Nerja
The town of Nerja is situated right on the coast around 55 kilometres from Malaga International Airport and can be reached in just 50 minutes using the N340 coastal road. This is the eastern boundary of the Costa del Sol. Once a very quiet traditional fishing village, the town has grown considerably over the years and now has a population of more than 12,000 inhabitants.
In the municipality there are more than 16 kilometres of fine sandy beaches, so it is great place to stay whether you are a resident or tourist. All types of water sports are available including sailing, sub aqua and water skiing.
Although there has been considerable development in the town, this has been thoughtfully and sympathetically carried out. There is no concrete jungle here. The original part of the town remains virtually unchanged and time seems to have stood still here, with narrow winding streets, typical white Spanish houses and pretty well tended gardens.
A major attraction of the town is the spectacular Balcón de Europa, the "Balcony of Europe", a magnificent promenade along the edge of a towering cliff, once the site of the great Moorish castle, with sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the small coves and beaches below, against an awesome backdrop of hazy blue mountains.
There are lots of things to do here from the hectic water sports to lazy days on the beach, or just chilling out in the many superb bars, cafés and restaurants. Horse drawn carriages are available for complete sight seeing trips of the town.
One of the town's most interesting monuments is the quaint 17th century Church of El Salvador, which was constructed in a mixed Baroque and Moorish style.
No trip to Nerja would be complete without a visit to the spectacular caves, located just a few minutes drive from the town centre. Some of the cave paintings are over 20,000 years old and there are other interesting pre-historic archaeological treasures on display. One of the larger natural caves has been transformed into a concert hall with absolutely stunning acoustics. Concerts are very popular here, and are held on a regular basis.
Historical Notes :
Its present-day name comes from the Arabic Narija or Naricha, which in turn was derived from a Roman term. A variety of Roman relics remain in the area, including a section of the old road which linked Sexi (Amuñecar) with Caviclum (Torrox) and a bridge which provided communications with the Roman town of Detunda (Maro).
However, man’s presence in the area dates back to the Upper Palaeolithic period, as witnessed by human remains found in Nerja Cave.
In the 10th century, Nerja is described as a large farm standing amidst mulberry trees and leafy orchards, famous for its expertly-crafted silk textiles.
The village was protected by a resilient castle, the remains of which can still be seen on the road to Frigiliana.
Accommodation :
Monica **** Playa Torrecilla 234 rooms tel: 952 52 11 00
Parador de Nerja **** Almunecar 8 73 rooms tel: 952 52 00 50
Comfortable modern hotel with attractive garden containing a swimming pool and a lift down to the beach below. Restaurant currently out of commission due to renovation, but there is a small bar & cafe. Comfortable lounge with TV. Rooms are large with sat. TV, telephone and a balcony.
Balcon de Europa *** Paseo Balcon de Europa 105 rooms te: 952 52 08 00
Situated on the balcon. Restaurant, snack bar and bar and a comfortable residents lounge.
PROVINCE : Málaga <
DISTANCE FROM THE CAPITAL (km) : 50
ALTITUDE ABOVE SEA LEVEL (m) : 21
AREA (km2) : 85
Nº OF INHABITANTS : 15.326
NAME FOR PEOPLE : Nerjeños
POSTCODE : 29780
PHONE NUMBER FOR INFORMATION : Tourist Office: 952-52-15-31
