How to Spend One Day in Nerja, Spain

Visiting the Costa del Sol and considering a visit to Nerja? You’re in the right place! With a name that means «rich in water», Nerja is a splendid, small coastal town that sits right on the coast of the incredible Mediterranean Sea. It’s become a very popular destination in the summer, and for all fair reasons!

Being an roughly an hour from both Granada and Malaga, and a small town, Nerja couldn’t be a more perfect day trip from either destination. With it’s phenomenal beaches and crystal clear waters, it is also the perfect place for a week long, relaxing trip.

Nerja is famous for it’s prehistoric caves, pristine beaches, and it’s enchanting old town full of white-washed buildings and cobblestone streets. This one day itinerary will smoothly guide you through all the best things to do in Nerja, and include a bonus hidden gem of a Pueblo Blanco, just 30 minutes away.

Without further ado, here’s how to spend a perfect day in Nerja!😍👇

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The Perfect Day Trip to Nerja

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Visit the Cuevas de Nerja | Nerja’s Prehistoric Caves

Get ready for your jaw to drop to the ground, because you will be entering a cave estimated to be a 5 million years old!🤯

The Cueva de Nerja was discovered in 1959, 64 years ago, with prehistoric remains dating 42,000 years back – including drawings, bronze, and pottery. You can see some of these objects in the Museo de Nerja, right in the Old Town.🤯

When visiting, you can take a guided tour of the cave system, which lasts around an hour and a half. The tours take visitors through various chambers and galleries, each with its unique geological formations. Something that is awe-striking is 33-meter-tall stalactite, in other words, the longest stalactite in the world!

If you are a member of the European Union, you have the chance to enter for free! Learn more here.

Book your entry ticket before they sell out! These tickets include an audio guide.

Visit the Balcón de Europa

One of the most beautiful spots to visit in Nerja is the “Balcony of Europe”, a mesmerizing viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, along with Nerja’s beaches and cliffs.

Emerging in 1930, this “balcony” was originally the site of the watchtower of a 9th-century defensive fortification. The watchtower was first used by the Moors to monitor the coastline and protect the town against pirates and smugglers.

As a fun fact, the Balcon de Europa received its name from King Alfonso XII when he visited after Nerja suffered an earthquake. The King was so mesmerized by the views and beauty that he stood on a cliff of what is now the balcony, and named it. When visiting the balcony, you will find his statue leaning on the railings, commemorating his visit in 1885.

When walking down this area, you will see other works of art and statues decorating it.

Stroll Through the Old Town

Situated by the Balcon de Europa, is the beautiful old town of Nerja.

Originally a small fishing village in the 15th century, the Old Town of Nerja is home to buildings and streets that date back several centuries. Here you will walk on beautiful cobble stone streets and surround yourself with white-washed buildings.

The restaurants and shops found in the Old Town is likely the most touristy, but no one can deny the enchanting beauty!

When walking through the old town, you will find many restaurants, bars, and shops – along with historic buildings and landmarks, like the Church of El Salvador. Walking through this area feels like you’re walking through an immense large white canvas. Endless flowers, flower pots, and colored materials, like metals or paint, decorate this town in a different but cohesive manner.

Visit the Mesmerizing Nerja Beaches 🏖

Looking for Australia, or Greece-like, dreamy waters? You will LOVE Nerja’s beaches!

Known for having some of the best beaches in Andalusia, here you will find various types – including beaches with golden sand, and others with pebbled bays. All of the beaches are surrounded by the most beautiful, crystal-clear waters of the Alboran Sea (Mediterranean Sea).

The town takes good care of its beaches through environmental preservation and keeps them extremely clean; in fact, many of the beaches have the “Blue Flag Status” award – an award given to those that meet strict criteria for safety, environmental management, and water quality.

One of the best parts about these beaches? They’re all public! Three beaches to consider visiting are Burriana beach, Playa de la Calahonda, and Playa de la Torrecilla.

Burriana beach is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Nerja. Here you will find a long stretch of golden sand, along with the magical crystal-clear water Nerja offers. Due to the sand, this is the perfect spot for sunbathing and taking long walk

Playa de la Calahonda Surrounded by rocky cliffs, this small cove sits right next to the Balcón de Europa. Here you will find a pebbled shore and, obviously, crystal-clear water. This is the perfect spot for snorkeling.

Playa de la Torrecilla is located in the heart of the town, also near the Balcón de Europa, this beach offers a long stretch of golden sand and various facilities – including showers, sun loungers, and more.

Enjoy the Water Activities

Let’s start off with this: visiting Nerja and not going in the water is a major sin (Laura’s Rules). I mean… if you are able to visit this heaven-on-earth and not even dip your toes, who are you?😳😂

Jokes asides, Nerja is home to several water-sport businesses. From snorkeling to paragliding, SUPing, kayaking, and more… the world is your oyster!

Bonus: One of Andalusia’s Most Beautiful Towns

If you’re not in the mood for swimming or relaxing on the beach, you should take a little trip to Frigiliana! Only a 30-minute car ride from Nerja, this is one of the most beautiful Pueblos Blancos in all of Andalusia.

Along the iconic white-washed buildings, you will be surrounded by incredible cobble stone streets, breathtaking views and nature.

If you’re traveling to Nerja from Granada, I recommend visiting Frigiliana before Nerja, or on the way back to Granada, as this town sits between the two.

Where to Eat in Nerja?

For my fellow celiac and gluten free people, one of my favorite places to grab breakfast and lunch was Cafeteria Inita! I don’t think there is anything better than ordering sandwiches to go, and enjoying them by sea under the sun.

Want more help with your travels? Check out my services!

One of the main reasons I became I travel blogger is my love and passion for helping others experience the best of their destination. I offer three services on Thatch: Customized Itineraries, Customized Recommendations, and Consultation Calls.

If you want extra help on your Spain travels, check out my Thatch page and book my 5 star-rated services!

For free information, here additional posts that will help you out with your upcoming Andalusian travels!👇

• Walking Caminito del Rey Guide
• 9 Most Beautiful White Villages in Andalucia
• 5 Unique Villages in Andalusia
• 15 Best Day Trips from Granada
• The Best of Andalusian Food

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If you’re in Granada and are interested in doing other day trips, this blog post shows you the 15 best day trips to take!