Fun-Filled Nerja Holidays
Nerja has become another of Spain’s popular tourist destinations as an idyllic but quaint fishing village that offers the best of a modern holiday spot. Anyone who loves the sun and sand will head straight for Nerja for its lovely beaches and sparkling water with the best temperature in Europe.
Location
Nerja is located on the east of Malaga but is undefiled by the consequences of mass tourism; it has still managed to retain a lot of its ancient character and charm that comes with an idyllic fishing village. Nerja has been saved from adverse winter conditions due to its location at the Sierra Almijara foothills. The mountain range offers this village an amazing view at its backdrop with its white washed homes, mainly comprising villas and townhouses.
Nerja is barely 45 minutes away from the international airport of Malaga and with many cheap European flights and regular bus services; Nerja is a favorite tourist destination.
Attractions
The main attraction in Nerja has to be the Balcon de Europa which is located in the ancient quarter and gives beautiful sea views. Its original name was ‘La Bateria’; named after the gun battery stocked in the fortified tower. However, the tower was destroyed by the British in 1810 when the British fought against the French. Today, the Balcon is alive with street artists and local street entertainers who make their living in a simple manner. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the sun with horse-drawn carriages trotting up and down the streets and ice-cream vendors jingling their bells and selling their wares in full pomp and color. There are many bars and eateries to satisfy the gastronomy needs of the locals and tourists as the setting sun goes down the Mediterranean Sea.
The ancient quarter houses many attractive Andalucian architectural structures that are original, standing in the midst of narrow roads winding their paths around the town. Nerja holds the best of the modern and ancient attractions for any tourist.
There is always something for everyone at Nerja; you can choose to relax and enjoy the sandy beaches or be adventurous and explore small coves along its coastline besides enjoying the local fare and bars. The renowned Nerja Caves will delight any adventurous tourist as they are a main tourist attraction since their discovery in 1959. There are stunning formations of stalactite and stalagmite in the Nerja Caves which take one’s breath away. Another impressive tourist spot is the cavern converted to a concert hall that is absolutely astounding and houses many theatrical productions as well as splendid classical concerts.
Snow is also available during the winter with skiing and other winter activities made available at Sierra Mountains. Well kept gardens and ancient palaces as far back as the 14th century, Nazrid Dynasty, can be found all around Nerja if one were to explore the place slowly with a keen eye.
Nightlife
Nerja can boast of a festive nightlife that runs late into the night or early morning with an abundance of bars and restaurants. These are popularly frequented by the younger generation of holiday makers.
Festivals
There are many festivals celebrated at Nerja, with the most outstanding one falling on May 15 known as the San Isidro fiesta. Decorated carts form a long procession from the town centre to the caves in grand Andalucian festive style.
Although there may only be 20,000 residents in Nerja, the figure can double or triple during the summer or holiday season with tourists flocking in from Europe to enjoy the fine weather and beaches.