated by the scenery.

Attractions

Nerja has several beaches, which include those of Burriana, Calahonda, El Salon, La Torrecilla, and Playazo, counting the latter with an environment that has not yet suffered the consequences of the uncontrolled urbanization of Malaga.

Nerja has a mild climate all year round, allowing the cultivation of subtropical fruits such as custard apple or avocado.

During 1979 and 1980 Nerja was recorded in the famous television series Summer Blue. Singer and actress Nuria Ferge was born in Nerja. Ruth Nunez, an actress from the series Yo soy Bea, was born in Nerja as well.