If you’ve hired a car at Málaga Airport, not only does the vehicle provide you with your own transport for transfers it also allows you to enjoy some great day trips from Nerja. The nearest spot you’re likely to head for is the Nerja Caves which are only 4km east of town following the old coast road. The other main excursion locally is to Frigiliana which is a beautiful whitewashed village just 6km up the hill from Nerja.
A little further afield is the 30 minute drive to Lake Viñuela where you can have a pleasant lunch overlooking the reservoir then take a detour into the hills surrounding the lake including a stop at the olive oil factory at Mondron. Other places of interest include Alhama de Granada which is an ancient spa town and El Torcal National Park near Antequera which has some fascinating rock formations.
If you want to head further afield you could visit Granada (110km), Córdoba (210km) or Seville (260km) but might want to consider overnight stays as there’s so much to see in these great Moorish cities.
Half Day Trips from Nerja
Nerja Caves
Lying just 4km east of the resort, the Caves of Nerja are the town’s main tourist attraction which attract hundreds of thousands of annual visitors. The caves were only discovered in 1959 when a group of boys from the neighbouring village of Maro climbed through a small hole where they were playing. What a shock it must have been to suddenly find themselves staring at one of Europe’s finest cave structures. Although not on public view, cave paintings have been discovered which are believed to be 20,000 years old. In July one of the chambers acts as an auditorium for classical music concerts which is one of the top annual festivals in Nerja.
In total the Nerja Caves stretch some 4823 metres in length with a volume of more than 800,000 cubic metres. Only 25% of the total area of the caves is open to the public yet this is more than enough to appreciate the stunning beauty of this geological wonder. As you enter the caves next to the ticket office just walk down the steps to the Sala de Vestibulo then follow the clearly marked and well illuminated route to the Sala de Belen, Sala de la Cascada (where the music festival is held), the Sala de los Fantasmas (look out for weird and wonderful shapes) and finally to the incredible Sala del Cataclismo.
This final chamber is is over 100 metres long and 50 metres wide with stalactites coming down from heights of around 30 metres above you. Indeed the longest stalactite ever discovered at 32 metres in length is in this chamber.
How to Get to the Caves of Nerja
If you’re driving just follow the main coast road (Avda Pescia) east out of town until you come to the roundabout just after the sugar mill that you’ll see on your left. The caves are well signposted from here and there’s plenty parking once you get there. Alternatively, there are plenty buses running along Avenida Pesca to the caves (check latest timetable locally) and a little, red tourist “train” whose itinerary includes a stop at the caves.
Many visitors who have the fitness enjoy the walk to the caves, returning by bus. Just follow Avenida Pesca beyond the entrance to Capistrano Village along the old coast road. Beyond the plastic greenhouses you’ll come to the abandoned San Joaquin sugar mill which dates back to 1884 when it was built to process sugar cane. Beyond the roundabout you’ll also see the
Eagle Aqueduct which was built to provide water to the sugar mill. Today local farmers still use it for irrigation but maybe not for long as there are plans to construct a golf course on this terrain.
Village of Frigiliana
Another of the most popular things to do in Nerja is visit the quaint, white village of Frigiliana which lies just 6km up a steep hill from the resort. Originally it was occupied by Moors who had converted to Christianity after the Reconquest (Moriscos). Today it is one of Andalucia’s prettiest villages occupied by locals and a forever growing foreign population. In recent times it has expanded way beyond its original boundaries and has been discovered by the coach tours but nevertheless remains a charming place to visit.
To get there from Nerja just take the exit road from the western side of town or get on one of the regular buses from Nerja bus station. Most of Frigiliana is pedestrianised so if you’re driving follow the signs for ‘circunvalación’ and ‘casco historico’ and park at the car park as you enter the village. From here you can walk.
As you approach the village on foot from the parking you’ll see Bar Virtudes with its large terrace over to your right which is a good spot for a morning coffee break or try the local Frigiliana wines. There’s a tourist information just at the side of it where you can pick up a map of the village. The road next to Bar Virtudes takes you down to the Higueron river from where the more active visitors might like to plan to do the half day walk through beautiful countryside which ends at the Nerja Caves.
Visit Frigiliana from Nerja
Back in town the large building that dominates the lower village was formerly a sugar cane factory. Today it is a popular spot for tourists keen to buy ceramic items as a souvenir of their visit. Around the side of the factory is El Ingenio (Plaza Ingenio 4) which is a nice café-restaurant with views over the valley and river below.
If you’re fit enough for the climb to the top of the village up many steps, head along to Calle Real just beyond the ceramics display and start walking up past the shops selling local wines, cane honey and artisan products. After about 30 metres you’ll have a choice of continuing straight on which will take you to the village church of San Antonio or heading right which goes up to the El Mirador which is the highest point of Frigiliana. Look out for the sign for ‘Panoramicas’.
El Mirador is a lovely place to stop for a drink with stunning views all the way down the valley to the Mediterranean beyond Nerja. It’s also a good choice for an evening meal with quite an elaborate menu. The Garden Restaurant just below has a splendid terrace with similar views and serves up some great barbecued dishes in the evenings.
The 17th century church of San Antonio was built on the site of a former mosque. After a visit there’s an open terrace in Plaza de la Iglesia where you can get a drink or dine at La Taberna de Sacristan which is well known for its fine meat dishes. For a quaint alternative enter the alley next to the church and go for lunch at La Bodeguilla where more than 20 years ago Rosario started serving visitors from her small kitchen. Today this small restaurant is open from Easter through to September and at weekends the rest of the year. If it’s closed go to the family’s other restaurant with the same name just around the corner which has the same menu served on a large open terrace. A little higher up you’ll find La Parada de Zacatin (Calle Zacatin, 10) which also has a superb terrace with magnificent views and serves a fine selection of tapas.
The fact is that no matter where you go in Frigiliana you’ll stumble across a quaint little restaurant built into what was until recently someone’s home. This development has been done tastefully and adds to the special ambience of the village. Prices are very reasonable and to their credit the people and local authorities of Frigiliana village have contributed to such tourist development whilst maintaining its unique Moorish charm.
Village of Maro
Maro is a small village located just 3km east of Nerja which is known for its unspoilt beaches and the nearby Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park. Visitors can explore secluded coves, go snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, or hike along coastal trails with stunning sea views. The 19th-century Eagle Aqueduct (Acueducto del Águila), an impressive four-level structure spanning a deep gorge, is another notable attraction as you approach Maro from Nerja.
Almuñécar
Almuñécar is a historic coastal town lying 25km east of Nerja which has a rich history dating back to Phoenician times. The town’s crowning glory is San Miguel Castle which is perched atop a hill overlooking the sea. Originally a Roman fortress, the castle was later expanded by the Moors. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved walls, towers and courtyards. The castle houses a small museum showcasing artefacts from various periods of the town’s history. Beyond the castle, Almuñécar offers other attractions including Roman fish salting pits, a Phoenician necropolis and the Majuelo Botanical Park which is home to a diverse collection of subtropical plants.
Salobreña
Located 40km east of Nerja, Salobreña is known for its striking hilltop castle and white-washed old town. The Moorish castle, dating back to the 10th century, offers panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding sugar cane fields. The town’s history is closely tied to sugar production.
Full Day Trips from Nerja
Alhambra Palace in Granada
The most popular full day trip from Nerja is to the Alhambra Palace in Granada which is a 100km drive heading east via Almuñecar. As you approach Granada look out for the Alhambra Palace and Sierra Nevada sign which takes you directly to the Alhambra parking without having to negotiate the awful traffic system of the city centre. In fact, even if you’re going to Granada (100km) without visiting the Alhambra it’s a good idea to use the Alhambra parking and walk down to Plaza Nueva or use the local buses or a taxi.
The Alhambra palace complex is a stunning example of Moorish architecture and one of Spain’s most visited attractions. As such it’s important to to reserve Alhambra Palace tickets well in advance of your visit. This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises several sections including the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba fortress and the Generalife gardens.
Beyond the Alhambra, Granada offers a wealth of attractions. The historic Albaicín quarter, with its winding streets and traditional carmens (houses with gardens), provides a glimpse into the city’s Moorish past. The Royal Chapel, housing the tombs of Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, is another key site for visitors.
Córdoba
Located 230km inland from Nerja, Córdoba was once the capital of Islamic Spain and a centre of learning and culture. Its most famous attraction is the Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral that embodies the city’s diverse history. The Mezquita’s forest of columns and horseshoe arches, combined with a Renaissance cathedral nave, create a unique architectural marvel. Other notable sites include the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval Moorish-style palace, and the picturesque Jewish Quarter. Córdoba is also known for its patios, particularly during the Feria de los Patios in May when residents open their flower-filled courtyards to the public.
La Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada
La Alpujarra is a region of mountain villages on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains which provide a glimpse into rural Andalusian life. This area, about two hours north-east of Nerja, is known for its distinctive architecture, handicrafts and traditional cuisine. Villages like Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira cling to steep hillsides, their flat-roofed houses and narrow streets reminiscent of North African settlements. Visitors can explore local craft shops, sample regional specialities like jamón serrano and take a range of hikes through the stunning mountain scenery. If you visit Nerja in the winter months you can head to the Sierra Nevada which is Spain’s most southerly ski resort.
Málaga City
Located just 60km west of Nerja, the city of Málaga offers a wealth of cultural attractions including the Picasso Museum which is dedicated to Pablo Picasso who was born here. Other main attractions include the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress-palace, and the nearby Gibralfaro Castle which provide an insight into the city’s Islamic past. The Roman Theatre and the Renaissance-style Málaga Cathedral are other notable historical sites. Málaga has also emerged as a gastronomic destination, with its Atarazanas market, traditional tapas bars and innovative restaurants. The city’s rejuvenated port area, with its promenade and modern art installations, is perfect for an evening stroll.
Ronda
Ronda is one of Andalusia’s most spectacular towns which lies 160km west of Nerja so is another long full-day excursion. Perched on the edge of a deep gorge, it’s famous for the Puente Nuevo, an 18th-century bridge spanning the 100-metre deep El Tajo gorge. Ronda is also known for its bullfighting history, with one of Spain’s oldest bullrings. The town’s historic quarter is home to well-preserved Arab baths, palaces and churches.
Antequera
Lying 100km north-west of Nerja, Antequera offers a mix of prehistoric sites, architectural heritage and natural beauty. The town is home to three ancient dolmens, megalithic burial chambers that have earned UNESCO World Heritage status. The town’s Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress, provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the curious Peña de los Enamorados (Lovers’ Rock) and El Torcal Natural Park which is known for its unusual limestone formations.
Caminito del Rey
For the more adventurous, the Caminito del Rey provides an exhilarating experience. Located 125km north-west of Nerja (via Cartama), this walkway is pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge. It was once an extremely dangerous walk but has now been fully restored and is perfectly safe. Due to its popularity, advance booking is essential.
