Nerja

Nerja is a town in the province of Malagaand the easternmost town in the region of Axarquia. It is a tourist destinationbelonging 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 theMediterranean Sea at the town of Torrox, and notwith the municipality of Frigiliana.

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

History

Nerja has a long history, which has been proven by paintingsfound in the famous Nerja Cave, which was discovered in 1959 and today is themost 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 lookoutthat offers views of the sea to its guests. The name “Balcony of Europe” wasproposed by King Alfonso XII, who visited the area in 1885 after a disastrousearthquake 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 anenvironment that has not yet suffered the consequences of the uncontrolledurbanization of Malaga.

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

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