Nerja · Spain

Population - 19,122
Distance from Malaga airport: 31 Miles (50KM)

Nerja’s outstanding feature is its natural beauty, and the Balcón de Europa (an extensive balcony-like walkway) offers unparalleled views of the sea and coastline from its vantage point high on the cliffs. The town is one of whitewashed houses and narrow, winding alleys - and is ideal for strolling. The 17th century Moorish/baroque Church of El Salvador is a must-see. A tour by horse-drawn carriage around the cobbled streets is especially delightful.

Nerja has a rocky coastline and along here you will find it's fine beaches. Nerja's beaches are the best for snorkelling and sacuba diving along the Costa del Sol coast. The beautiful Gardens of Capistrano Playa, near Burriana beach, offer respite from the heat of the day.

Situated 3 Kms away from Nerja's center are Nerja's most enticing tourist attraction Las Cuevas (Caves). These are breathtaking beautiful caves, some of the best in Europe, that should not be missed if the opportunity arises. Each July a festival of flamenco music and dance is held inside the caves. Scientists investigating cave fauna have recently discovered species that were thought to be extinct in the caves. Amongst these, in areas not open to the public, are scarab beetles and blind scorpions.

Where to eat & drink in Nerja

Restaurant prices in the old town tend to be high and standards indifferent so you'll do better to head further out for good, reasonably priced places. On the western side of town, there are many authentic Spanish restaurants concentrated around Plaza Marina. For Tapas, three of the best are listed below:

• Las 4 Esquinas
• El Chispa
• Los Cuaños
• Bar Restaurante El Puente
• Casa Luque
• El Pulgilla
• El Refugio
• La Fonda
• La Marea
• Marisquería La Marina

Where to stay in Nerja

There is usually no problem in finding rooms in Nerja except in August (like the rest of the Costa del Sol), when you should book in advance. The lowest priced possibilities are in the streets south of the bus station heading towards the sea.

• Hostal Nerjasol Nerja
• Hostal Andalucia Nerja
• Hostal Mena Nerja
• Hostal Marissa Nerja - www.marissal.net
• Hostal Princess Nerja - www.hotelnp.com
• Hotel Paraíso del Mar Nerja - www.hotelparaisodelmar.es

Most of Nerja's bars and discos are almost carbon copies of places you'd find in Britain or The States, and are concentrated west of the centre around Plaza Tutti Frutti. There are also numerous bars and restaurants with live music, including flamenco.