| Nerja
- Charming Seaside Town, Costa del Sol, Southern Spain
by Anne Sewell
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Originally
a small fishing village on the Mediterranean Sea, Nerja is still known
for its traditional Andalusian atmosphere and mood.
 Located
right on the beach front, Nerja is sunny 300 days per year. Enjoy
the sandy coves, mountain views and also the Balcon de Europa (balcony
of Europe), which is part of an ancient fortress (approx. 900 AD) overlooking
the ocean views. There are several beaches, including the Playa Burriana
(Blue Flag beach), and there is a charming seaside walk along the beachfront
(known as the Paseo de Carabineros).
 The
old traditional centre of Nerja is charming, with white washed houses,
narrow streets and the usual floral decorations on the balconies.
There are many little tapas bars and restaurants in the town to rest and
enjoy the local produce. You can also buy many regional products,
including the famous olive oil, cheeses and honey, and delicious fresh
tropical fruits, and vegetables.
There
is so much to do in town, including flamenco shows, walking and hiking,
jeep tours, sailing trips, mountain bike hire, diving and other water sports.
Want to learn Spanish? There are Spanish
courses held locally too.
A little
further from town you will find the famous Cuevas de Nerja (Nerja caves)
- originally discovered by children playing in the area, these caves have
the largest stalactites in Europe and are the third most famous attraction
in Spain.
Behind
the Nerja caves is the nature park - Sierra Tejeda, Alhama and Almijara
- with wonderful walks and views. You can view the Spanish mountain
goat (cabra hispanica) in its natural habitat. Besides walking, there
are also some wonderful drives through the area.
Other
attractions close by include Granada - 1.5 hours drive - including the
famous Alhambra and close by the Sierra Nevada mountains with wonderful
ski slopes. Visit the Alpujarras, a lovely mountainous area and the
village of Trevelez, which is the highest village in Spain.
Malaga
is also close by - the capital of Andalucia, it is worth a visit
to the Picasso Museum, the cathedral, the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro.
Other day trips can be made to famous Cordoba, Sevilla, Ronda and Gibraltar.
In
conclusion, Nerja is well worth a visit - the real Spain, with wonderful
beaches!
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